Title: Associate or Assistant Professor, Design (12-Month)

Application Review Date: December 10, 2026

Campus Location: Radford City - Main Campus

Job Description

MFA in Design Thinking Faculty: Rank: Tenure-Track. Some undergraduate teaching required. Associate or Assistant Professor.

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 and teach a few undergraduate classes in Design or Fashion Merchandising in our in-person program. 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 with one or two teaching assignments in-person in the undergraduate design program.

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 3 times per week.

Program:  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.

Facilities: Radford University provides outstanding facilities and equipment, including state-of-the-art computer labs and maker spaces; this position would require on-campus responsibilities that could be accommodated within a 3-day-a-week schedule.

Institution:  Radford University, located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a comprehensive, coeducational state institution of approximately 8,600 students close to Virginia’s historic sites, North Carolina’s design market attractions, and important metropolitan cultural centers.

Required Qualifications

Terminal degree and/or MFA, MArch, or PhD in discipline required. A Master’s degree in Instructional Technology, Industrial Design, Fashion Merchandising, Fashion Business ownership and oversight, UX, Business, Design, or other related fields combined with professional experience or licensure that would count as the equivalent as a terminal degree acceptable to the university handbook.. Design practice background preferred. Documented online teaching expertise and experience preferred. Professional certification and/or scholarship in one’s area of expertise and professional practice desirable.

Preferred Qualifications:

Design practice background and documented online teaching expertise and experience preferred. Professional certification and/or scholarship in one’s area of expertise and professional practice desirable. Design Merchandising background and Fashion Business Ownership is preferred.

Special Instructions to Applicants

All applicants must submit the following:
A current resume or curriculum vitae
A 250-word statement on your philosophy of design thinking.
Reference list - provide the names, addresses and phone numbers for three references.
Course syllabi sample with at least three assignments.
Portfolio of work. Professional work provide the extent to which you were involved in the project.
Student work, provide level of work and software programs utilized when appropriate.
Official transcripts will be required of all finalists prior to interview.

Is this position Grant Funded: No

Is this position restricted: No

Is this position 100% telework: No

Hours Per Week: 40

Months per Year: 12

Statement of Economic Interest Required: No

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Classification: Teaching & Research Faculty

Employee Classification: Assistant/Associte Professor, 12 Month

Department: Design Thinking

Salary: 85,000 - 101,000 (depending on qualifications, experience & rank)

Department Contact Name: Holly Cline

Department Contact Phone: 540831-5386

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.