Head of Department & Artist-in-Residence (faculty) – Fiber

Cranbrook Academy of Art, ranked nationally as one of the top graduate programs in art,
architecture and design, is now accepting applications for the Head of Department /Artist-in-
Residence (faculty) in Fiber. This position requires a forward-facing vision for the Department
that embraces a broad range of perspectives, from traditional forms of production in art, craft,
and design to social practice and community-based projects. The Academy is a unique
educational model, free from conventional classes. Instead of a fixed curriculum we provide a
self-directed approach to graduate education that centers the questions and interests of artists
who choose to come here as they strive to make sense of an ever-changing world.

The Academy is comprised of eleven departments, with roughly 15 students each across 2D
Design, 3D Design, 4D Design, Architecture, Ceramics, Fiber, Metalsmithing, Painting,
Photography, Print Media, and Sculpture. The Head of Department & Artist-in-Residence is the
single leader of their program areas. They are given the autonomy to determine the
department’s pedagogy and the responsibility for its success. Primary responsibilities of this
position include mentorship and teaching as well as administration of their respective
departments (recruiting, budgets, curating visiting artists, guiding travel experiences, etc.).
Candidates for this position must be unusually well qualified to provide open, independent
learning, resulting in rigorous production, critique and discussion. It is expected that the Head of
Department & Artist-in-Residence will also maintain an active and visible professional practice,
which is seen as central to the larger academic model. The Head of Department & Artist-in-
Residence is provided with a private studio, housing on campus, and benefits in addition to
salary. Successful candidates for this position must hold a terminal degree in fiber or a related
field, with a sustained record of professional activity; preferred 5 years or more of college-level
teaching with dedicated experience at the graduate level; excellent communication and
leadership skills; the ability to foster an inclusive, diverse, and equitable learning environment;
and the capacity to make a significant contribution to the field and Academy.

Through its unique educational model, Cranbrook Academy of Art has inspired and achieved
substantial artistic, educational, and institutional impact since it was founded in 1932. The
Academy of Art is part of the larger Cranbrook Educational Community, situated on a 319-acre
campus located just outside of Detroit. Founded by George G. Booth and designed by Finnish
architect Eliel Saarinen, Cranbrook is a community of educators, artists, architects and
designers, living and working together. Over the years, significant new buildings have been
commissioned as the institution has evolved, from architects including Tod Williams and Billie
Tsien, Rafael Moneo and Steven Holl, among others. Listed as a National Historic Landmark, the
highly celebrated campus continues to inspire people today through its remarkable beauty and
sense of purpose. Comprising the Cranbrook Art Museum, the Center for Collections and
Research, the Institute of Science and a private school serving students from pre-kindergarten

through high school, the Cranbrook community offers a singularly unique backdrop for teaching
and learning.

Position commences September 2023.

APPLICATION
Applications consist of two pieces: a single PDF document and a completed Cranbrook Faculty
Application form.

Cranbrook Faculty Application Form:
Employment | Cranbrook

The PDF should contain a cover letter, a statement that outlines your approach to teaching at
the graduate level, an overview of your vision for the department, and a statement on how your
teaching supports an inclusive and diverse community. Supplemental materials must include a
curriculum vitae, name and email contact for three references, a portfolio of the candidates'
work (20 image samples) and links to relevant websites and projects. The PDF should be labeled
as FirstInitial.LastName.pdf.

Applications received by December 1, 2022, will be given priority consideration. Applications
will be accepted until the position is filled and materials should be sent to
humanresources@cranbrook.edu

Please visit the following websites for additional background on the Cranbrook Academy of Art
and the larger resources of the Cranbrook Educational Community.
www.cranbrookart.edu
www.cranbrook.edu
www.cranbrookartmuseum.org

Cranbrook Academy of Art Statement of Non-Discrimination:
Cranbrook is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse work environment.
Cranbrook Academy of Art does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin,
religion, creed, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability, veteran status, age, sexual
orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by local, state or
federal law in its programs and activities.