Assistant/Associate Professor of Interior Design
Winthrop University

Assistant/Associate Professor of Interior Design

Location:
Rock Hill, SC.
Open Date:
Sep 30, 2024
Close Date:
Nov 6, 2024
Description:
Winthrop University, a highly ranked, public, comprehensive university, announces a search for an Assistant/Associate Professor of Interior Design. This is a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track appointment in the Department of Design within the College of Visual and Performing Arts.  Our campus is located in Rock Hill (South Carolina) a short 30 minutes from Charlotte (North Carolina) with its thriving design market and international airport. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in and develop our new state of the art facilities for Interior Design. The new Design Center is a dynamic flexible hub for learning, collaboration, and creativity, representing a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing the educational environment for students, faculty, and the wider community.  Winthrop University seeks an experienced interior designer and/or architect with a terminal degree in their field, and a proven record of relevant professional experience that aligns with contemporary principles and practices. The ideal candidate will have a strong emphasis on human-centered design methodologies. They will be innovative, adaptive, engaging teachers across modalities; producers of impactful creative and/or scholarly work; and leaders in meaningful service activities to multiple communities. We are seeking a candidate who is committed to student success, impact, and access, by fostering an environment that prioritizes inclusive excellence. Responsibilities

• This position requires in person, daily contact with students, faculty, staff and community, both on campus and in our downtown Design Center which is just a short walk away.
• Teach 15-18 contact hours a semester (3 classes).
• Teach all levels in the undergraduate Bachelor of Design in Interior Design degree program.
• Advise and mentor undergraduate Interior Design majors in professional and career preparation.
• Participate in curriculum development, accreditation, assessment, and course planning.
• Maintain creative and scholarly activity.
• Fully support and participate in the department's recruitment efforts.
• Engage in professional service to the department, college, university, discipline, and community.
• Seek and maintain relationships with community and industry partners to support student internships, applied design projects, and our programs.
• Assume other responsibilities according to departmental needs and candidate's qualifications.

About The College of Visual and Performing Arts and its Department of Design The Department of Design is one of four academic units alongside the Departments of Fine Arts, Music, and Theatre and Dance within the College of Visual and Performing Arts. The Department of Design serves undergraduate majors pursuing a professional degree in design (Bachelor of Design) in Graphic Design, Game Design, Interior Design, and Illustration. Our dedicated faculty are practicing professionals who work nationally and internationally. The College of Visual and Performing Arts has all five of its undergraduate and graduate arts programs nationally accredited (NASAD, NAST, NASD, NASM, and CIDA). In addition, Winthrop's arts education programs in art, music, theatre, and dance are accredited through CAEP.  About Winthrop University Founded in 1886, Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, offers its 6,000-plus undergraduate and graduate students an educational experience that blends liberal arts, professional programs, global awareness, and civic engagement. In its colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business and Technology; Education, Sport, and Human Sciences; and Visual and Performing Arts, Winthrop embraces only those programs and activities that can be delivered at an exemplary level. Winthrop is well known for its inclusive and supportive campus environment, with University College supporting programs in both academic and student affairs. Winthrop University is achieving national stature as a competitive and distinctive co-educational, public, residential, comprehensive, values-oriented institution. The values of service, excellence, diversity, community, and leadership provide the foundation for Winthrop's continuing development and shape Winthrop's continuing success. Numerous national accolades reflect the sustained high quality and value of the Winthrop Experience, including the most recent U.S. News & World Report's ranking of Winthrop as one of the top-10 public comprehensive universities in the South. Winthrop is an active member of the Rock Hill community and recognized as a key component of the region's economic resurgence. Approximately 20 minutes from Charlotte, North Carolina, Winthrop has direct access to and is engaged in a broad and expansive regional business community. Winthrop's beautiful campus encompasses a rich architectural blend of neo-Georgian buildings and is included in the National Register of Historic Places. The attractive recreational and research complex area that surrounds Winthrop Lake is home to Winthrop's 18 Division I men's and women's sports. Winthrop University is committed to providing a safe campus community. Winthrop conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a student loan default check, a criminal history record check, and, when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check. BenefitsAt Winthrop University, we are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that significantly enhances the total compensation for our employees. In partnership with the State of South Carolina and the Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), our benefits include health and life insurance, generous paid leave, parental leave, and retirement programs. These benefits reflect our commitment to supporting the well-being and financial security of our employees. For more information please visit: https://www.winthrop.edu/hr/employee-benefits.aspx. 
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications

• Candidates should hold a terminal degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or Architecture. Candidates holding a bachelor's degree within these disciplines, with significant teaching and professional experience deemed equivalent to a terminal degree may be considered.
• Proficiency with industry-standard software (e.g. AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and/or Bluebeam), as well as experience creating contract documentation using 3D software.  
• Candidates should have National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) certification or eligibility to pass the NCIDQ exam.
• Record of teaching, scholarship, and professional activity.
• Evidence of teaching excellence.
• Willingness to collaborate, communicate, and contribute to the growth of the department.

 Desirable Qualifications

• Three to five years professional practice in Interior Design, Architecture, or a closely related professional field.
• Two years of university-level teaching experience.
• Technology Integration such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), virtual reality (VR), or other digital tools that enhance the design process.
• Environmentally Conscious Design.

 
Application Instructions:
Interested individuals are encouraged to submit their credentials as soon as possible for full consideration. Complete applications should be submitted by November 6, 2024 at 11:59 pm EST, and should include:

• A cover letter addressing interest in and qualifications for the position.
• A current curriculum vitae.
• Evidence of teaching excellence, a teaching philosophy, and up to 20 images of student work with descriptions for each (PDF).
• A statement outlining the candidate's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Evidence of the candidate's creative or scholarly work (PDF).
• The names, emails, and phone numbers for 3 references.
• Transcript and evidence of highest degree achieved (unofficial transcripts acceptable at this stage).

 All applications and nominations will be handled in confidence.  Questions about the position and nominations should be directed to Department of Design Chair, Professor Jason Tselentis: tselentisj@winthrop.edu
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Winthrop University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group of individuals on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

---