Graduate Studies Adjunct Faculty – Design for Sustainability Studio I

STATUS: Part Time
DIVISION: Graduate Studies
REPORTS TO: Dean of Graduate Studies
SUPERVISES: N/A
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

POSITION DESCRIPTION

College for Creative Studies (CCS) invites applications for adjunct faculty to teach the Design for Sustainability Studio I studio class in the Fall of 2025.

This course is the first in a sequence of studio-based classes in the MFA in Design for Sustainability program. These studios provide students with hands-on experience in addressing complex, real-world challenges through live design briefs in collaboration with industry and community partners.

This studio explores strategies for addressing “wicked” problems through systems thinking, circularity, and zero-waste design. Over a 15-week project, students will investigate cradle-to-cradle material cycles, low-impact distribution systems, energy-efficient infrastructures, and other carbon-neutral alternatives to conventional practices. Emphasis is placed on developing proposals that align with the principles of the circular economy and zero-waste methodologies. Where possible, projects will be in collaboration with external partners to simulate a professional studio environment.

Professional experience in design or architecture, and teaching sustainability and design at the college or university level is essential. Experience with Canvas is an advantage. The post requires in person teaching on campus – please do not apply if you are interested in remote working.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

This position is accountable to the Dean of Graduate Studies. Essential functions include:

Teach and successfully deliver one class per semester
Complete all teaching as required by the College
Complete training in Canvas and use it as required by the department and college
Deal promptly with all administrative responsibilities attached to this work

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Professional experience in design or architecture is required.
A graduate degree with specialty relative to the course being taught
However, candidates with significant, extensive, and relevant professional experience may also be considered — review further details of CCS’s credentialing policy.
Teaching experience at the college- or graduate-level is preferred.
Successful candidates must be committed to working with diverse student and community populations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional office and college campus environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to maintain a stationary position, use a computer and other office equipment, and communicate effectively in person, by phone, and virtually. Frequent interaction with others, including staff, faculty, students and third parties is required. The employee may occasionally be required to move files or other objects weighing up to 25 pounds, including from low and high places. The ability to move around within the office and between buildings on campus, attend off-site meetings and events, and travel between Ford Campus site to Taubman Center site are required. CCS will make reasonable accommodations that will allow individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ABOUT CCS

The College for Creative Studies (CCS) is a nonprofit, private college accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and authorized by the Michigan Education Department to grant Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. CCS, located in midtown Detroit, strives to provide students with the tools needed for successful careers in the dynamic and growing creative industries. CCS fosters students’ resolve to pursue excellence, act ethically, engage their responsibilities as citizens, and learn throughout their lives. With world-class faculty and unsurpassed facilities, students learn to be visual communicators who actively use art and design toward the betterment of society. The College is a major supplier of talent to numerous industries, such as transportation, film and animation, advertising and communications, consumer electronics, athletic apparel, and many more. Its graduates are exhibiting artists and teachers, design problem solvers and innovators, as well as creative leaders in business.

To Apply

Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. The search will close when a suitable candidate is hired. Interested candidates should submit the following in PDF format:

Resume and a letter of application should be submitted to: [email protected]

CCS website: http://www.ccsdetroit.edu/

The College for Creative Studies, a leading college of art and design, represents a community composed of individuals with many perspectives, personal experiences, values, identities and worldviews and we value the diversity this brings to our organization. CCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, height, weight, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

The College for Creative Studies subscribes to the principle of equal opportunity in its employment, admissions and educational practices and strives to provide an environment and workplace free from unlawful harassment or discrimination. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are part of our Core Institutional Values and we encourage applications from all individuals.