Assistant or Associate Professor of Industrial Design

Western Washington University • Bellingham, WA

9d • $93,000 - $126,000

About The Position

Western Washington University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position in Industrial Design. The successful candidate is expected to start on September 16, 2027. The university seeks candidates with teaching and research interests in any field relevant to industrial design or product design.

The position combines teaching, scholarship, program leadership, and administration. Teaching includes industrial design service courses and advanced studio courses, including skill development, software, design studios, and design research. Scholarship and creative activity should be relevant to the field, involve undergraduate researchers, and develop or maintain industry partnerships.

The successful candidate will help lead the Industrial Design Program, including curriculum development, research areas, and laboratory facilities. The role includes program planning and assessment, budgeting, scheduling, resource and facilities management, student recruitment and mentoring, faculty support, and collaboration with university and external stakeholders. The position requires carrying out teaching, scholarship, and mentoring responsibilities in ways that foster equitable and inclusive environments.

Requirements

• PhD or ABD at the time of application in Industrial Design or a closely related field; ABD candidates must complete all degree requirements by June 15 of the first year of employment (June 15, 2028). Alternatively, an MFA, MDes, or equivalent terminal degree in Industrial Design or a closely related field is required by the appointment date.
• Record of professional practice, scholarship, creative activity, or other contributions appropriate to industrial design.
• Evidence of successful teaching and student mentorship in higher education.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence and student success.
• Experience leading projects, teams, programs, or other organizational initiatives requiring collaboration, communication, and management skills.
• Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, industry partners, and external stakeholders.
• For appointment at the Associate Professor level, demonstrated significant research, evidence of successful teaching, and service contributions commensurate with promotion standards in the Department, College, and University.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in academic leadership, such as program director, department chair, curriculum coordinator, or another higher-education administrative role.
• Demonstrated success in curriculum development, strategic planning, assessment, accreditation, and continuous program improvement.
• Established record of scholarly, creative, or professional achievement in industrial design or related fields.
• Experience developing and maintaining partnerships with industry, community organizations, professional associations, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, facilities, personnel, and other operational aspects of an academic program.
• Experience fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, securing external funding, and enhancing program visibility through outreach, recruitment, exhibitions, research, or professional engagement.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and administration for the Industrial Design Program, including strategic planning, program assessment, budgeting, scheduling, and resource management.
• Teach undergraduate industrial design courses, including skill development, software, design studios, and design research.
• Maintain an active agenda of scholarship and creative activity consistent with university expectations.
• Lead curriculum development and continuous improvement to ensure program quality, relevance, accreditation, alignment with institutional goals, and responsiveness to emerging design trends.
• Recruit, mentor, advise, and support students throughout their academic and professional development.
• Facilitate collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and university administrators to advance program goals and foster a positive, inclusive learning environment.
• Manage program operations, including faculty workload planning, course scheduling, facilities oversight, equipment planning, and assessment activities.
• Build and maintain partnerships with industry, alumni, professional organizations, and community stakeholders to enhance experiential learning and program visibility.
• Represent the Industrial Design Program within the university and externally through recruitment, outreach, professional engagement, exhibitions, and public events.
• Support faculty development, recruitment, evaluation, and other personnel-related processes in accordance with university policies.
• Advance the program’s reputation through innovation in teaching, scholarship, professional engagement, and student success.

Benefits

• Relocation assistance may be available under University guidelines and depending on available budget.
• Salary and start-up funds are to be determined upon an offer.
• Faculty benefits are referenced in the Benefits Overview for Faculty Positions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree