Overview

Kent State University Rwanda is seeking a highly qualified and innovative academic professional to join its School of Fashion as a Lecturer or Assistant Professor in Fashion Design.

Kent State University's School of Fashion is internationally recognized as one of the largest and most respected fashion schools in the United States, serving approximately 1,400 students across Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising programs. The Kigali campus plays a strategic role in developing Africa's growing fashion, textile, apparel manufacturing, and creative industries.

The successful candidate will contribute to an internationally connected learning environment while helping prepare the next generation of fashion designers, product developers, and creative innovators across Africa and beyond.

This opportunity is ideal for professionals passionate about:

• Fashion Design
• Fashion Technology
• Apparel Production
• Textile Innovation
• Fashion Education
• Digital Fashion Design
• Sustainable Fashion Development

Why This Opportunity Matters

Africa's fashion and apparel industry is rapidly expanding, creating increasing demand for highly skilled designers, product developers, merchandisers, and creative entrepreneurs.

This position offers an opportunity to directly contribute to:

Developing Africa's Fashion Talent

You will help educate future professionals who will shape:

• Fashion brands
• Textile industries
• Apparel manufacturing
• Product development sectors
• Creative economies across Africa

Working in an International Academic Environment

Faculty members collaborate with colleagues across Kent State campuses including:

• Kigali
• New York City
• Florence (Italy)
• Ohio (USA)

This provides exposure to international teaching practices and curriculum development.

Driving Fashion Innovation

The School emphasizes modern fashion technologies including:

• 3D garment simulation
• Digital product development
• CAD design systems
• AI-assisted fashion technologies
• Sustainable fashion solutions

Influencing Industry Growth

The role supports Rwanda's ambition to strengthen:

• Textile manufacturing
• Apparel production
• Creative industries
• Fashion entrepreneurship
• Export-oriented fashion development

Application Tips

Candidates applying for this position should demonstrate both academic capability and industry expertise.

Highlight Teaching Experience

Strong applications should clearly showcase:

• University teaching experience
• Curriculum development
• Student mentoring
• Fashion studio instruction
• Course design experience

Showcase Technical Expertise

Emphasize knowledge in areas such as:

• Pattern making
• Garment construction
• Fashion technology
• Product development
• Textile studies
• Fashion illustration

Demonstrate Digital Fashion Skills

Kent State highly values candidates experienced in:

• CLO3D
• Browzwear
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Procreate
• Digital product development tools

Include Industry Experience

Applicants should highlight:

• Fashion design practice
• Product development projects
• Apparel manufacturing experience
• Industry collaborations
• Professional fashion portfolios

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will contribute to teaching, curriculum development, and student mentorship.

Teach courses in areas such as:

• Fashion Design
• Fashion Merchandising
• Fashion Technology
• Textiles
• Product Design and Development
• Garment Construction
• Pattern Making
• CAD and Digital Fashion Tools

Integrate modern technologies into teaching including:

• CLO3D
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Procreate
• Fashion technology platforms

• Participate in curriculum review
• Support program enhancement initiatives
• Develop new course content
• Ensure industry relevance of academic programs

• Advise students on career pathways
• Support participation in competitions
• Guide portfolio development
• Encourage professional growth

• Collaborate with faculty across global campuses
• Participate in joint academic initiatives
• Support curriculum alignment across locations

Requirements

Applicants must possess:

• Master's Degree in:
  • Fashion Design
  • Apparel and Textiles
  • Related field

OR

• Bachelor's Degree combined with substantial relevant professional experience.

The degree must be completed before the appointment date.

Candidates should demonstrate experience in at least three of the following areas:

Fashion Technology

• Industry software
• Digital design systems
• Technology integration

Fashion Drawing & Concept Development

• Illustration
• Design ideation
• Creative development

Pattern Making & Draping

• Flat pattern techniques
• Draping methodologies
• Garment engineering

Technical Design

• Tech pack development
• Design communication
• Production documentation

Apparel Construction

• Garment manufacturing
• Sewing techniques
• Production processes

Proficiency in at least two of the following:

• CLO3D
• Browzwear
• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe InDesign
• Procreate
• Microsoft Excel

Required:

• Excellent written English
• Excellent spoken English

Candidates will have a competitive advantage if they possess:

Advanced Academic Credentials

• MFA in Fashion Design
• PhD in Fashion Design
• Related terminal degree

Professional Experience

• 5+ years of fashion industry experience
• Product development expertise
• Fashion design practice

Emerging Technologies Knowledge

Experience with:

• AI design tools
• Generative design systems
• Emerging fashion technologies

Educational Technology Experience

Knowledge of:

• Canvas LMS
• Online teaching platforms
• Educational technology tools

Regional Experience

• Experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Understanding of emerging fashion markets
• East African fashion industry connections

Kent State University Rwanda is seeking an educator who combines:

• Academic excellence
• Industry expertise
• Creativity
• Innovation
• Student-centered teaching
• International perspective

The ideal candidate should be capable of preparing students for careers in:

• Fashion design
• Product development
• Fashion entrepreneurship
• Apparel manufacturing
• Digital fashion technologies

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare:

• Cover Letter
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Three Professional References
• Copy of Highest Academic Degree
• Relevant Professional Credentials

Interested candidates should submit their applications before:

Deadline

11 July 2026

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early applications are strongly encouraged.