Massachusetts College of Art & Design is currently searching for a Tenure-Track Faculty member in the Fashion Design department. The Fashion Design program at MassArt is recognized as one of the oldest and most esteemed programs of its kind in the United States. Students in the program are exposed to a comprehensive curriculum that explores not only the classic principles of apparel design, but also the innovative techniques that drive the creative process. The department emphasizes entrepreneurship and prepares students for careers in apparel marketing, manufacturing, and mass-production practices. With established partnerships and opportunities for engagement with local and international collaborators, MassArt Fashion Design offers a unique and immersive learning experience. The Tenure-Track Faculty member will play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of versatile design professionals and innovative messengers in the fashion industry.
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Tenure-Track Faculty – Fashion Design at Massachusetts College of Art & Design
Job Description
The tenure-track faculty position in Fashion Design at Massachusetts College of Art & Design offers an exciting opportunity for a highly qualified individual to join the prestigious Fashion Department. This is a full-time position beginning in the fall of 2024. The selected candidate will be responsible for teaching undergraduate courses, advising and mentoring students, assessing and developing the curriculum, and engaging and supporting a diverse and inclusive community. The position also includes participation in department events and activities, continuing scholarship and research, and serving on college-wide committees.
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MassArt Fashion Design
Program Overview
The MassArt Fashion Design program is one of the oldest of its kind in the United States. It focuses on the relationship between classic principles of apparel design and bold innovations that drive the creative process. Students learn a wide range of skills and techniques, including design concepts, 2D and 3D formats, fashion marketing, and manufacturing practices. The program places a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, sustainability, and diversity and inclusion.
Curriculum
The curriculum of the MassArt Fashion Design program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in all aspects of fashion design. Courses cover topics such as creative fashion design, design development, fashion industry trends, fashion workroom practices, and apparel marketing and manufacturing. Students also have the opportunity to explore interdisciplinary areas, sustainability, bio-design, technology, and global perspectives.
Partnerships and Collaborations
The MassArt Fashion Design program has established national and international partnerships, as well as local collaborations, to provide students with unique opportunities to engage and explore within the global fashion community. The program offers travel courses, internship programs, and scholarship projects that allow students to gain real-world experience and develop their skills in a professional setting.
Travel Courses, Internship Programs, and Scholarship Projects
MassArt Fashion Design offers a range of travel courses, internship programs, and scholarship projects to enhance students’ educational experience. These opportunities provide students with the chance to learn from industry professionals, gain hands-on experience, and build their portfolios. Students have the opportunity to travel to different cities and countries, intern at top fashion companies, and participate in scholarship projects that showcase their talent and creativity.
MassArt Fashion Design Mission Statement
Mission Statement
The MassArt Fashion Design Department’s mission is to shape thoughtful, individual, and collaborative designers and makers as creative problem solvers and critical thinkers. The department aims to equip students with the technical and innovative skills they need to become reflective agents of change in the fashion industry. The department’s core values include supporting students for the creative industries and community engagement, designing with purpose, and prioritizing sustainability, equity, and inclusion.
Core Values
The core values of the MassArt Fashion Design Department revolve around preparing students to be sustainable practitioners who are environmentally and socially responsible. The department emphasizes cultural awareness, equity and inclusion, and the development of students as versatile and innovative design professionals. By instilling these values in their students, the department aims to create a positive impact in the fashion industry and society as a whole.
Full-time Tenure Track Position in Fashion Design
Position Details
The full-time tenure track position in Fashion Design at Massachusetts College of Art & Design is governed by the MSCA collective bargain agreement. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $66,000 to $74,000.
Responsibilities
The tenure track faculty member in Fashion Design will have various responsibilities. They will be responsible for teaching undergraduate courses according to the current contract for a full-time course load. They will also advise and mentor students, assess the curriculum, and develop syllabi. The faculty member will commit to engaging and supporting a diverse and inclusive community and will cooperatively plan department and program initiatives. Additionally, participation in department events and activities, continuing scholarship, research, and creative practices, interdisciplinary programming opportunities, and college-wide committee participation are expected.
