"Assistant Professor of Practice, Fashion Merchandising & Design"

Job Description

The School of Design is seeking applications for a non-tenure track Assistant Professor of Practice, in Fashion Merchandising and Design (FMD). The applicants for this position must have expertise in textiles, fashion design, product development, and/or textile or design technology. The FMD major at Virginia Tech emphasizes the integration of design, product development, and merchandising of apparel products. Graduates work in product development as creative designers, technical designers, or product developers using their creative skills to conceptualize couture and ready-to-wear lines presented around the globe. Graduates may also work as retail buyers, store managers, website developers, internet merchants, or visual merchandisers for national and international companies. All FMD students graduate with a solid foundation in the fashion industry including design, retail and textiles.

The successful candidate will be required to provide transcripts of the highest level of academic achievement and a portfolio of work as appropriate. The starting date is August 2026. Review of applications will begin January 5, 2026, and continue until a suitable candidate is appointed. This is an academic year (9-month) position with an initial contract for three years with the opportunity for renewal.

Responsibilities include:
* Teach undergraduate studio, lab, and/or lecture courses
* Teach a combination of the following undergraduate courses: introduction to textiles, textile evaluations, fashion drawing (hand and digital), apparel production/assembly, technical design, draping, flat pattern and grading, product development, 3D apparel design using CLO3D, and/or fashion promotions and visual merchandising
* Maintain functionality of design, textile, and/or technology studio assets. This may include textile-testing laboratory equipment, plotters, printers, dress forms, sewing machines and other textile and apparel related equipment and supplies
* Supervise student internships with fashion retail, merchandising, design, textile companies and other fashion industry-related firms
* Participate in curriculum development
* Direct and participate in recruitment activities to enhance enrollments in the Fashion Merchandising and Design major, including weekend and off campus activities
* Engage in outreach and advancement activities with fashion merchandising and design industry and alumni, such as securing speakers, arranging study tours,
* Supervise and facilitate the FMD Advisory Board
* Provide service to the university and profession
* Participate in occasional travel to attend professional meetings

Required Qualifications

• Graduate or professional degree in apparel design, textiles, or related field, professional certification(s) if relevant, and/or significant professional experience. Experience and demonstrated competence in practice of the profession are expected.
• Significant work experience in the apparel design, textiles, or apparel manufacturing industry
• Ability and willingness to collaborate effectively with various campus units and external industry groups

Preferred Qualifications

• Teaching experience in a university program in fashion design, textiles or experience in providing training in fashion industry settings
• Experience managing supplies/materials and other studio resources
• Knowledge of undergraduate policies in higher education
• Proficiency in flat patternmaking, draping, and garment construction and/or in textile technologies and textile laboratory work
• Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator and CLO3D or other design technologies
• Experience with plotting and poster production

Submission Materials

For full consideration, interested applicants are required to submit the following:

• Letter of application,
• Curriculum Vitae,
• Portfolio of design work as appropriate for classes to be taught,
• Contact information for three professional references, and
• A one-page personal statement of teaching philosophy including the candidate's ideas for supporting an educational environment consistent with the Virginia Tech Principles of Community.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Salary range is $65,000 - $75,000 per year

Hours per week

40+, evenings & weekends as needed

Review Date

January 5, 2026 - Review of submissions will commence on this date and continue until position is filled

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

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