Apparel and Merchandising - Instructor - Open Pool

Colorado State University; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

The Department of Design and Merchandising at Colorado State University seeks part-time adjunct instructors to teach courses in apparel design, product development, and merchandising for the 2026-27 academic year (a 9-month position). The role covers topics from fashion industries to fashion show production, requiring expertise in apparel design, patternmaking, and merchandising.

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree, have university teaching experience, and may also bring master’s degree

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate discipline is required.
• A minimum of 2 years of industry experience (e.g., fashion/apparel industry, business, or museums).
• Demonstrated university-level teaching experience.
• Master’s degree in an appropriate discipline preferred.
• Experience with industry software such as Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop, CAD, Excel, Lectra, 3-D CLO, Optitex, PLM preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses in apparel design, product development, and/or merchandising.

Skills

Teaching

Course design

Apparel merchandising

Education

Bachelor’s degree

2+ years industry experience

University-level teaching experience

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

CAD

Excel

Lectra

3-D CLO

Optitex

PLM

Job description

Fort Collins, CO

R2026106403

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Department of Design and Merchandising seeks applications for part-time, adjunct instructor(s) to teach courses in the Apparel and Merchandising program for the 2026-27 academic year (9-month position). Qualified applicants will have the expertise to teach courses in apparel design, product development, and/or merchandising, such as fashion industries, design appreciation, apparel construction, patternmaking, draping, historic textiles/costume, product development, merchandising, entrepreneurship, and/or fashion show production/event planning.

To learn more about the Department of Design and Merchandising (DM), please visit: https://www.chhs.colostate.edu/dm

Salary Range:

$60,000 - $80,000

Essential Job Duties:

• Teach courses in apparel design, product development, and/or merchandising.

Conditions of Employment:

Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires).

Supervision:

This position reports to the Department Head of Design and Merchandising.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate discipline is required.
• A minimum of 2 years of industry experience (e.g., in fashion/apparel industry, business, or museums).
• Demonstrated university-level teaching experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in an appropriate discipline.
• Experience/expertise with industry software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, CAD, Excel, Lectra, 3-D CLO, Optitex, PLM).

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world‑class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work‑life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here. (http://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)
• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator. (http://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/)
• Lastly, for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Inspired by its land‑grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.

Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.