Requirements
The minimum qualifications for the tenure-track faculty position in Fashion Design include a Master’s degree and at least three years of college-level teaching experience in fashion or a related field. The preferred candidate should have at least one degree in fashion design (master’s and/or undergraduate degree) and a minimum of five years of professional experience in the fashion industry. Participation in relevant academic, professional, or community affiliations and collaborations is also expected.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Needed
Proficiency in Creative Fashion Design
The ideal candidate for the tenure-track faculty position in Fashion Design should have a high level of proficiency in creative fashion design. They should possess expertise in pattern drafting, draping, apparel construction, and illustration skills.
Proficiency in Design Development
An essential skill for the faculty member in Fashion Design is proficiency in design development. They should be adept at using both traditional and digital methods of sketching and storyboard development. They should also be familiar with 3D concepts and iterations and have a strong understanding of textiles and fabric properties.
Knowledge of Fashion Industry Trends
The faculty member should have a deep knowledge of fashion industry trends, including trend forecasting, innovative practices, and research. This knowledge will enable them to provide students with up-to-date information and prepare them for the constantly evolving fashion industry.
Knowledge of Fashion Workroom and Lab Practices
A strong understanding of fashion workroom and lab practices is crucial for the tenure-track faculty member. They should be familiar with industry machinery and CAD software commonly used in fashion design. This knowledge will allow them to guide students in utilizing modern technology and equipment.
Practice with Fashion Promotion and Visual Communication
The faculty member should have experience and proficiency in fashion promotion and visual communication. They should understand effective presentation techniques and be able to teach students how to visually communicate their design concepts to a broader audience.
Procedures in Apparel Marketing, Manufacturing, and Mass-production
The ideal candidate should be well-versed in the procedures involved in apparel marketing, manufacturing, and mass-production. They should have a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s best practices and be able to provide students with insights into the business side of fashion design.
Preferred Experience
Adobe Software and CAD Proficiency
Proficiency in Adobe software and CAD (Computer-Aided Design) is preferred for the tenure-track faculty position in Fashion Design. Knowledge of these tools will allow the faculty member to teach students industry-standard software used in design and production processes.
Sustainability and Material Innovation
Experience and knowledge in sustainability and material innovation is highly desirable. The ideal candidate should be familiar with sustainable practices and new materials that are shaping the future of the fashion industry.
Cross-disciplinary Experience
Cross-disciplinary experience in professional practice and/or teaching is preferred. This experience will enable the faculty member to bring a broader perspective and interdisciplinary approach to the fashion design curriculum.
Cultural and Global Perspectives
A strong understanding of cultural and global perspectives is valued. The faculty member should be able to incorporate diverse cultural influences into the curriculum and provide students with a global outlook on fashion design.
Entrepreneurship and Business Practice
Experience in entrepreneurship and business practice is highly beneficial. The faculty member should be able to educate students on the business side of the fashion industry and impart valuable skills for those interested in starting their own fashion ventures.
Textile Science and Surface Design
Knowledge of textile science and surface design is preferred. This expertise will allow the faculty member to educate students on the properties and characteristics of different fabrics and help them develop innovative surface design techniques.
Fashion Design Categories and Accessories
Experience in different fashion design categories, such as ready-to-wear, sportswear, knitwear, costume, bridal, avant-garde, and couture, is valued. Familiarity with accessories design, including handbags, footwear, and millinery, is also beneficial.
About Massachusetts College of Art & Design
History and Celebrating 150th Anniversary
Massachusetts College of Art & Design, founded in 1873, is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2023. It is the nation’s first and only independent, free-standing public college of art and design. Throughout its history, MassArt has been at the forefront of art and design education, providing students with a world-class education and preparing them for successful careers in the creative industries.
Location and Enrollment
Massachusetts College of Art & Design is located in Boston, known for its thriving arts and culture scene. The college enrolls approximately 2,000 students and offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in 18 disciplines. In addition to its degree programs, MassArt also provides continuing education and youth programs, further extending its impact on the community.
Diversity and Inclusion
Massachusetts College of Art & Design strives to be a model of diversity and inclusion. The campus community reflects the diverse layers of cultural and self-identity that make up the region, the nation, and the world. The college is committed to building effective partnerships, sharing appropriate information, and providing assistance to all members of the community, regardless of their background, nationality, or role.
Partnerships and Collaboration
Massachusetts College of Art & Design values partnerships and collaboration as integral components of its educational mission. The college actively seeks opportunities to collaborate with industry professionals, cultural institutions, and community organizations. These partnerships enable students and faculty to engage in meaningful projects, gain exposure to real-world experiences, and contribute to the overall advancement of the art and design field.
