Faculty Specialist - Professional Specialist - Richmond Institute Design and Innovation - Terminal

Position: Faculty Specialist I - Professional Specialist - Richmond Institute for Design and Innovation - Terminal 1 Year
Western Michigan University invites applications for the position of Faculty Specialist 1 - Professional Specialist in the Richmond Institute for Design + Innovation (RID+I) in the College of Fine Arts. This is a 1-year (academic year) terminal position with the possibility of renewal contingent upon enrollment and adequate funding. The anticipated start date is Fall 2026.

RID+I seeks a dynamic faculty member to teach courses in design foundations with a focus on materials, fabrication, and craft. This position emphasizes hands-on making, experimentation with materials, and the integration of digital and physical fabrication techniques. The successful candidate will prepare students to engage critically with material properties, sustainability, and fabrication methods across interior architecture, product design, and interdisciplinary design contexts.

Major Duties

* Teach courses within the professional curriculum, such as design studios, materials, lectures, seminars, multi-disciplinary courses, and workshops.

* Work with program coordinators and faculty team to maintain NASAD and CIDA accredited status.

* Support pedagogies in sustainability, applied technology and social-based design with the development of coursework.

* Assist in annual program events such as portfolio review, lecture series, design charettes and portfolio archiving.

* Assist with managing materials lab for Interior Architecture + Design and Product Design.

* Hold office hours, maintain academic standards, and perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

* A graduate degree in architecture or design-related discipline from an accredited institution (MFA, M.Arch, or equivalent), or international equivalent with a minimum of one studio-based degree in a design discipline or architecture from an accredited institution. Or, a studio-based Bachelor's degree in architecture or design-related discipline from an accredited institution with at least 5 years of work experience.

* Demonstrated abilities and competencies in the following:

* Knowledge of contemporary design theory and practice.

* Proficiency in digital software.

* Experience with online/hybrid teaching.

* Excellent communication and presentation skills.

* Ability to inspire and motivate students.

* Strong organizational and time management skills.

* Collaborative and problem-solving skills.

* Commitment to continuous learning.

Desired Qualifications Special Instructions to Applicants

Required application documents:

* A current CV.

* A cover letter that directly addresses your experience(s) with the minimum qualifications and job duties.

* A list of 3 references (one of which must be your current or most recent supervisor).

Additional Position Information

The review of complete applications is in progress and will continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, application materials should be received by January 10, 2026.

Go To: wmich.edu/hr/employees/faculty for benefits and other information.