VCUarts Adjunct Instructor - Fashion Design + Merchandising - Virginia Commonwealth University

Description of the Job:
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts (VCUarts) department of Fashion Design + Merchandising is establishing a pool of applicants for possible adjunct teaching positions. This pool of applicants could be drawn upon to provide temporary staffing when needed; to provide special teaching expertise when needed; and/or to meet special programmatic needs not otherwise provided for within the program. The applicant pool will remain active until June 2023. Given these criteria, this pool will only be assessed when an adjunct opportunity arises. Possible adjunct opportunities could include teaching a course(s) in any of the areas of study offered by the department of Fashion Design + Merchandising. If an adjunct opportunity arises, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Adjunct faculty are expected to be thoughtful and proactive members of the Fashion Design + Merchandising community and have a desire to work with a diverse student population in a collaborative, inclusive and learning-centered collective.

Required Qualifications:

1. Terminal degree (MFA) in a related field, or BFA with additional training and/or professional experience that equates and/or parallels the artistic development expected in a terminal degree holder.
2. Appropriate teaching experience and/or strong oral presentation and communication skills.
3. Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated skills and experience in one or several of the following areas of expertise:
1. Market and trend research experience – regularly shopping the European and Asian markets, product awareness and competitive pricing.
2. Familiarity with NYC garment district suppliers (fabric, trims, novelty goods) and resources.
3. Address concept development and presentation skills: create mood and inspiration packages- using primary and secondary sources- both traditionally and digitally.
4. Generate iteration of color, trim, and textile palettes.
5. Proficiency in patternmaking, draping and construction- knowledge of knits and wovens.
6. Strong visual and communication skills, experience in garment sourcing, excellent Adobe Creative Suites (specifically Illustrator and Photoshop) Microsoft Excel, and PDM skills.
7. Ability to develop original surface design, print repeats and textile manipulation.
8. Create action and technical flats with specifications.
9. Establish technical package templates.

Application Instructions:
To apply, please submit application materials via the VCU Careers website. Only electronic applications submitted via the VCU Careers website will be accepted.

Application materials should include the following:
·       Current CV or Resume
·       A list of three current references including names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses (references will not be contacted prior to applicant’s approval)
·       Diversity Statement - As a preeminent national, urban, public research university and academic health center, Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to organizational diversity, equity and inclusion - an environment where all can thrive in their pursuit of excellence.

Applicants are asked to submit a Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (typically between 150-300 words) providing your career aspirations and contributions toward promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through this statement, you can share how your lived experiences; and past, present, and future academic and professional activities have or will contribute to VCU’s mission of promoting equity and inclusion.

Note: Examples include working with others to further the goals of equity and inclusion; leading in any capacity that tangibly promotes an environment where diversity is welcomed, fostered, and celebrated; creative activity, research and scholarship that promotes equity and parity; teaching and mentoring students, and/or engaging with faculty and/or staff from traditionally underrepresented groups to create a positive and successful organizational experience.
More information can be found at https://provost.vcu.edu/faculty/prospective/

VCUarts:
Ranked by US News & World Report as a top-five arts and design school, VCUarts (arts.vcu.edu) includes over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students with nationally recognized programs in design, visual and performing arts, and has an annual budget of $38 million and an endowment of more than $13.5 million. Students are taught by over 175 full-time teaching and research faculty members and the school is supported by over 50 staff members that assist in daily processes. The School includes two campuses; one in Richmond and one in Doha, Qatar. The Richmond campus is located on the university’s 75-acre Monroe Park campus situated in the city’s historic Fan District.  Ultimately, the work of the School of the Arts extends globally with partnerships throughout the world and across fields as diverse as the humanities, health care and business. 

Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to providing accessible and equitable living, learning and working environments free from discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or disability.

Salary Range: VCUarts Standard Adjunct Rate

Department: School of the Arts, Department of Fashion Design + Merchandising
Employment Type: AJ - Adjunct
Restricted Status: No
Exemption Status: Exempt