Assistant Professor

Assistant Professor - Interior Design

Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts (VCUarts)
Department of Interior Design (IDES)

This full-time, 9-month position is at the rank of Assistant Professor, is non-tenure eligible (term), and begins August 16, 2024.

Application Deadline: For best consideration, please submit your application by the end of Friday, January 26, 2024.

Please direct questions about the position to Emily Smith (), Search Committee Chair and Assistant Professor, IDES.

The Opportunity:

The VCUarts Department of Interior Design (IDES) looks to welcome a dynamic and engaged designer, educator, and thinker to teach interior design studios and complimentary support classes across our undergraduate and graduate programs.

IDES values conceptually focused exploration; critical investigations of context; collaboration; civic engagement; cross-, trans- and interdisciplinary work; socially engaged design; invention; and thoughtful, respectful discourse.

Our faculty embrace a commitment to pedagogy and curriculum that supports an inclusive, diverse, and accessible experience for all students.

More information about IDES and its BFA and MFA programs can be found at

Major Responsibilities:

Teaching

The primary responsibility for this faculty member is the development and teaching of interior design studios and support classes at multiple levels, including possibly in the Art Foundation Program (). This faculty member should expect to teach up to four classes, or at least 12 credits, per semester.

This is a non-tenure eligible (term) faculty position. Term faculty are eligible for promotion in academic rank, and are valued for their academic, professional, and creative practice/scholarly contributions in their specific area of expertise. The primary responsibilities of this opportunity are teaching, therefore we seek to hire faculty who stand out with respect to effectiveness in teaching and engagement with students.

IDES seeks individuals who demonstrate an expertise or focus in one or more of the following areas:
• building systems and construction
• lighting and color
• building-information modeling, augmented/virtual reality and/or other progressive visualization
• emerging fabrication and making methods
• interior furnishings and materiality

Service

Service is the secondary responsibility for this faculty member.

IDES faculty are committed to building community within the department, school, university, allied professions, and greater Richmond. In these contexts, our faculty enthusiastically advocate for the power of interior design theory and praxis.

Typically, this service includes committee membership and leadership, new initiatives, outreach/recruitment, and mentorship of undergraduate and graduate IDES students.

Scholarship

Although creative/scholarly research is not a primary expectation for this non-tenure eligible position, the faculty member should expect to maintain a scholarly agenda supporting currency and relevance related to teaching excellence and innovation in interior design. Scholarship of teaching and learning includes applied research regarding various pedagogies, student learning, and assessment practices; and development and dissemination of materials for teaching beyond one’s classroom.

Qualifications:

Required

• A terminal degree (master's level) in interior design or design-related field
• Experience working in and fostering a diverse academic or professional environment
• Understanding and engagement of issues related to diversity, inclusion, and equity through academic pursuits, professional experience, and/or lived experience
• Teaching experience
• Evidence of strong collaboration and communication (graphic and verbal) skills

Preferred

• At least one degree in interior design
• NCIDQ certification, or the qualifications to sit for the exam
• Experience teaching design studios
• Experience in interior design practice
• Expertise in an area articulated under Teaching, above
• Evidence of undergraduate, graduate and/or professional mentoring

Application Instructions:

Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to organizational diversity, equity and inclusion - an environment where all can thrive in their pursuit of excellence. VCUarts strongly encourages applications from all racial, ethnic, gender, and social identities.

The following seven application documents must be submitted online via the VCU Jobs Website :

1. Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Applicants are requested 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 academic and professional activities will impact your contribution 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. For additional guidance on writing a Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

2. Letter of Interest
The Letter of Interest should, at a minimum, convey a) rationale for applying to this department, b) relevant academic and professional experience, and c) an area of teaching focus or emphasis. Please limit this to two pages.

3. Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume

4. Three References
Provide a list of at least three professional references familiar with the applicant’s record as an educator, practitioner, and/or creative scholar, including names, email addresses, and phone numbers. No letters are needed at this time; references will not be contacted prior to candidates’ approval.

5. Teaching Philosophy
In under 500 words, describe the priorities of your teaching and the rationale behind them.

6. Portfolio of Creative and Professional Work
Please include brief written context for the projects presented, including your role in each.
If file size is problematic, include an accessible link to a website or cloud storage (with access instructions) storing the work.

7. Portfolio of Student Work
This is work that has been executed by students under the applicant’s supervision. Please include the assignment/brief that structures the student work. Work samples may include projects from studios and/or lectures/seminars.
If file size is problematic, include an accessible link to a website or cloud storage (with access instructions) storing the work.

Only electronic applications submitted via the VCU Jobs Website will be accepted.

Questions about the VCU Jobs Website application process should be directed to Tasia Robinson, Assistant Director of VCUarts HR, at

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 70 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.

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