Chair, BFA Interior Design

The School of Visual Arts (SVA) is pleased to announce a search for its next Chair of the BFA Interior Design Program.  The new chair of the program will have the distinct opportunity to build upon the substantial success of the distinguished former chair, and to lead the program’s faculty and students into the next chapter of the department’s evolution.

SVA invites nominations and applications for the position of a full-time department chair of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in (BFA) Interior Design program.  The Chair is responsible for the overall management and future direction of department’s academic programs, in accordance with SVA’s mission and in support of the institution’s strategic plan.  The Chair ensures that the BFA program remains in compliance with the Council for Interior Design Accreditation accreditation requirements, and keeps abreast of developments in the New York City and State Departments of Education mandates and requirements.  The successful candidate will be expected to begin on August 1, 2018.

Program Description

BFA Interior Design is all about possibility—the possibility of imagining a space for people to live, work and play in and then moving that space from concept to design to reality. Taught by award-winning designers, architects and artists, students learn to integrate the latest technology and materials with time-tested processes and principles of design. The faculty and curriculum are guided by a commitment to sustainability, the interplay between art and design and the responsibility of design to address social issues.

Working in an environment akin to a professional design studio, students are encouraged to think like architects and engineers as well as designers, and to take creative risks and flex with changes in our culture. With unlimited access to the department studio, computer lab and printing room, they have the opportunity to explore the power of both pencil and computer.

Because good design begins with good thinking, required coursework deals with the humanities and sciences as well as the history of interiors and architecture. Students are informed and inspired by the diversity of New York City; conversations with faculty, guest lecturers and classmates; and by visits to museums, physical and virtual libraries, galleries and showrooms.  

Responsibilities

• Manage a staff of 2 full-time administrative employees and approximately 25 faculty.
• Recruit, develop, and inspire a cohort of faculty whose pedagogy and research support the highest standards of interior design, including performance evaluations and recommendations concerning contracts and teaching assignments, as applicable.
• Responsible for actively engaging with external partners-colleagues and industry professionals in an effort to continuously raise the profile of the program.
• Prepare course schedules and catalog descriptions, and the assignment of faculty to their courses.
• Manage and oversee the department’s academic and administrative operations;
• Collaborate with the Registrar and the Office of Academic Affairs in class scheduling, class cancellations, and other detailed matters relating to the administration of the academic calendar.
• Complete mandated state, federal and accreditation reports, as well as oversee accreditation site visits.
• Develop the Interior Design Department annual budget and monitor ongoing expenditures within approved categories and limits.
• Manage the departmental assessment system and implement changes as needed.
• Participate in professional interior design organizations at the state and national levels.
• Perform the duties of a full-time faculty member, including teaching eight credits per academic year, advise and mentor students, and participate in other activities of the Department and College, as requested.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree required.
• Substantial professional experience in interior design.
• Evidence of contributions/service to the development of interior design.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching courses in interior design.
• Five to ten years of progressively responsible experience in higher education.
• Prior supervisory experience, preferably in an educational environment.
• Experience with student recruitment and retention.
• Proven ability to acquire external funding through grants for partnerships and special programs.
• A demonstrable commitment to the mission and core values of School of Visual Arts.

Application Procedure:

For full consideration, please send a letter of interests that describes how your experience and interests fulfill the requirements of this position, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching interests/ philosophy, and list of names and full contact information for three professional references.

Application review will begin immediately.  To be assured of full consideration, please submit all materials by June 11, 2018, as PDF documents, to SVA-ChairSearch@sva.edu. 

No walk-ins or phone calls please.

School of Visual Arts is an EEO employer.  Women and applicants of color are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

About The School of Visual Arts

School of Visual Arts has been a leader in the education of artists, designers and creative professionals for nearly seven decades. With a faculty of distinguished working professionals, dynamic curriculum and an emphasis on critical thinking, SVA is a catalyst for innovation and social responsibility. Comprised of more than 6,000 students at its Manhattan campus and 35,000 alumni in 100 countries, SVA also represents one of the most influential artistic communities in the world.

The SVA Mission

The mission of the School of Visual Arts is to educate future generations of artists, designers, and creative professionals.