Chair of MFA Design

Job Description
The College for Creative Studies (CCS) seeks candidates for the position of Chair of MFA Design. CCS' MFA programs are structured to educate pragmatic, business-oriented designers for leadership roles in the profession. The first cohort of MFA Design students will enter Fall 2008.

The MFA Design program has been developed to attract applicants with backgrounds in either 2D or 3D design. The programs' curriculum fosters enquiry and debate while encouraging students to conduct extensive research in an interdisciplinary setting. Further, the program's curriculum integrates design and business issues in the development of commercially-oriented design solutions. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, new opportunities afforded by evolving technologies, societal and environmental research, experiential and interactive design, prototyping and innovative concepts for communication.

Courses will be offered in subjects such as research methodology and business practices, design management, branding and related issues, sustainability, and new technologies. Building on CCS' strong corporate partnerships, students will also participate in industry-sponsored studios. Overall, this program will stimulate a visionary design process in a rigorous, real-world environment.

The Chair is responsible for department curriculum, managing full-time and adjunct faculty, managing the department budget, and the quality of student work. He/she will work closely with the Director of Graduate Studies, the Dean of the College, the Design Advisory Board and relevant faculty to implement, administer and lead the program. The Chair will also teach two graduate-level courses per semester, assist in the MFA admissions process, and advise MFA Design students. Further, the Chair will supervise the formation of MFA Design thesis committees.

Job Requirements
Reporting to the Director of Graduate Studies, the successful candidate will be a highly accomplished design professional with proven leadership skills in interdisciplinary design projects. The ideal candidate will hold a terminal degree in a design discipline, have extensive professional experience, and some graduate-level teaching experience. The candidate will possess excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as a team leader and colleague.

How to Apply
Submit letter of interest, resume, portfolio of work, and if available, portfolio of student work to:

College for Creative Studies
Office of Human Resources
201 E. Kirby
Detroit MI 48202-4034
hr@collegeforcreativestudies.edu

The College for Creative Studies subscribes to the principle of equal opportunity in its employment, admissions and educational practices and strives to provide an educational environment and workplace free from unlawful harassment or discrimination. Discrimination, including harassment, because of age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law is strictly prohibited.