Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) - Fiber

POSITION TITLE: Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) Fiber

DIVISION: Academic Affairs

DEPARTMENT: Fiber

REPORTS TO: Chair of Fiber

PAY TYPE: Exempt

WORKER TYPE: Full-Time

UPDATED: September 2026

PAY: $60,858.48 - $64,592.97 

The Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) seeks a collaborative and visionary colleague for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Fiber appointment, beginning August 2027. The successful candidate will join a department that values collaboration, material exploration, craftsmanship, traditional fiber skills and conceptual rigor, contributing to an inclusive and supportive studio culture that prepares students for meaningful creative lives and professional practice. 

Persons filling this position will be expected to engage in research and creative activity, provide service to the department and the Institute, and build knowledge, commitment, and motivation in undergraduate sophomores through seniors and non-majors. Faculty work collaboratively to reimagine curricula, cultivate a vibrant studio culture, expand the use of shared learning spaces and resources, and strengthen student engagement with fiber in relation to other disciplines and the broader art and design context.

We invite applications from artist-educators who are committed to contemporary conceptual and technical approaches within the field of fiber while honoring the medium’s rich history. The ideal candidate will be well-versed in a broad range of weaving and yarn dyeing techniques across the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. They will have an extensive understanding of woven structures and their potential for two- and three-dimensional work, as well as the ability to teach a range of courses in weaving and related technologies, including yarn construction, dyeing, and fiber properties.

The candidate must be experienced with standard 8 harness floor looms, mechanical and computer dobby AVL looms and the TC-2 Jacquard loom. Prior experience teaching intermediate and advanced floor loom and Jacquard classes is preferred. Familiarity with Fiberworks PCW and Pointcarre software is desirable. 

Candidates should demonstrate expertise in their field and professional work that shows a high level of proficiency, commitment to the ongoing evolution of weaving within the broader textile field. They must be knowledgeable about the history of weaving and well versed in contemporary weaving applications. Candidates should also have some knowledge of related fiber practices, which may include yarn dyeing, off-loom construction, and/or fashion/garment construction. The ideal candidate will support students interested in pursuing weaving across a range of contexts, including fine art, fashion, interior and architectural applications, and contemporary craft.

Essential Functional Responsibilities: 

• Faculty at KCAI engage in teaching, creative practice, and service to both the department and the college community. The successful candidate will: 

• Teach undergraduate courses across all levels of the fiber curriculum (3/3 teaching load). 

• Develop and deliver coursework integrating conceptual, technical, and professional practice components. 

• Mentor students toward academic and professional success. 

• Maintain an active, creative, or research practice with professional visibility. 

• Participate in collaborative departmental initiatives, including co-teaching and interdisciplinary projects.

• Contribute to departmental operations such as studio management, safety, and resource development. 

• Provide service to the College through Faculty Assembly participation, recruitment efforts, and other service activities. 

• Other duties as assigned.

Supervises the following:

• N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:

• Deep engagement in a professional artistic practice centered in fiber media. 

• Demonstrated ability to translate conceptual and technical knowledge into effective studio instruction.

• Strong understanding of how historical and contemporary contexts inform current practice and pedagogy in fiber.

• Experience with standard 8 harness floor looms, mechanical and computer dobby AVL looms and the TC-2 Jacquard loom

• Working knowledge of Fiberworks PCW and Pointcarre software is desirable

• Interest in integrating digital tools and emerging technologies into creative and instructional practice. 

• Capacity to mentor students in developing a sustainable, professional practice within the field of art and design. 

• Clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal. 

• Collaborative approach to teaching, learning, and departmental service that supports an inclusive and engaged studio culture. 

• Strong organizational and studio management abilities. 

Required Experience/Education:

• MFA in Fiber or a closely related field. 

• Evidence of professional achievement and ongoing creative research in fiber. 

• Demonstrated record of college-level teaching effectiveness from beginning, intermediate to advanced

• Proficiency with fiber skills including yarn construction, dyeing, printing, off-loom construction and fiber properties

• Knowledge of historical and contemporary fiber within art and design contexts. 

• Proven ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students in a collegial and inclusive environment. 

• Commitment to equitable, student-centered, and experiential learning practices. 

Preferred Experience/Education:

• Record of three or more years of exhibitions, publications, or presentations at regional, national, or international levels and/or related industry experience

• Engagement with interdisciplinary or community-based practices. 

• Experience guiding students pursuing weaving for fine arts, fashion and interior/architectural applications and Craft.

• Experience in studio management, safety oversight, or curriculum development. 

• Knowledge of garment construction and the fashion industry would be desirable

Application Materials (PDF PREFERRED)

• Cover letter 

• CV (include references)

• Artist Statement 

• Teaching Philosophy 

• Portfolio (15-20 images)

• Student Images (10 - 20 supervised student works, primarily in weaving/textiles)

Applications received by January 18, 2027, will receive full consideration. 

Application materials (PDF Preferred) should be submitted through the portal at https://kcai.edu/employment/

Statement

Driven by exploration, curiosity, and passion, it is Kansas City Art Institute’s mission to educate artists and designers while honoring the distinct journeys of students. We create a community that equips students to become leaders who leverage the creative process to transform the future. Our excellence is integrated in our community, rich with varied experiences and perspectives from faculty, staff, students, and alumni. We invest in continuous growth by cultivating a culture of creativity, care and belonging—a climate where respectful dialogue thrives and individuals are seen, valued, and encouraged to achieve their full potential and accomplish remarkable things.

KCAI is committed to attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified candidates for employment without regard to any characteristic prohibited by federal, state, or local law. KCAI provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in the job application process. If you have difficulty using our online system and require accommodation due to a disability, contact the Human Resources Department about your interest in employment. Any questions or concerns can be directed to KCAI’s Human Resource Administrator at hr@kcai.edu.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Salary : $60,858 - $64,593