Instructor - Fashion/Apparel Design

Department of Clothing, Textiles, and Interior Design

The College of Human Environmental Sciences
The University of Alabama

Position Summary

The College of Human Environmental Sciences’ Apparel Design Program in the department of Clothing, Textiles, and Interior Design strives to produce graduates with a strong design voice through rigorous academics as well as skill development in apparel construction. Our students master the principles and elements of design that enable the architecture of fashion. Using critical thinking opportunities, they understand target markets, price points, and apparel categories before they enter the industry, as well as having explored their creativity through the practices of teacher directed design studios.

The department of Clothing, Textiles, and Interior Design invites applicants with experience in fashion design, connections with industry, and a dedication to teaching, to become part of our future in fashion. The potential faculty member will have a real-world understanding of the fashion design process as well as successful structures for student learning through thoughtful pedagogy and current technology. In this 9-month, non-tenure earning position, faculty are eligible for promotion in the instructor rank, and are valued for their academic, professional, and creative contributions in the area of apparel design. Primary responsibilities in this position are effective teaching, membership in the academic community of the College, and ongoing engagement with students.

The apparel design program at UA uses industry standard design software to prepare students for future jobs. Faculty mentoring helps students to develop a customer focused approach toward fashion design and production. Faculty strive for a balance of technical and creative design expertise that includes garment construction, flat pattern, draping, CAD, fashion illustration, runway presentation, and interaction with professional industry partners. Industry mentors are involved in the annual senior collection: Fashion for Life.

Qualifications

Required

• MFA or MS in related design field or at least 18 hours completed working towards MFA or MS related design degree 
• Experience teaching apparel design courses at college level  
• Industry experience as a creative designer and technical designer
• Experience in sourcing materials/trims - foreign and domestic
• Experience building apparel specification packages and cost sheets 
• Extensive experience using draping and flat pattern techniques in the apparel industry for an apparel company 
• Experience using apparel CAD software including digital patternmaking and grading systems 
• Developing new patterns for garment samples, tracking samples, and production patterns 
• Proficient in Gerber Technology, Lectra Software, CLO-3D, and Adobe Creative Suite 
• Experience in sustainability design techniques 
• Ability to maintain and build upon connections to the fashion industry and use these connections to create opportunities for students

Preferred 

• Experience working with overseas and domestic garment manufacturers 
• 15-20 years industry apparel design experience working in the apparel field 
• Experience traveling overseas working with garment manufacturers 
• Experience with industry trade shows 
• Experience conducting fit sessions for a garment manufacturer
• Product development experience
• Experience using a PLM (product lifecycle management) system 

Application Instructions

To apply, candidates should complete an online application at https://facultyjobs.ua.edu/postings/49920. 

Application materials should be to the attention of Brian Taylor, Program Director for Apparel Design (btaylor@ches.ua.edu). The following documents should be included:

• A letter of interest describing experience, perspective, and goals
• Current CV/Resume
• A list of 3 current references including names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses (references will not be contacted prior to applicant’s approval)
• Portfolio of work— a link to appropriate selections of documentation of the applicant’s work within the fashion industry or academia.

Application Deadline: February 20, 2022. Review of applications begins February 15, 2022, and continues until the position is filled.

This full-time, 9-month position at the rank of instructor, is non-tenure, and begins August 16, 2022.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The University, College, and the Department Clothing, Textiles, and Interior Design are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive learning and work environment for our students, faculty, and staff. A diverse university community and inclusive environment are integral for excellence in teaching, research, and service. We are especially committed to increasing representation of those populations that have been historically excluded from participation in U.S. higher education.

The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants to and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. 
“EEO is the Law” https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf 
“EEO is the Law” Poster Supplement http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf