Program Director - Interior Design

Position Overview

Gallatin College—Southwest Montana’s two‑year college at Montana State University—offers associate degrees and one‑year professional certificates. The college complements MSU’s four‑year programs and expands access to workforce education that supports a vibrant local economy. The Interior Design Program (AAS) prepares students for employment in the interior design profession through hands‑on, student‑centered learning.

The Gallatin College Interior Design Program Director is responsible for the day‑to‑day operations and the academic quality of the program. This includes leading faculty teams, advancing curriculum and assessment, developing, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive program of lectures, labs, and student support; teaching; and maintaining active industry partnerships.

• Oversee daily program operations; ensure academic quality and compliance with state/federal law, college policy, and accreditation standards.
• Recruit, hire, supervise, and manage 4–10 part‑time faculty; ensure instructional quality is aligned with industry and accreditation expectations.
• Manage course scheduling, budget and purchasing, and studio/lab operations (equipment, software licensing, inventory, and upkeep).
• Coordinate program activities and represent the program within Gallatin College; serve on campus committees to foster a supportive institutional climate.

• Teach at least two courses per semester within Interior Design (e.g., studios, visualization, materials, building systems/codes, professional practice, portfolio). A higher teaching load may be assigned if appointed on a tenure‑track line.
• Provide evening availability to support students and faculty as needed.
• Support academic advising in partnership with the student success team—from orientation through graduation.
• Implement student tracking systems; collect and monitor retention, graduation, and placement data to improve outcomes.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve a comprehensive program of lectures, labs, and student support.
• Lead annual program assessment and reporting; evaluate student learning and stakeholder (student, alumni, employer) satisfaction.
• Monitor national trends and emerging practices; initiate program improvements (including new courses or credentials) as appropriate.
• Pursue relevant industry accreditation (e.g., CIDA or similar), strengthen curriculum alignment, and maintain industry connection.

• Foster positive student and industry relations; convene the Interior Design Advisory Board each semester and coordinate industry/student events.
• Build and sustain partnerships for internships, live projects, mentorship, and job placement.
• Network with local and state interior design partners and associations; represent the program with professionalism and collaborative spirit.
• Work closely with the Building Trades, Design & CAD Program Director on shared faculty, scheduling, and curriculum that supports both programs.
• Align and collaborate with MSU’s College of Arts and Architecture.
• Participate as needed on Gallatin College and MSU internal committees.

• Associate’s degree in interior design or related field.
• 10 years demonstrated professional experience in interior design (private and/or public).
• Demonstrated experience networking with local or state interior design partners.
• Demonstrated experience teaching or training in an educational setting or as an industry trainer.
• At least one of the following credentials/certifications: LEED‑AP, WELL‑AP, NCIDQ certification.
• Understand requirements needed to gain NCIDQ Certification.
• Demonstrated proficiency in CAD and Revit.

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
• NCIDQ Certification.
• College or university teaching experience.
• Experience in academic administration in a technical or community college.
• Use of instructional technology beyond basic computer skills.
• Use of simulation technology for teaching‑learning; experience with simulation…