In this position you will be expected to assist in the recruitment of students and review of graduate student applications, place students in internships and careers, and teach courses, as determined by the employment agreement. Responsibilities will include ensuring university policies and procedures are administered without any expectations, ensuring that all services related to academic offerings of the department are planned and delivered at the highest quality without interruption, maintaining a visible onsite presence, and modeling academic and professional leadership. Through daily operational and long-term strategic actions, the associate chair ensures the department’s intentional and measurable contribution to the university’s strategic plan.   

In the role of associate chair, you will coordinate with faculty to assess and accredit student work to showcase the outcomes of the program and oversee academic scheduling in partnership with academic services. Your duties will include conducting annual performance evaluations for faculty, providing performance management sessions, supporting and participating in the hiring of new team members, and making decisions on student needs regarding academic support. Responsibilities of the associate chair include submitting student work to competitions and award shows, preparing various reports, monitoring key departmental data, managing purchase and travel requests, acting as front-line ambassador for the department, maintaining valuable partnerships to benefit the department, and anticipating trends to make recommendations for strategic improvement.

The ideal candidate must have the knowledge to define the needs of the department on new faculty hires and the personnel judgement to make appropriate recommendations for hiring and reappointment. The candidate will build a cohesive team through frequent guidance and effective communication of shared goals and responsibilities while leading faculty in the implementation of teaching and professional responsibilities and expectations as outlined in the Faculty Handbook. They should be able to utilize good judgment to resolve issues and  extend support and assistance to achieve success in accreditation matters.

Minimum Qualifications:      

• Terminal degree in fashion or related field with leadership and supervisory experience in academics or an appropriate discipline
• Distinguished record of scholarship, teaching, and/or professional expertise with evidence of success in creative and collaborative endeavors
• Leadership ability to transform strategic vision into implementation via measurable actions with a thorough understanding of curriculum development and the utilization of assessment for improvement
• Excellent organizational, budgetary management, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Willingness to collaborate with internal departments in the best interests of students and the university

Certificates, licenses, and registrations:  

• Valid driver’s license

Travel Required:  

• 10% to 20%

Work Hours:  As noted in the employment agreement.

ADA Tag: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and minimum qualifications listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and/or meet the minimum qualifications.