Director of Fashion Programs, Executive and Professional Studies

Since our founding in 1919, The New School has pushed the boundaries of knowledge, creativity, and societal engagement. Today, we are a comprehensive university with a unique multi-dimensional academic approach designed to foster deep critical thinking and creative problem-solving, enabling students to actualize their potential and vision. 

The New School’s Continuing and Professional Education (CPE), is embarking on a substantial growth strategy and seeking an innovative, results-oriented, and experienced professional to join its team to help drive this growth. Within this division, Parsons Executive Education develops innovative programs to equip bold leaders with the necessary mindsets, methods, and tools to navigate and leverage uncertainty in a rapidly changing world. CPE programs are geared to the life-long and executive learners and are designed to advance professional learning at the forefront of pressing global challenges. CPE programs are currently framed by the topics of Climate Futures, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice, Making and Materiality and Creativity and Innovation. 

Reporting to the Vice Provost And Academic Dean for Continuing And Professional Education, the Director of Fashion Programs, Executive and Professional Studies is a close partner of the Director, Parsons Executive Education. The role is primarily responsible for curriculum development, strategic outreach with industries and partnerships, senior coordination with academic partners, and teaching in the executive education area. 

We seek candidates whose professional/creative practice includes senior leadership experience in fashion and the business of fashion, a teaching trajectory, and a deep interest in shaping the future of these fields through professional learning, partner engagement, and new initiative development. 

Consistent with the Parsons Executive Education and CPE division, candidates should demonstrate a desire to collaboratively discover, prototype, and teach next-generation practices within the fashion industry in one or more of the following areas: fashion industry futures - management, innovation and leadership; the stakeholder economy; fashion industry sustainability and circularity; and the global luxury market.  

The ideal candidate for this position has a demonstrated track record of cultivating and overseeing successful, cutting edge fashion industry collaboration; graduate and/or professional level teaching and learning; sound business acumen; a flexible and collegial interpersonal style; and deep experience in advocating for and advancing design-led practice with C-suite leaders and adjacent industries. 

The New School is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and particularly seeks applications from members of underrepresented groups and candidates who share this commitment.

Responsibilities:

Curricular development

• Collaborate closely with the Vice Provost, CPE colleagues in the Academic Division, and academic leadership at Parsons School of Design to develop fashion programs in the Continuing and Professional Education division of the University. In this capacity, create a systematic plan to help build the curriculum for a suite of new and innovative programs in the non-credit and executive education field with a focus on the adult learner.

• In consultation with the Director, Parsons Executive Education and academic leadership at Parsons School of Design, identify faculty expertise for the instruction and delivery of non-credit and executive programs and oversee their successful planning and the delivery of these programs for the division.

Strategic outreach with industry and partnerships 

• Conduct strategic outreach with various industry partners and external organizations and leading individuals in the sector that may contribute to new alliances and networks to make new program development successful. These activities range from industry connections that will inform content development, enrollment growth, and delivery of targeted sponsorships. This portfolio of work will be closely supported by and coordinated with advising, marketing, and sales teams within CPE and be driven by a market-driven approach to uncover opportunities for new program development in executive education (open enrollment and custom programs).

• Liaise and coordinate with the N-Ventures team to discuss collaborations with external parties and industry funders that could help drive new ventures and business opportunities for the entrepreneurial division of the university.

• In collaboration with colleagues, identify opportunities to promote the Parsons Executive Education brand, platform and programs through presentation, publication, and thought leadership

Senior coordination of programs and teaching in the non-credit space

• Provide high-level curricular coordination to Parsons Executive Education colleagues, faculty, and stakeholders on programmatic vision, frameworks, content, evolution, and follow­ up for courses undertaken in the division. These activities may include participating in partnered programs with other academic institutions, such as ESSEC Business School, for the executive education space.

• Participate as lead coordinator and/or faculty in executive education for open enrollment, long-form programs and in custom executive education, committing to a select number of learning experiences annually delivered in on-site, online or hybrid formats 

 Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required

• This position is based in New York City

• 10+ years Creative Leadership experience in the fashion industry and fashion business, and academic environments

• A clear understanding of the global fashion industry and a track record of commitment to its flourishment 

• A history of initiating and executing successful collaborations and new initiatives with demonstrable positive impact

• Online and In-person teaching and learning expertise in the graduate level and/or professional space, and working knowledge of adult education technologies 

• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills, including the ability to effectively interact with a diverse network and audience, and proven ability to build successful relationships

• Strong presentation and advocacy skills 

• Able to support, contribute to, and strengthen a vibrant, culturally diverse, and inclusive learning community of participants, alumni, faculty, and fellow professionals

• Ability to adhere to University Covid-19 policy and requirements

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in a related field

• Evidence of long-term collaboration with global partners with demonstrable positive impact 

• Interest in contributing to the development of a vibrant and relevant learning ecosystem for adults and executives to advance the Parsons’ brand and renown in design

Work Mode:

Hybrid/Remote - Employees hired for this position primarily work remotely with the occasional on-campus presence required with advanced notice. Employees in this role will also be expected to use their best judgment to be on campus when necessary in order to best fulfill the responsibilities of their job descriptions. 

Salary Range:

$135,000 - $145,000

We look forward to receiving your application!