FIT NYC Adjunct Faculty Pool- Textile/Surface Design for Print Design

FIT, an internationally renowned college of art and design, business, and technology within the State University of New York, seeks a part-time adjunct faculty member for the Textile/Surface Design Department in the School of Art and Design. The department prepares students for professional excellence in the textile design industry through a design-based curriculum blending conceptual and technological skills, traditional techniques, and digital design.

About the role

The Textile/Surface Design department is recruiting applicants for possible adjunct teaching positions in courses focused on traditional painting, traditional media and CAD, and applied color theory. Candidates should bring practical experience in textile/surface design for fashion and/or home markets, expertise in both traditional and CAD techniques, and the ability to research and analyze color and concept trends. Courses meet once or twice weekly in person at FIT for 15 weeks. Possible courses include:

• TD 115 Introduction to Textile/Surface Design
• TD 116 Color Principles and Practices
• TD 141 Nature Studies
• TD 155 Decorative Fabrics
• TD 206 Advanced Home Textiles
• TD 251 Techniques for Decorative Fabrics and Surfaces
• TD 304 Textile Surface Design for Lifestyle Products
• TD 413 CAD for Portfolio Presentation
• TD 462 Portfolio Collection

Adjunct instructors deliver course material, assess student performance, provide guidance, and submit grades on time. Course descriptions are available in the online catalog.

Responsibilities

• Teach assigned courses in traditional painting, CAD, and applied color theory for textile/surface design.
• Develop and deliver relevant course material aligned with departmental curriculum.
• Assess student performance and provide constructive feedback.
• Guide and assist students both in and out of the classroom.
• Submit grades on time.
• Demonstrate expertise in layout and repeat creation, trend research, and color theory.
• Articulate industry-standard practices and language.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (minimum qualification).
• Minimum of six (6) years of professional experience as a textile designer.
• Strong portfolio showcasing professional work in the textile industry.
• Expertise in traditional drawing and hand painting skills using gouache, dyes, and watercolor.
• Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for textile design (textile-specific software experience a plus).
• Experience in researching trends to develop cohesive print collections and articulate project proposals.
• Comprehensive knowledge of color theory and its practical application in color management.

Qualifications

• Master of Fine Arts or Master of Arts degree or equivalent (preferred).
• College-level teaching experience (preferred).
• Experience as a Senior Designer (preferred).
• Solid understanding of historical and current design and color trends.

Pay

The compensation for this part-time adjunct position is governed by the UCE-FIT Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The base rate is $89.98 per hour based on minimum qualifications. The final rate, step, and appointment rank may vary based on demonstrated qualifications and experience, in accordance with the CBA Adjunct Salary Schedules.

Benefits

FIT provides comprehensive employee benefit programs designed to support faculty and staff health, well-being, and professional growth. Benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, work-life balance programs, and professional development opportunities. For a full list of benefits, visit the FIT benefits webpage.

This is a part-time adjunct teaching position beginning in Spring 2026. Review of applications will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled. The department will maintain this posting to create a pool of candidates for potential future assignments.