TENURE-TRACK ASSISTANT PROFESSOR POSITIONS IN FASHION

The Department of Fashion at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) invites applications for two full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professors. Positions begin in August of 2026 subject to final budgetary approval. Salary is competitive with peer institutions and commensurate with quality of practice, scholarship, academic research, extent of teaching experience, and current professional standing.

Compensation: $79,690 - $83,998 per year.

Benefits information for this position can be found linked below:

https://articbenguide.com/whos-eligible/

DEPARTMENT PROFILE

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Department of Fashion Design is situated within a leading interdisciplinary art and design school. Offering extensive undergraduate course offerings, and a Master of Fine Art Degree in Fashion, Body and Garment, the department serves students at varying stages of their academic training in fashion design and related fields. Students study an approach to design rooted in a conceptual understanding of making and fashion. Our students engage in a range of research practices, design, and construction methodologies - from collection design and avant-garde pattern cutting to knitwear and shoe making. SAIC fashion students benefit from a rigorous artistic and professionally oriented curriculum that engages in current conversation at the forefront of art and design.

Further information about the department can be found at https://www.saic.edu/fashion-design.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Full-time faculty in Fashion teach and advise undergraduate and graduate students within the interdisciplinary art and design school environment of SAIC.

The successful candidates will demonstrate experience teaching the full range of the introductory, intermediate, and advanced design and construction curriculum, including courses emphasizing collection design, knitwear, sustainability in fashion design, digital advances in fashion technology (such as Clo 3D).

Full-time faculty in Fashion Design are expected to guide students in developing a research-driven approach to fashion design by integrating material exploration, conceptual development, and construction methodologies. They will support students in translating ideas into cohesive bodies of work through both traditional and experimental techniques, fostering innovation and critical thinking throughout the design process. Full-time faculty across the school participate in the SAIC community through ongoing curricular development, departmental administration, school governance, and service to the school and department.

QUALIFICATIONS

An MFA or a terminal degree in a relevant field of study is preferred. Significant teaching experience is preferred.

The successful candidate will bring a strong background in collection design and/or knitwear grounded in sustainability and/or emerging technologies such as Clo-3D, AI. The ideal candidate has an active professional design practice and has presented or contributed to innovative collections through a fashion house, independent label, or exhibitions. The ideal candidate will contribute to the diversity of the School by bringing a perspective, way of thinking, and/or a unique set of experiences that expand the intellectual conversations and practices in the field. We seek candidates with the knowledge and aptitude to teach and mentor students from diverse backgrounds. Candidates should demonstrate their experience with, or aptitude for, departmental administration as service will be expected.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Applicants are encouraged to apply by September 15th, 2025 for full consideration. Please submit application materials via https://saicfaculty.slideroom.com/#/Login. You will be asked to create an account after which time you may complete the application, which consists of fill-in fields and required documents to upload. You are encouraged to begin the application well before the priority deadline.

Complete the fields for educational background; current position; and contact information for three professional references.

Please convert all word documents into PDFs before uploading. Required files to upload include:

• cover letter stating your interests and qualifications
• curriculum vitae
• statement of teaching philosophy including details on how your teaching has supported the success of students from a range of backgrounds
• statement of research and practice
• documentation of a selection of professional work
• 3 examples of course syllabi
  

All applicants for this position must complete and sign a Prior Workplace Conduct Declaration as part of their initial application materials in order to be considered as a candidate and sign a release authorizing SAIC to conduct a misconduct reference check should the candidate ultimately be selected as a finalist for the position.

QUESTIONS

Questions regarding the School and its open positions, application procedures, or the search process may be emailed to saicteach@saic.edu. Please consult www.saic.edu for information on the School and its programs, or https://www.saic.edu/about/work-at-saic for open positions and application procedures.

ABOUT SAIC

A leader in educating artists, designers, and scholars since 1866, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate programs to students from across the globe. Located in the heart of Chicago, the School is one of the largest and oldest private schools of art and design in the country with programs reflecting current practices in art. SAIC's educational philosophy is built upon a transdisciplinary approach to art and design that provides unparalleled opportunities for students to develop their creative and critical abilities with renowned faculty who are leading practitioners in their fields. SAIC's resources include the Art Institute of Chicago and its Modern Wing, and numerous special collections and programming venues that provide students with exceptional exhibitions, screenings, lectures, and performances. The campus is located on Chicago’s magnificent lakefront amid the city’s cultural and architectural treasures.

Degree tracks include the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio; BFA with Emphasis in Art Education or Writing; BA degrees in Art History and Visual and Critical Studies; Master of Architecture; Master of Design (MDes) in Designed Objects; MFA in Fashion, Body, and Garment; MFA in Studio or Writing; MA degrees in Arts Administration; Art Education; Art History, Theory, and Criticism; Art Therapy; Teaching; Visual and Critical Studies; and a Master of Science in Historic Preservation.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Art Institute of Chicago, including both the school and the museum, is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for its students, visitors, faculty, and staff, and to ensuring that educational and employment decisions are based on an individual’s abilities and qualifications. The Art Institute of Chicago does not tolerate unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or former military status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, in its programs and activities, public accommodations or employment practices. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator

Lakeview Building, 116 S. Michigan Ave., 12th floor, Chicago, IL 60603, 312.499.4165, title9@saic.edu

For further information on notice of nondiscrimination, see the Office for Civil Rights Discrimination Complaint Form for the address and phone number of the office that serves your area, or call 800.421.3481.