Department Head, Design and Merchandising

Colorado State University; United States; On-site; USD 215,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University invites applications for the Head of the Department of Design and Merchandising. The successful candidate will lead a department of about 30 FTE, guiding teaching, research, and engagement efforts at an R1 land‑grant university.

The role is 75% administrative and 25% research/engagement, with expectations for scholarly leadership, fiscal oversight, philanthropy development, and mentoring graduate students; salary ranges from $215,000 to $225,000 plus benefits.

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in apparel merchandising, interior architecture, textile sciences or related field.
• Academic credentials consistent with a faculty appointment at the rank of Professor with tenure at an R1 University.
• Demonstrated record of a strong research record with national/international recognition.
• Demonstrated leadership in teaching, research, and engagement within a department.
• Experience with fiscal management at the department/school level or higher.
• Experience with development/philanthropy and industry engagement.

Responsibilities

• Administrative leadership within and on behalf of the department.
• Strategic planning and mission alignment.
• Personnel management and supervision of faculty and staff.
• Fiscal management and budget oversight.
• Facility oversight and operational stewardship.
• Partnership on development/philanthropy and industry engagement.
• Grow extramurally funded research portfolio.
• Service on the College cabinet.
• Mentor graduate students and lead research/engagement activities.

Education

Earned doctorate in apparel merchandising, interior architecture, textile sciences or related field

Academic credentials equivalent to Professor with tenure at an R1 University

Job description

Position Summary

The Head of the Department of Design and Merchandising leads a dynamic team of faculty, staff, and students in pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, and engagement. Candidates are expected to have a record of scholarly excellence, academic leadership, and strategic vision consistent with leadership at an R1 land-grant University. You can learn more about the Department of Design and Merchandising here: https://www.chhs.colostate.edu/dm/. Full Consideration Date: To receive full consideration, complete applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on November 8, 2026. Applications received after this date and before the posting closes may be considered but are not guaranteed review. The posting will close at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on November 29, 2026.

Essential Job Duties

The Director role is 75% administrative and 25% research & engagement.

• Administrative responsibilities include: Leadership within and on behalf of the department.
• Strategic planning.
• Personnel management.
• Fiscal management.
• Facility oversight.
• Partnership on development/philanthropy and industry engagement efforts in support of the Department mission.
• Supporting the growth of the Department’s extramurally funded research portfolio.
• Service on the College of Health and Human Sciences cabinet.
• The research and engagement activities include extramurally funded collaborative or independent research, community engagement, and both graduate student and faculty mentoring.

Supervision: The Director supervises all faculty and staff in the Department of Design and Merchandising (~30 FTE).

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment criminal background check required (for all new hires).

Minimum Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in apparel merchandising, interior architecture, textile sciences or related field.
• Academic credentials consistent with a faculty appointment at the rank of Professor with tenure at an R1 University.
• Demonstrated record of a strong research record characterized by national/international recognition.
• Demonstrated record of strategic and innovative leadership in leading teaching, research, and engagement efforts.
• Experience with fiscal management at the department/school level or higher.
• Experience with development/philanthropy and industry engagement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Evidence of university or national leadership in education such as: Professional journal editor or editorial board.
• Professional Society leadership.
• Service on or leadership for national grant review panels (federal or foundation sponsors).
• Evidence of leadership in innovative curriculum development.
• Evidence of innovation in faculty and staff professional development.
• Evidence of excellence in mentoring graduate students.

Salary Range

$215,000 - $225,000

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. Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here. For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator. Lastly, click here 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.

Prospective Employees, click here to learn more about CSU's perks and purpose.

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