Department Chair of Industrial Design

Position Title:

Department Chair of Industrial Design

Appointment Type:

Faculty

Job Description:

The Department of Industrial Design in the College of Design at Iowa State University is seeking a dynamic and accomplished leader, with an interest in collaborative and interdisciplinary design education, to join the faculty in the role of Department Chair at the rank of associate professor or professor with tenure. This position is a full-time appointment (9-month with summer support). The anticipated start date is July 1, 2027.

The Chair is the designated executive officer of the department and is responsible for leadership and oversight of central departmental administrative operations. In this capacity, the Chair serves at the pleasure of the Dean of the College of Design. We are looking for someone with a passion for design education, a commitment to excellence, and the ability to advance all three dimensions of the land-grant mission: education, research/creative inquiry, and outreach.

Founded in 2010, our department is young, growing, and open to new ideas. The next Chair will have the chance to shape what it becomes: its curriculum, its research and industry partnerships, and its culture. We want a collaborative, open communicator who enjoys helping faculty and students do their best work.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Position Responsibilities:

• Articulate and advocate for the department’s mission, values and priorities within the University and beyond;

• Lead strategic planning with faculty, setting clear goals for the department’s growth and direction;

• Oversee curriculum development, course scheduling and teaching assignments, program assessment and accreditation;

• Manage the departmental budget and shared governance, and supervise departmental faculty;

• Recruit, hire, and retain excellent faculty, conduct annual reviews, and support faculty development at every career stage;

• Strengthen inter-disciplinary connections with programs across the College and University, and build relationships with communities, professionals, alumni, donors and industry partners;

• Support department, college and university efforts in student recruitment, marketing, communication, and fundraising;

• Actively promote and expand the reach of industrial design across the state, increasing national recognition of the program and our graduates;

• Represent department and college at professional organizations and/or academic symposia;

• Foster a welcoming, respectful, and supportive environment for all students and faculty;

• Guide faculty through promotion and tenure and term-faculty advancement reviews, in line with college and university policies.

• Maintain an active program of research, creative work, or professional practice, and teach as appropriate to the appointment;
   

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Terminal degree (MFA, MID, or PhD) in industrial design, product design or a closely related field;

• Record of scholarship, creative work, and/or professional accomplishment that qualifies for appointment at the rank of associate professor or full professor with tenure at Iowa State University;
   

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in product/industrial design or design-related fields;

• Demonstrated experience in academic administration and/or supervisory experience, including fiscal and personnel management;

• Experience building industry partnerships;

• Record of successful funded research or recognized professional accomplishment in industrial design practice;

• Active engagement in interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary collaborations.

Department/Program & College Description:

The Department of Industrial Design was formed in 2010 as part of the College’s expansion plan and endeavor to create the most comprehensive college of design in the region. The department was formed with a vision to bridge the intersections between design academics, practitioners and end-users, by exploring new models, tools and modes of working that strengthen design practice, support social and growth development and build a world-class learning environment. The department includes 11 faculty members, and approximately 210 undergraduate and 13 graduate students. The Industrial Design department offers a Bachelor of Industrial Design (BID) and a Master of Industrial Design (MID). Both the undergraduate and graduate programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

The undergraduate program includes cross-disciplinary studios, minors, industry-sponsored projects, study abroad and internships. The department has built strategic collaborations with highly ranked programs across campus, including mechanical engineering, apparel design and business, and we offer a concurrent degree that leads to both a BID and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Our faculty also teach alongside Graphic Design faculty in the newly established undergraduate Minor in User Experience Design and the online Master of Arts in User Experience Design.

The College of Design brings together architecture, art and visual culture, graphic design, industrial design, interior design, landscape architecture, and urban planning and development so working across disciplines is part of everyday life. Iowa State is located in Ames, a friendly and affordable college town about 30 miles north of Des Moines.
 

Department Unit/Website:

https://www.design.iastate.edu/ 

Proposed Start Date:

July 1, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

09 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

(1) a letter of interest describing your leadership approach and your vision for the department,

(2) a curriculum vitae,

(3) a portfolio or summary of your research, creative work, or professional practice, and

(4) contact information for [three to five] references.

Review of applications will begin on January 15 and will continue until the position is filled. Questions about the search can be sent to Search Committee Chair Paul Bruski, Department Chair of Graphic Design, [email protected].

Why Choose ISU?

Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date:

November 10, 2026

Posting Close Date:

Job Requisition Number:

R20222

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.