"Department Head of Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors"

Job Details

Position Summary

The College of Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) at the University of Georgia (UGA) is seeking applications for the Department Head of Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors (TMI).

The Department Head reports directly to the Dean of the College of Family and Consumer Sciences with annual reviews and third year administrative reviews informed by the faculty of the unit. The Department Head is a member of a College leadership team committed to the integration of the missions of research, instruction, and extension and outreach in a research land-grant institution.

The position is a nine-month academic year appointment with administrative and summer months’ salary supplement while serving as Department Head. Time allocation is 60-65% administration, 30-35% research or teaching, and 5% service to be determined based on the interests and strengths of the candidate and fit with the needs of the unit at the time of hire.

Summary of Responsibilities and Expectations

• Provide outstanding leadership and administrative oversight, understand complex finance and budgetary information, handle sensitive personnel matters, and provide effective and responsible management of available resources;
• Recruit, mentor and advance faculty and staff through the steps of appointment, reappointment, promotion and tenure, and support recognition appropriate to position and rank, thereby building a high quality and cohesive faculty;
• Serve as a strong advocate for the unit, actively engaging faculty, alumni and donors; provide intentional and active leadership to initiatives and work collaboratively with external relations to maximize the visibility and the reputation of the unit;
• Report annually to the Dean on the teaching, research and public service programs of the unit including assessments of the performance of faculty members in the department, giving special attention to quality in areas of assigned responsibilities in teaching, research and public service;
• Build relationships with disciplinary professionals, agencies, and associations in the state, region, and nationally including the Georgia Soft Goods Education Foundation Board;
• Communicate and work effectively and collegially with individuals on and off campus;
• Build on existing strengths in the College and UGA entrepreneurship, data literacy and communications skill development initiatives.
• Foster innovation and entrepreneurship while building consensus for new initiatives and ideas;
• Develop a collegial environment and foster an environment of shared governance; and
• Appreciate and respect the various disciplines and missions of the College.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicant screening will begin immediately. Candidates are encouraged to submit their materials by January 5, 2026; however, review of applications will continue until the position is filled. The application packet should include a cover letter detailing how the applicant’s credentials and experience meet the needs, responsibilities, and qualifications stated above; a current CV; and contact information for three references. Questions about this position or the application process should be directed to Dr. Swarn Chatterjee, Chair of the Search Committee (swarn@uga.edu).

Posting Details

Posting Number: F2503P

Working Title: Department Head of Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors

Department: FACS-Textiles,Merch&Interiors

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

The College of Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS): FACS is committed to student success, holistic development and inclusive perspective taking. FACS develops leaders who focus on the science and art of helping individuals live well in a complex society. In the more than 100 years since its founding, the College has grown and now comprises four departments, one institute, several research labs and centers. Established collaborative associations with campus resources offer excellent research development opportunities. Campus research partners include the Owens Institute for Behavioral Research, The Center for Family Research, the Institute of Gerontology, the Bioimaging Research Center, the Integrated Life Sciences program, and the Biomedical and Health Sciences Institute. Additional information about FACS may be found at: https://www.fcs.uga.edu/.

The Department of Textiles, Merchandising, and Interiors (TMI): TMI is one of the four departments in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, has more than 360 students in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Undergraduate majors are offered in Furnishings and Interiors and Fashion Merchandising, with an emphasis on Product Development and Design. The Department is a member of the National Retail Federation and is endorsed by the American Apparel and Footwear Association. The Georgia Soft Goods Education Foundation, a board of industry professionals, provides guidance to the curriculum and scholarships for students. The graduate programs lead to a Master of Science in Textiles, Merchandising, and Interiors and a Ph.D. in Polymer, Fiber and Textile Sciences, and a Ph.D. emphasis in International Merchandising. Presently, 16 faculty members are engaged in teaching and research. The college has excellent computer laboratories for teaching and research. More information about the Department can be found at http://www.fcs.uga.edu/tmi.

College/Unit/Department website: http://www.fcs.uga.edu/tmi

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Anticipated Start Date: 08/01/2026

Job Posting Date: 10/13/2025

Job Closing Date: Open until filled

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title: Department Chair/Head AC

Faculty Rank: Professor

Contract Type: Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status: Tenured

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must hold an earned doctorate in Fashion Merchandising, Textiles, or Furnishings and Interiors or a closely related area.

Required Qualifications:

This position requires strong leadership capabilities and the ability to foster success in research, service, and development funding. It is expected that the successful candidate will lead the faculty and its programs to a higher level of excellence. The ideal candidate will have:

• A proven record of scholarly achievement, clear and convincing evidence of leadership and administrative effectiveness, and a commitment to excellence in research, undergraduate and graduate education, and public service.
• A demonstrated track record of supporting student-centered development as it relates to student retention, persistence, graduation, and job placement.
• Demonstrated leadership at a management level including program development and leadership of accredited programs.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, communication, and managerial skills.
• Evidence of a national and/or international reputation in a substantive area of the discipline.
• All candidates must have an earned doctorate in Fashion Merchandising, Textiles, or Furnishings and Interiors or a related area.
• For information about the requirements for appointment at the rank of Department Head, please see the University of Georgia’s Guidelines for Appointment, Promotion, and Tenure (https://provost.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/appointment-promotion-tenure-guidelines-academicrank-faculty.pdf) and College of Family and Consumer Sciences criteria (https://provost.uga.edu/wpcontent/uploads/ptu-criteria-textiles-merchandising-interiors.pdf).
• Internal candidates must be a full professor with tenure by the effective date of the appointment.
• External candidates must be: a full professor or associate professor with at least five years of experience to qualify for appointment at the rank of full professor, and eligible for tenure upon appointment at the time of hire. To be eligible for tenure upon appointment, candidates must have been tenured at a prior institution and bring a demonstrably national reputation to UGA.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated administrative and organizational skills, as evidenced by successful performance in: personnel management; budget and fiscal management; program planning, management, oversight and evaluation; and resource procurement including grants and contracts.
• Outstanding scholarly achievements and research productivity as well as a record of submitting and obtaining federally-funded grants.
• Involvement in pivotal networks in the discipline.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information