Category:: Fashion & Textile Studies (460)
Locations:: New York, NY
Posted:: Sep 18, 2018
Closes:: Open Until Filled
Type:: Faculty Full Time
Ref. No.:: 1195

About Fashion Institute of Technology:

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), an internationally renowned college of art and design, business and technology, of the State University of New York, invites nominations and applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty position and Chair in Fashion and Textile Studies: History, Theory and Museum Practice, Fashion and Textiles Studies Department, School of Graduate Studies.

The Fashion Institute of Technology, a part of the State University of New York, has been a leader in career education in art, design, business, and technology for nearly 70 years. With a curriculum that provides a singular blend of hands-on, practical experience, classroom study, and a firm grounding in the liberal arts, FIT offers a wide range of outstanding programs that are relevant to today's rapidly changing industries. Internationally renowned, FIT draws on its New York City location to provide a vibrant, creative community in which to learn. The college offers more than 45 majors and grants AAS, BFA, BS, MA, MFA, and MPS degrees, preparing students for professional success and leadership in the global marketplace.

With close ties to industry, FIT draws faculty from the city's art, business, and design elite, and from the rich academic community of the region. The College continually seeks creative faculty members who are passionate about their field and demonstrate exceptional professional capability in the core competencies of instruction design, learning enrichment, globalism, and use of technology, as well as mastery of established and emerging industry practices.

A vital and growing part of FIT's rich educational mix, the School of Graduate Studies provides advanced professional education in seven disciplines closely tied to the College's mission, promotion in the post-baccalaureate study of business, art, fashion and design. The School is dedicated to advancing research in the creative industries and fostering collaboration and a dialogue that links faculty and students to outstanding professionals and practitioners.

The Fashion and Textile Studies Department is unique in its focus and its mix of theory and practical skills. Established in the 1980s, it was one of the first programs in the nation to specialize in the history, theory, and conservation of garments and textiles. The department is supported by on-campus resources of the Museum at FIT and the Special Collections and College Archives housed with the Gladys Marcus Library.

The Fashion and Textile Studies MA program provides advanced academic and practical support for career paths that involve the study and interpretation of historic costume and textiles. Courses are developed and taught by both academics and independent practitioners, and deliver key skill sets in areas of historic research, writing, public presentations, exhibition planning, collections management, conservation, and object documentation and analysis. Students graduate prepared for further study and academic careers, and to pursue careers in museums, archives, historic houses, and auction houses.

The program provides access to NYC museums and critical connections to the many museums worldwide which now employ our graduates.

Job Description:

The College reserves the right to select one or more candidates after having been duly reviewed and presented to the President in conformance with the provisions of Article 15 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The School of Graduate Studies seeks a full-time faculty member and chair to lead the Fashion and Textile Studies Department. The department offers courses in the history of textiles and dress, fashion theory, and museum practice, including conservation.

The ideal candidate will be an active leader and scholar in a relevant field, with teaching and administrative experience. It is imperative that the candidate have the ability to teach multiple courses in the MA program and a measurable understanding and appreciation of the field of conservation.

As Chairperson, the selected candidate will work with relevant parties to oversee adjunct faculty hiring, curriculum development, student recruitment and admissions, and external outreach. Accordingly, the ideal candidate will have a versatile and interdisciplinary outlook and the ability to work collaboratively with a range of colleagues, students, and external stakeholders.

The successful candidate will be a recognized expert in the field, having made significant contributions through research, publications, conference presentations, lectures, and involvement in professional meetings. The candidate will have a network of connections in the field, including contacts in museums and organizations such as the Textile Society of America, Costume Society of America, and the American Institute for Conservation.

The candidate will be expected to serve on committees as necessary, and must commit to advancing the department in ways that align with the goals of the FIT Strategic Plan. (http://www.fitnyc.edu/strategic-plan/index.php)

Requirements:

The successful candidate will excel in the following areas:

Globalism

• Possess broad knowledge of and experience in fashion and textile history, theory, and museum practices.
• Possess experience of the field and have connections worldwide, through publications, conference presentations, and professional networks.
• Demonstrate ability to work effectively in international settings with colleagues from multicultural backgrounds.

Instructional Design

• Demonstrate intense involvement in the profession of fashion and textile studies and related career paths, including connections to museum and academic partners.
• Demonstrate ability to develop and deliver course content on history, theory, or museum practices in studio and classroom settings.
• Demonstrate fluency with state-of-the-art technology and specialized equipment necessary in the classroom environment.
• Demonstrate a capacity for mentoring and leading advanced students through an intense and rigorous curriculum.
• Demonstrate passion for the work and the ability to communicate effectively.

Learning Enrichment

• Demonstrate a passion for research and writing with the ability to inspire interest, curiosity, and creativity in advanced students.
• Demonstrate the use of a variety of instructional delivery methods that foster critical thinking and creative problem solving for institutional partners.
• Demonstrate a commitment to interdisciplinary and experiential learning approaches.
• Demonstrate the vision to build and advance the department through enhanced curricular approaches and regular assessment.
• Demonstrate a commitment to enhancing student interaction, collaboration, and creativity in the classroom.
• Demonstrate a commitment to facilitating internships and other opportunities for students.

Professionalism

• Maintain highly active engagement in creative and/or scholarly activities relevant to course content and museum practices.
• Demonstrate leadership in the field and maintain engagement with peers and colleagues, through publications, conference presentations and invited lectures.
• Possess willingness to share professional contacts and opportunities to achieve department and college goals.
• Demonstrate the ability to serve as a college representative on matters related to the department and its mission.

Technology

• Demonstrate a high level of technological skills and knowledge of social media approaches to program advocacy and growth.
• Demonstrate ability to communicate through technology and to adapt delivery of course content and management using campus-wide technology.

Candidates will have an MFA or PhD in a related field; those with an MA in Textile Conservation Studies may also be considered. Candidates will have significant teaching experience, strong experience in academic leadership and management, and experience in advising graduate thesis projects and mentoring advanced students.

Teaching experience at the graduate level is preferred.

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, tenure-track position beginning in Fall 2019. Review of applications will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled. First consideration will be given to completed applications received by October 19, 2018. Salary and appointment rank will be based on education level and cumulative experience.

Link to FIT Benefits for Full-Time Faculty

Application Instructions:

Please note that a background check is required for appointment to this position. Please note applications without all application materials will not be considered.

For consideration, please provide:

• A cover letter of interest (.pdf format) clearly indicating your qualifications and how they relate to the position;
• Curriculum Vitae (.pdf format);
• A minimum of three professional references, including names, titles, addresses, phone numbers, and email contact information.
• Additional materials may be requested at a later date.

Please note due that due to the volume of applications, we will not be able to contact each applicant individually. Additional information about the Fashion Institute of Technology can be found at www.fitnyc.edu.

FIT is firmly committed to creating an environment that will attract and retain people of diverse racial and cultural backgrounds. By providing a learning and working environment that encourages, utilizes, respects, and appreciates the full expression of every individual's ability, the FIT community fosters its mission and grows because of its rich, pluralistic experience. FIT is committed to prohibiting discrimination, whether based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military service status, genetic information, pregnancy, familial status, citizenship status (except as required to comply with law), or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. FIT is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, including the opportunity for upward mobility for all qualified individuals. Applications from minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged. Inquiries regarding FIT's non-discrimination policies may be directed to the Affirmative Action Officer/Title IX Coordinator, 212 217.3360, titleix@fitnyc.edu.