Department Chair of Industrial Design

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Industrial Design in Iowa State University’s College of Design seeks a dynamic, accomplished leader committed to collaborative and interdisciplinary design education. The Department Chair appointment is at the rank of associate professor or professor with tenure. It is a full-time, nine-month appointment with summer support, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027. The Chair serves as the department’s designated executive officer, leads and oversees its central administrative operations, and serves at the pleasure of the Dean of the College of Design. The Chair will help shape the department’s curriculum, research and industry partnerships, and culture. The role advances the university’s land-grant mission through education, research and creative inquiry, and outreach. The department, founded in 2010, has 11 faculty members and approximately 210 undergraduate and 13 graduate students. It offers Bachelor of Industrial Design and Master of Industrial Design programs, both accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on an ongoing basis without sponsorship; immigration sponsorship is not available. Applications should include a letter of interest describing the candidate’s leadership approach and vision for the department, a curriculum vitae, a portfolio or summary of research, creative work or professional practice, and contact information for three to five references. Application review begins January 15 and continues until the position is filled.

Requirements

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 qualifying the candidate for appointment as an associate professor or professor with tenure at Iowa State University.
Legal authorization to work in the United States on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

PhD in product/industrial design or a design-related field.
Demonstrated 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.

Responsibilities

Articulate and advocate for the department’s mission, values, and priorities within the university and beyond.
Lead strategic planning with faculty and set clear goals for departmental 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 faculty; conduct annual reviews; and support faculty development at every career stage.
Strengthen interdisciplinary connections 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.
Promote and expand the reach of industrial design across the state and increase national recognition of the program and its graduates.
Represent the department and college at professional organizations and/or academic symposia.
Foster a welcoming, respectful, and supportive environment for students and faculty.
Guide faculty through promotion and tenure and term-faculty advancement reviews in accordance with college and university policies.
Maintain an active program of research, creative work, or professional practice, and teach as appropriate to the appointment.