Description The School of Design at Pratt Institute seeks a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as Chairperson of the Fashion Department. The ideal candidate will demonstrate both professional and academic experience; effective and inclusive communication skills; expertise in strategic planning; and a vision for how they intend to lead and develop the established and renowned undergraduate BFA program and a new MFA program that will launch in 2024. The Chairperson is responsible for the overall management and future direction of the department’s academic programs
in alignment with Pratt’s mission and in support of the institution’s strategic plan. The Chairperson will assume academic and administrative leadership of the department and will develop programs to complement
enhance
and build upon its prestige and reputation. The selected candidate will report to the Dean of the School of Design and work closely with the dean and other department chairs in the school as we continue to develop interdisciplinary opportunities for students and faculty. The Chairperson will manage approximately 5 full-time faculty
1 endowed professorship
30 part-time faculty
an Assistant Chair
and a department support administrator. ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF DESIGN The School of Design (SoD) educates curious makers in design practice to impact the world around them through the design of our messages
objects
spaces
and systems. Recognizing the interdisciplinary commonalities of our design disciplines
the School celebrates
connects
and educates designers whose creative endeavors will shape our world in critical ways. We believe that design connects: our work facilitates exchange
communication
and the building of community. Design enables: our work expands our physical and mental abilities. Design sustains: our work addresses the world’s limited resources and our significant environmental challenges. Design empowers: our work promotes equality
inclusiveness
and the free movement of people. Design humanizes: our work offers civil solutions for improving quality of life. POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES Reporting to the Dean of the School of Design
the Chairperson is responsible for the overall administration and leadership of the department. Specific responsibilities include: Supervise and develop the department’s curriculum and educational programs. Recruit
supervise
evaluate
and foster faculty development. Recruit and advise a diverse student body for the graduate program. Develop and maintain assessment instruments and practices
including program reviews. Oversee the department’s budget and allocation of resources
course scheduling
and departmental facilities. Establish links to professional organizations and leading practitioners in the field. Assist the dean and Institutional Advancement in fundraising and advancing the program’s profile. Oversee and manage the annual fashion show. Work with the other chairpersons
academic administration and faculty in the School of Design to develop shared resources and interdisciplinary curricular and extracurricular programs and events. Serve on department
school
and institute committees and represent the department at various meetings and events
both on and off campus. Applicants should demonstrate a level of intercultural competence and the ability to communicate well with diverse populations. Carry out special projects as assigned by the Dean. Some teaching is supported and encouraged but not required. Participate in and assume all other related responsibilities as required. This administrative appointment carries a twelve-month per year workload and a three-year contract that may be renewed. Teaching: The Chair will have the option to teach one course per semester in the field of expertise without additional compensation. Qualifications Education MFA or degree equivalent in fashion design
fashion studies
or related discipline. Experience An established record of teaching in higher education. Administrative experience managing or coordinating a team of people
including oversight of facilities and budget as well as planning and program development
preferably within an academic context. Recognized creative scholarship and/or current professional practice in the field of fashion or related discipline. Preferred Experience: Experience recruiting and building a network of diverse educators and designers. Skills Outstanding organizational skills Excellent oral
written and interpersonal communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations. Excellent collaborator with management and leadership skills: ability to meet deadlines and communicate effectively. We are interested in finding the best candidate for the job
and that candidate may not meet every one of our listed qualifications. Lived experience may count towards the preferred qualifications listed above. If you are excited about this position
we encourage you to apply.