What are the responsibilities and job description for the Adjunct Faculty, Fashion Design (Fall 2026) position at Dominican University?
Adjunct Faculty, Fashion Design (Fall 2026)
Position Available: Fall Semester (August 26 - December 13, 2026) Spring Semester (January 11 - May 5, 2027)
FLSA Status: Exempt (salary)
Job Status: Part-time Faculty (non-tenure track)
Position Summary:
The Fashion Department at Dominican University is seeking dynamic, experienced individuals to join us as Adjunct Instructors for the 2026-2027 academic year. As an integral part of our team, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the education and development of aspiring fashion professionals in a vibrant and innovative learning environment.
Courses Offered:
FASH 150:
- Format: In Person | Fall 2026 | Fridays, 11:30–2:10 PM
- Description: This course introduces the foundational techniques of garment construction through both hand and machine sewing. Students learn essential stitches, zipper applications, buttonholes, darts, and a range of seam finishes, while also becoming familiar with sewing machine parts and proper fabric handling. Emphasis is placed on understanding grainlines, pattern layout, and key construction tools such as interfacing and pressing equipment. Throughout the course, students apply these skills to create and fit a wearable garment, developing both technical precision and an understanding of proper fit.
FASH 365 Fashion Illustration:
- Format: In Person | Fall 2026 | Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00–9:15 AM
- Description: This course builds advanced skills in fashion illustration, focusing on drawing men and women, posing the figure, developing facial features, and adding garment details and accessories. Students create mood boards that capture color, silhouette, and overall design inspiration, and develop a designer statement that reflects a cohesive creative vision. Emphasis is placed on clearly communicating the design process and sources of inspiration. Using both traditional and digital techniques, students translate their ideas into a fully developed fashion collection presented in two-dimensional form.
FASH 256 Textiles Science:
- Format: In Person | Spring 2027 | Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00–9:15 AM
- Description: This course introduces students to textile fibers, fabrics, and finishes, with an emphasis on how material choices influence the appearance, performance, and care of apparel products. Students explore natural and manufactured textiles, their origins, and basic production processes. Emphasis is placed on developing textile vocabulary, evaluating fabric performance, and making informed decisions in the selection, use, and care of apparel.
Required Qualifications:
- Master's degree in Design or Fashion, or a Bachelor's degree with at least five years of relevant experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- At least 2 years of demonstrated teaching experience (experience with Canvas Learning Management System preferred).
- Previous teaching experience.
- Technologically savvy with a proactive approach to incorporating creative resources into teaching.
- Self-motivated, reliable, and responsible, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
Responsibilities:
Adjunct faculty are responsible for the following:
- Facilitate engaging and interactive classes.
- Provide mentorship and guidance to students in the Fashion Design discipline.
- Stay abreast of industry trends and incorporate the latest tools and technologies into your teaching.
- Attend four virtual meetings with the fashion department during one academic school year.
To Apply:
Dominican University will accept applications for this position until it is filled.
Please submit a
(1) CV/resume, including a list of references
(2) Cover letter
(3) A one to two-page teaching philosophy statement
Please submit a
(1) CV/resume, including a list of references
(2) Cover letter
(3) A one to two-page teaching philosophy statement
Official transcripts will be required of finalists; submission instructions will be provided to applicants as necessary.
Physical Demands
- Ability to spend moderate durations of the workday standing or walking around
- Ability to lift up to 15 pounds at times (applicable for on-campus positions)
- Note: accommodation will be made for applicants who cannot meet these physical demands
Salary and FLSA Status
- Salary: $1800 - $3200. The actual pay is determined based on credentials, experience, course level, and the number of credit hours.
- FLSA Status: Exempt, Part-Time
Employment at Dominican University is contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation.
About Dominican University
Dominican University is a Catholic, comprehensive teaching university located in River Forest, a suburb of Chicago, with an additional campus in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Dominican University offers associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It is highly regarded for its academic rigor, thoughtful accompaniment of students, intentional affordability, and values-based, relationship-centered learning environment.
Dominican currently enrolls over 3,800 students, including 2,690 undergraduates and 1,114 graduate students. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of undergraduate students identify as Latinx, 5% as Black or African American, and 3% as Asian. Under-represented minority students comprise 77% of the undergraduate enrollment and 38% of the graduate enrollment. Over 90 percent of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid. Nearly half of all undergraduates are first-generation college students; over half are federal Pell Grant recipients, illustrating their families’ level of income; and 58% are eligible for low-income MAP grants from the State of Illinois.
Recognized since 2011 as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, Dominican is committed to expanding and enhancing educational opportunities for Latinx students and all students from historically underrepresented groups. For more information, visit www.dom.edu.
Expectations for all Dominican Employees
To support the University's mission of preparing students to pursue truth, give compassionate service, and participate in the creation of a more just and humane world, engage in university service work that promotes collaboration and community building. This includes participating in organizational initiatives, supporting campus events, contributing to community outreach, and fostering a supportive environment through involvement in various staff-driven activities and groups.
Institutional Statement
Dominican University is committed to fostering a supportive academic community that provides access and opportunity for all our students.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Dominican University is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal and state employment regulations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need accommodations due to a disability, you may contact us at opc@dom.edu for assistance.
Salary : $1,800 - $3,200