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Program Director - Interior Design

Gallatin College—Southwest Montana’s two‑year college at Montana State University—offers associate degrees and one‑year professional certificates. The college complements MSU’s four‑year programs and expands access to workforce education that supports a vibrant local economy. We champion open access, affordability, and responsiveness to local needs.

The Interior Design Program (AAS) prepares students for employment in the interior design profession through hands‑on, student‑centered learning. Faculty and staff support students closely helping them discover purpose, build practical skills, connect with industry, and persist to graduation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Administration

Oversee daily program operations; ensure academic quality and compliance with state/federal law, college policy, and accreditation standards.
Recruit, hire, supervise, and manage 4–10 part‑time faculty; ensure instructional quality is aligned with industry and accreditation expectations.
Manage course scheduling, budget and purchasing, and studio/lab operations (equipment, software licensing, inventory, and upkeep).
Coordinate program activities and represent the program within Gallatin College; serve on campus committees to foster a supportive institutional climate.

Teaching, Advising & Student Success

Teach at least two courses per semester within Interior Design (e.g., studios, visualization, materials, building systems/codes, professional practice, portfolio). (A higher teaching load may be assigned if appointed on a tenure‑track line).
Provide evening availability to support students and faculty as needed.
Support academic advising in partnership with the student success team—from orientation through graduation.
Implement student tracking systems; collect/monitor retention, graduation, and placement data to improve outcomes.

Curriculum, Assessment & Accreditation

Develop, implement, and continuously improve a comprehensive program of lectures, labs, and student support.
Lead annual program assessment and reporting; evaluate student learning and stakeholder (student, alumni, employer) satisfaction.
Monitor national trends and emerging practices; initiate program improvements (including new courses or credentials) as appropriate.
Pursue relevant industry accreditation (e.g., CIDA or similar), strengthen curriculum alignment, and maintain industry connection.

Industry & Community Engagement

Foster positive student and industry relations; convening the Interior Design Advisory Board each semester and coordinate industry/student events.
Build and sustain partnerships for internships, live projects, mentorship, and job placement.
Network with local and state interior design partners and associations; represent the program with professionalism and collaborative spirit.

Collaboration

Work closely with the Building Trades, Design & CAD Program Director on shared faculty, scheduling, and curriculum that supports both programs.
Align and collaborate with MSU’s College of Arts and Architecture.
Participate as needed on Gallatin College and MSU internal committees.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

Associate’s degree in interior design or related field.

10 years demonstrated professional experience in interior design (private and/or public).

Demonstrated experience networking with local or state interior design partners.

Demonstrated experience teaching or training in an educational setting or as an industry trainer.

At least one of the following credentials/certifications: LEED-AP, WELL-AP, NCIDQ certification.

Understand requirements needed to gain NCIDQ Certification.

Demonstrated proficiency in CAD and Revit.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.

NCIDQ Certification.

College or university teaching experience

Program and/or curriculum development experience.

Experience in academic administration in a technical or community college.

Use of instructional technology beyond basic computer skills.

Use of simulation technology for teaching-learning; experience with simulation technologies and autonomous learning.

The Successful Candidate Will

Commitment to the two‑year college mission, high academic standards, and responsiveness to student and industry needs.
Passion for teaching and student success; desire to innovate, grow professionally, and engage with the design community and colleagues.
Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
Demonstrated management skills; ability to lead collaboratively and work effectively with diverse teams and individuals.
Willingness to participate actively in college activities beyond one’s field.
Willingness to obtain and maintain membership in at least one of: IDEC, IIDA, or ASID (within the first year of employment).

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

Evening work schedule and hours are required.
Special events and work during those special events will be required.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Please note that this position can be structured as either a fiscal year Non-Tenure Track Faculty member OR as an academic year Tenure-Track Faculty member. The structure will be at the discretion of the employee at time of hire.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties?

Yes

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies

Desired Start Date

At the conclusion of a successful search

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

Close Date

Applications will be:

Screening of applications will begin on April 17, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

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