Job Description

Chairperson of Interior Design (71100)

Salary: $140,000.00 - $160,000.00 Annually

Location: NY, NY

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 202500259

Department: Interior Design

Closing: 1/23/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

About Pratt

Pratt Institute provides the creative leaders of tomorrow the professional knowledge and experience to make a better world. A world-class and internationally ranked college with programs in art, design, architecture, liberal arts and sciences, and information studies, Pratt offers nearly 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The Institute's impact expands beyond its 25-acre residential campus in Brooklyn to cutting-edge facilities throughout the borough, a landmark building and public gallery in Manhattan, as well as an extension campus, Pratt Munson College of Art and Design in Utica, New York. On Governors Island, Pratt is a core partner on the Stony Brook University team selected to develop the New York Climate Exchange, a research and educational hub poised to establish New York City as the global leader for the most pressing issue of our time: climate change. Another extension of Pratt's campus is the Research Yard, a 20,000-square-foot facility that brings together the research activities of Pratt Institute under one roof in the Brooklyn Navy Yard (BNY). Since our founding in 1887, Pratt has upheld the belief that education should be accessible to all who wish to learn. As a community, we define ourselves as standard setters who are:

• Resourceful and collaborative problem solvers
• Socially responsible and equity-centered creatives
• Adaptable and resilient global stewards
• Inquisitive and compassionate community members

About the School of Design and the Interior Design Department

The School of Design educates curious makers in design practice to impact the world around them through the design of our messages, objects, spaces, and systems. We believe that design at its best is a force for good: it connects, enables, sustains, empowers, and humanizes. Across four undergraduate programs and five graduate programs, we explore the expansiveness of this idea. The BFA and MFA Interior Design programs at Pratt prepare students to engage in critical inquiry of occupiable space through theoretical and applied research, establishing them as global innovators, leaders and practitioners in the field of interior design. The curriculum addresses emerging and integrative technologies, interdisciplinary collaboration, the historical-contemporary continuum, sustainable practices, and issues of ethical and social responsibility which support the larger potentials of professional practice, design education, and our evolving understanding of the interior built environment.

Chairperson Role

The School of Design at Pratt Institute seeks a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as Chairperson of the Interior Design Department, beginning in July 2026. The ideal candidate will demonstrate both professional and academic experience; effective and inclusive communication skills; expertise in strategic planning; and a vision for how they plan to lead and develop two established and renowned programs, the undergraduate BFA and the graduate MFA. The Chairperson is responsible for the overall management and future direction of the department's programs in alignment with Pratt's mission and in support of the institution's strategic plan. The Chairperson will assume academic and administrative leadership of the department and will develop programs to complement, enhance, and build upon its prestige and reputation. Applicants should demonstrate alignment of research, scholarship and work with the values of Pratt. The selected candidate will report to the Dean of the School of Design and work closely with the Dean and other department Chairpersons in the School as we continue to develop interdisciplinary opportunities for students and faculty. The Chairperson will manage 7 full time faculty, 75 part time faculty, an Assistant Chair, and a Department Coordinator.

Examples of Duties

• Oversee all academic programs in the department.
• Supervise and develop the department's curriculum and educational programs.
• Recruit, supervise, and evaluate faculty and staff, and foster their development.
• Recruit and advise students in the graduate program; work with admissions and Dean to support the recruitment and Academic Advising to support the advisement of undergraduate students.
• Develop and maintain assessment instruments and practices, including program reviews.
• Oversee the department's budget and allocation of resources, course scheduling, and departmental facilities.
• Establish links to professional organizations and leading practitioners in the field.
• Assist the dean and Institutional Advancement in fundraising and advancing the program's profile.
• Work with the other chairpersons, academic administration and faculty in the School of Design to develop shared resources and interdisciplinary curricular and extracurricular programs and events.
• Serve on department, school, and institute committees and represent the department at various meetings and events, both on and off campus.
• Carry out special projects as assigned by the Dean.
• Participate in and assume all other related responsibilities as required.

Qualifications

Education: MFA or degree equivalent in interior design, or a related discipline.

Experience:

• An established record of teaching in higher education.
• Administrative experience managing or coordinating a team of people, including oversight of facilities and budget as well as planning and program development, preferably within an academic context.
• Recognized creative scholarship and/or current professional practice in the field of interior design or related discipline.
• Preferred experience recruiting and building a network of diverse educators and designers.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Outstanding organizational skills
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations. Excellent collaborator with management and leadership skills: ability to meet deadlines and communicate effectively.
• Ability to support diverse student pathways, research, and practice in related fields.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• HSA
• Company Sponsored Basic Life & AD&D
• Company Sponsored Long Term Disability
• Flex Spending Account (Health, Dependant Care)
• Commuter Benefits (Transit & Parking)
• Disability (NYS)
• Voluntary Short Term Disability
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• 403B Retirement Plan
• Voluntary Supplemental Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off (Vac & Sick)

Supplemental Information

This administrative appointment carries a twelve-month per year workload and a three-year contract that may be renewed.

Teaching: The Chair will have the option to teach one course per semester in the field of expertise without additional compensation.

This is an administrative 5-day per week position with one day allocated for research.

To Apply

• Letter of intent that outlines your interest in this position and summarizes your administrative experience, teaching experience, other qualifications, and a summary of your vision for the department.
• Statement of alignment of your research, scholarship and work with the values of Pratt.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Portfolio of 10 examples of creative/professional work.
• Portfolio of 10 examples of student work.
• Contact information for three professional references. This information must be provided at the time of application; references will only be contacted by notifying the applicant in advance.

The committee will begin reviewing applications on January 26. To receive full consideration, please apply by the specified date and submit your application immediately if you are interested. The role will remain open during the early interview stages; once the committee moves into final interviews, the posting will close.

Please note: We are currently unable to support new H-1B visas for candidates residing outside of the United States.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Pratt Institute recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce. At Pratt, we prioritize equity and have established a systematic approach to guarantee fair treatment for everyone. If your background and expertise align with the requirements of the position, you will be contacted for further instructions.

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