KENT STATE UNIVERSITY RWANDA
Kigali, Rwanda Location
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Lecturer / Assistant Professor — Fashion Design
Location: Kigali, Rwanda | Contract: Full-Time, 9-Month (Non-Tenure Track) | Application Deadline: 11 July 2026
1. INSTITUTION OVERVIEW
Kent State University's School of Fashion is one of the largest and most distinguished fashion schools in the United States, enrolling approximately 1,400 students across Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design and Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising programs. The School is home to 34 full-time faculty in Kent, Ohio, and an additional 21 faculty across global campuses in New York City, Florence (Italy), and Kigali, Rwanda.
Our mission is to transform lives through creative fashion education in pursuit of a sustainable world. Our vision is to empower an ecosystem of socially responsible and inventive fashion thinkers.
The Kigali location — Kent State University Rwanda — offers the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fashion Design and the Bachelor of Science Degree in Fashion Merchandising. The two programs are tailored to develop human capital and support the growth of Africa's apparel, product development, and manufacturing sector.
2. POSITION SUMMARY
Kent State University invites applications for a full-time, 9-month, non-tenure track position at the rank of Lecturer or Assistant Professor in Fashion Design, based on the Kigali, Rwanda campus. The successful candidate will contribute to a dynamic, internationally connected academic environment and play a key role in shaping the next generation of fashion designers in Africa and beyond
Note: All positions are subject to the availability of funds. Terminal degree is required for appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor.
3. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Teach courses spanning fashion design and fashion merchandising curricula, including fashion technology, textiles, product design and development, garment construction, pattern making, and CAD.
- Integrate and advance digital design tools, including CLO3D, Adobe Creative Suite, and Procreate, in coursework to prepare industry-ready graduates.
- Stay current with evolving fashion industry trends, technologies, and practices in both regional and global contexts.
- Participate actively in curriculum review, course development, and academic program enhancement.
- Advise and mentor students on career pathways, competitions, and professional development in the fashion industry.
- Collaborate with School of Fashion faculty across global campuses on joint initiatives and curriculum alignment.
4. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- A Master's degree in Fashion, Apparel and Textiles, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of a Bachelor's degree and substantial professional experience. The degree must be conferred by the position start date.
- Demonstrated teaching experience, preferably at the university or postsecondary level, with expertise in at least three of the following areas:
◦ Fashion technology and industry software
◦ Fashion drawing and concept development
◦ Flat pattern making and draping techniques
◦ Tech pack development and design communication
◦ Apparel construction and garment manufacturing
- Proficiency in two or more of the following industry-standard digital tools:
◦ CLO3D or Browzwear (3D garment simulation)
◦ Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
◦ Procreate
◦ Microsoft Excel
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
5. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Terminal degree (MFA or PhD) in Fashion Design or a closely related discipline.
- Five (5) or more years of professional industry experience in fashion design, product development, or a related field.
- Familiarity with AI design tools, generative design technologies, or other emerging fashion technologies.
- Experience with Learning Management Systems (e.g., Canvas) and pedagogical technology tools.
- Prior experience teaching or working in Sub-Saharan Africa or other emerging fashion markets.
- Industry connections and a professional network relevant to the East African fashion and textile sector.
6. REQUIRED APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
- Cover letter detailing your interest in the position and relevant experience
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) — current and comprehensive
- Names and contact information of three (3) professional references
- Copy of highest academic degree or equivalent professional credentials
7. APPLICATION DEADLINE
11 July 2026 — Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submission is encouraged.
8. INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
Kent State University Rwanda welcomes applications from qualified international and regional candidates. The university provides guidance and administrative support for work permit and visa processes for successful international appointees in accordance with applicable Rwandan immigration regulations.
9. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
Kent State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a community that is culturally and intellectually diverse and to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that respect differences, and are inclusive, welcoming, respectful and kind.
Kent State University — Empowering Fashion Thinkers. Transforming Lives.
How to Apply
Interested candidate should submit their application no later than 11 July 2026. Please click on the “Apply” button to complete your application.