What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Professor, Fashion Design and Merchandising (Tenure track) position at Dominican University?
Position Title: Assistant Professor, Fashion Design and Merchandising (Tenure track)
Department: Fashion Design and Merchandising
Reports To: Department Chair
Location: Om-campus (River Forest, IL)
Position Available: August 2025
Position Summary:
The successful candidate will champion the program’s liberal arts foundation by integrating community-based experiences, interdisciplinary relationships, and diverse perspectives into core courses essential for design and merchandising majors. This role will also align with Dominican University’s mission of fostering equity, inclusion, and community engagement, with the expectation to evolve into the Department Chair position, shaping the department’s strategic direction and ensuring alignment with university goals.
The successful candidate will champion the program’s liberal arts foundation by integrating community-based experiences, interdisciplinary relationships, and diverse perspectives into core courses essential for design and merchandising majors. This role will also align with Dominican University’s mission of fostering equity, inclusion, and community engagement, with the expectation to evolve into the Department Chair position, shaping the department’s strategic direction and ensuring alignment with university goals.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Teaching (7 Courses per academic year):
- Subjects include the history of global dress in fashion, contemporary clothing, human behavior in dress and fashion, trend forecasting and fashion communications, an introduction to fashion, human behavior in dress and fashion, textile science, surface design, fiber arts, jewelry design, and digital textile design.
- Incorporates diverse perspectives, ethical considerations, and interdisciplinary approaches.
- Expertise in fashion design, fashion show production, and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is required.
Scholarship and Professional Development:
- Engage in research and industry partnerships to maintain academic and professional relevance.
Student Advising and Mentorship:
- Advise undergraduate students, supporting their academic and professional aspirations.
- Advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in mentorship practices.
Curriculum Development and Program Review:
- Lead program reviews to align curricula with industry standards and university priorities.
- Oversee curriculum updates to reflect evolving global fashion trends and ethical considerations.
Industry and Community Engagement:
- Must attend fashion industry events throughout the Chicagoland area and actively develop and strengthen community partnerships and industry connections.
Departmental Leadership:
- Collaborate with faculty to develop and update program reviews, ensuring that the curriculum and program quality meet the evolving standards of the university, industry demands, and the diverse needs of students.
- Oversee curriculum development, manage the textile and clothing collection, and participate in departmental special projects and events.
University and Committee Engagement:
- Actively participate in university-wide committees and contribute to the institution’s social justice and inclusivity mission.
Required Qualifications:
- A terminal degree in Textiles and Fashion or a related field.
- Demonstrated success in undergraduate teaching, with expertise in fashion design, CAD, and fashion show production.
- Proven ability to integrate equity and inclusion principles into curriculum and mentorship.
- Established relationships within the fashion industry and community partnerships.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience and/or interest in developing community-based collaborations
Physical Demands:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Extended periods of standing and engaging while teaching or conducting classes.
- Occasionally required to lift and carry items weighing up to 15 pounds.
Salary and FLSA Status
- FLSA Status: Exempt, full-time
- SALARY: $60,000 - $65,000 annually
Benefits
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement plan with employer matching contributions
- Professional development opportunities
- Tuition remission for employees and their dependents
- Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
- Generous paid time off (PTO)
Employment at Dominican University is contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation.
To apply please submit 1) Resume/CV, 2) Cover Letter, 3) Statement of Teaching Philosophy, 4) Description of Proposed Research
About Dominican University
Dominican University is a Catholic, comprehensive teaching university located in River Forest, a suburb of Chicago, with an additional campus in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Dominican University offers associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It is highly regarded for its academic rigor, thoughtful accompaniment of students, intentional affordability, and values-based, relationship-centered learning environment.
Dominican currently enrolls over 3,800 students, including 2,690 undergraduates and 1,114 graduate students. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of undergraduate students identify as Latinx, 5% as Black or African American, and 3% as Asian. Under-represented minority students comprise 77% of the undergraduate enrollment and 38% of the graduate enrollment. Over 90 percent of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid. Nearly half of all undergraduates are first-generation college students; over half are federal Pell Grant recipients, illustrating their families’ level of income; and 58% are eligible for low-income MAP grants from the State of Illinois.
Recognized since 2011 as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, Dominican is committed to expanding and enhancing educational opportunities for Latinx students and all students from historically underrepresented groups. For more information, visit www.dom.edu.
Expectations for all Dominican Employees:
To support the University's mission of preparing students to pursue truth, give compassionate service, and participate in the creation of a more just and humane world, engage in university service work that promotes collaboration and community building. This includes participating in organizational initiatives, supporting campus events, contributing to community outreach, and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment through involvement in various staff-driven activities and groups.
Institutional Statement
Dominican University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Dominican University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, protected veterans, and candidates from diverse backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need accommodations due to a disability, you may contact us at opc@dom.edu for assistance.
Salary : $60,000 - $65,000
