Position Title:
Department Chair of Industrial Design
Appointment Type:
Faculty
Job Description:
The Department of Industrial Design in the College of Design at Iowa State University is seeking a dynamic and accomplished leader, with an interest in collaborative and interdisciplinary design education, to join the faculty in the role of Department Chair at the rank of associate professor or professor with tenure. This position is a full-time appointment (9-month with summer support). The anticipated start date is July 1, 2027.
The Chair is the designated executive officer of the department and is responsible for leadership and oversight of central departmental administrative operations. In this capacity, the Chair serves at the pleasure of the Dean of the College of Design. We are looking for someone with a passion for design education, a commitment to excellence, and the ability to advance all three dimensions of the land-grant mission: education, research/creative inquiry, and outreach.
Founded in 2010, our department is young, growing, and open to new ideas. The next Chair will have the chance to shape what it becomes: its curriculum, its research and industry partnerships, and its culture. We want a collaborative, open communicator who enjoys helping faculty and students do their best work.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
Position Responsibilities:
Articulate and advocate for the department’s mission, values and priorities within the University and beyond;
Lead strategic planning with faculty, setting clear goals for the department’s growth and direction;
Oversee curriculum development, course scheduling and teaching assignments, program assessment and accreditation;
Manage the departmental budget and shared governance, and supervise departmental faculty;
Recruit, hire, and retain excellent faculty, conduct annual reviews, and support faculty development at every career stage;
Strengthen inter-disciplinary connections with programs across the College and University, and build relationships with communities, professionals, alumni, donors and industry partners;
Support department, college and university efforts in student recruitment, marketing, communication, and fundraising;
Actively promote and expand the reach of industrial design across the state, increasing national recognition of the program and our graduates;
Represent department and college at professional organizations and/or academic symposia;
Foster a welcoming, respectful, and supportive environment for all students and faculty;
Guide faculty through promotion and tenure and term-faculty advancement reviews, in line with college and university policies.
Maintain an active program of research, creative work, or professional practice, and teach as appropriate to the appointment;
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Terminal degree (MFA, MID, or PhD) in industrial design, product design or a closely related field;
Record of scholarship, creative work, and/or professional accomplishment that qualifies for appointment at the rank of associate professor or full professor with tenure at Iowa State University;
Preferred Qualifications:
PhD in product/industrial design or design-related fields;
Demonstrated experience in academic administration and/or supervisory experience, including fiscal and personnel management;
Experience building industry partnerships;
Record of successful funded research or recognized professional accomplishment in industrial design practice;
Active engagement in interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary collaborations.
Department/Program & College Description:
The Department of Industrial Design was formed in 2010 as part of the College’s expansion plan and endeavor to create the most comprehensive college of design in the region. The department was formed with a vision to bridge the intersections between design academics,…