Title: Assistant Professor - Design, Special Purpose or Tenure Track

Application Review Date: May 1st, 2026

Campus Location: Radford City - Main Campus

Job Description

We are looking for a dynamic and creative design educator who can teach in the completely online MFA program in the innovative field of design thinking. Teaching areas are flexible and may include Environment Behavior, Design Thinking, Advanced Design Studios, Teaming, Design Management, Innovation and Creativity, and/or Master’s Thesis Instruction. Candidate should be able to demonstrate innovative thought processes to teach in the completely online MFA program in the field of design thinking.

Non-teaching responsibilities include program recruitment, workshop development and implementation, creating sponsored studios and corporate collaborations, national and international marketing, and promotion of design thinking MFA and certificate program. Responsibilities will increase as the program develops. Travel is an expected component of recruitment and professional development. This position requires on-campus interactions and availability 2-3 times per week.

The Design Thinking Program is a completely online graduate program. It offer 15 credit certificate program along with a 60 credit MFA terminal degree program. The MFA will augment any bachelor’s or master’s degree by allowing potential students to become leaders in their chosen field. For designers and non-designers, this interdisciplinary, totally online degree will teach in-depth the creative process, creative cognition and environment behavior theories, team development, design management, interactive methodologies and research methodologies.

Required Qualifications

A minimum of a Masters degree in Instructional Technology, Industrial Design, UX, Business, Design, or other related fields required with professional experience or licensure. Terminal degree and/or PhD preferred. Documented online teaching expertise and experience preferred. Professional certification and/or scholarship in one’s area of expertise and professional practice desirable. Must have the ability to achieve full graduate faculty teaching status and chair thesis committees.

Preferred Qualifications:

Terminal degree and/or PhD preferred. Documented online teaching expertise and experience preferred. Professional certification and/or scholarship in one’s area of expertise and professional practice desirable.

Special Instructions to Applicants

All applicants must submit the following: A current resume or curriculum vitae, and a list of three references with names, addresses (including email), and telephone numbers, a 250-word statement on your philosophy of design thinking. Unofficial transcripts will be required of all finalists prior to interview.

Is this position Grant Funded: No

Is this position restricted: No

Is this position eligible for telework: No

Months per Year: 12

Statement of Economic Interest Required: No

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Classification: Teaching & Research Faculty

Employee Classification: Assistant Professor, 12 Month

Department: Design Thinking

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Department Contact Name: Holly Cline

Department Contact Phone: 5402393559

Department Contact Email: hcline@radford.edu

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Radford University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years’ of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at Radford.edu/police. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the Radford University Police Department located at 810 East Main Street PO Box 6883, Radford, VA, 24142.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation in the application process please contact the hiring department.

Criminal Background Check Statement

Radford University is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all employees, students, volunteers, and stakeholders. As part of our hiring and screening process, we conduct criminal background checks in compliance with Virginia Code § 19.2-389 and other applicable state and federal laws. Successful candidates will be required to have a criminal background check.