Adjunct Faculty Pool – Communication Studies

By /

Website Fashion Institute of Technology

Job Overview: Adjunct Faculty – Communication Studies

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), a premier SUNY college of art, design, business, and technology, is seeking applications for its Adjunct Faculty Pool within the English and Communication Studies Department. Located in the heart of Manhattan, FIT provides a vibrant, industry-connected environment where faculty are drawn from New York City’s professional elite.

This role is ideal for a communication professional or academic who is passionate about instruction design and helping students master the “soft skills” necessary for leadership in the global marketplace.

Key Responsibilities & Instructional Focus

Core Teaching Areas

  • Communication Studies: Deliver curriculum for departmental courses, with a specific focus on Professional Speech Communication and Public Speaking.

  • Student Engagement: Provide guidance and assistance to students both within the classroom and during designated out-of-class interactions.

  • Assessment: Evaluate student performance, facilitate learning enrichment through technology, and ensure the timely submission of grades.

Professional Standards

  • Industry Relevance: Incorporate current and emerging industry practices into classroom study.

  • Globalism: Foster a pluralistic learning environment that respects and utilizes the diverse backgrounds of the FIT student body.

Requirements & Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • Education: An earned Master’s degree in Communication, Communication Studies, or a closely related field.

    • Waiver Note: This may be waived if the candidate is currently in a doctoral program where the Master’s was not a prerequisite.

  • Credit/Experience: 30 additional graduate credits OR documented evidence of scholarly achievement, professional activities, and college-level teaching experience.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Terminal Degree: A PhD or other terminal degree in Communication Studies is highly preferred.

  • Teaching History: Demonstrated success in teaching at the college level.

Compensation & Faculty Benefits

  • Hourly Rate: Starting at $89.98 per hour (based on minimum qualifications).

    • Note: Final rank and step are determined by the UCE-FIT Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) based on additional hiring criteria.

  • Health & Wellness: Access to comprehensive employee benefit programs designed for faculty health and safety.

  • Work-Life Balance: Components designed to help faculty balance professional duties with family life and future planning.

Important Application Details

  • Start Date: Positions begin in Spring 2026.

  • Visa Status: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

  • Physical Requirements: The role involves constant standing, frequent walking, and occasional lifting of up to 10 lbs.

  • Pay Transparency: In accordance with Executive Order 161, FIT will not ask for your compensation history until a conditional offer is made.

How to Apply

To be considered for the candidate pool, you must submit the following documents through the FITNYC Careers portal:

  1. Resume & Cover Letter.

  2. Unofficial Transcripts (Official transcripts required within 30 days of hire).

  3. List of Three References (Including phone numbers and emails).

  4. Note: Applicants with foreign degrees must provide a completed U.S. credential evaluation.

    The Organization & Culture The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), a premier college of the State University of New York (SUNY), is a global leader in professional education for fashion, design, business, and technology. In 2026, FIT’s culture is defined by “Innovation with Purpose.” It is an environment where high-concept creativity meets rigorous industrial practicality. Under the leadership of President Joyce F. Brown, the college has solidified its reputation as an “innovation hub,” bridging the gap between the classroom and the global marketplace. The student body and workforce are characterized by intense ambition, trend-awareness, and a “New York hustle” that mirrors the surrounding Garment District.

    The Location: Chelsea & The Garment District

    • The “Main Street” of Fashion: Located at 227 West 27th Street, FIT’s campus spans an entire city block in the heart of Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood.

    • Proximity to Industry: Its location is strategic; students are steps away from major fashion houses, textile showrooms, and the iconic Garment District. This proximity allows for a “porous” campus where industry professionals frequently serve as adjunct faculty and guest critics.

    • The Museum at FIT (MFIT): Known as “the most fashionable museum in New York,” this on-campus institution is a world-renowned gallery that provides students and the public with a deep historical context of costume and textile design.

    Academic & Workplace Highlights (2026)

    • The 2026 “Green Tech” Pivot: Working or studying at FIT in 2026 involves a heavy focus on Sustainability and Bio-design. The college’s DTech Lab has expanded into a premier incubator for circular fashion, where students develop lab-grown textiles and AI-driven supply chain solutions.

    • Key Academic Schools:

      • School of Art and Design: Home to the world-famous Fashion Design and Illustration programs.

      • Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology: Focusing on the “business of the buzz,” including Advertising and Marketing Communications.

      • School of Liberal Arts and Sciences: Providing the essential critical thinking and historical context for creative work.

      • School of Graduate Studies: Offering specialized degrees like Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing and Management.

    • 2026 Salary & Wage Landscape (NYC Market):

      • Adjunct Professors: In the SUNY system for NYC, specialized design or business instructors earn between $95 and $125 per contact hour, depending on industry experience.

      • Administrative & Staff Roles: Professional staff salaries in the Manhattan hub typically range from $62,000 to $95,000, reflecting the city’s competitive cost of living.

      • Tuition (2025–2026): For NY State residents, tuition remains highly accessible at approximately $3,585 per semester for associate-level and $4,355 for bachelor-level programs.

    • The “Alumni Power” Network: FIT graduates (including icons like Calvin Klein and Michael Kors) form a “global mafia” of fashion influence. In 2026, the college’s career services focus on “Digital Portfolio Optimization,” ensuring graduates are visible in AI-driven recruitment databases.

    • Comprehensive 2026 Benefits (SUNY System):

      • State Benefits: Employees receive robust New York State health insurance (NYSHIP), dental, and vision.

      • Pension & Retirement: Access to the NY State Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) or the Optional Retirement Program (ORP).

      • Cultural Access: Staff and students enjoy free admission to MFIT and various industry-only events throughout New York Fashion Week.

    Strategic Values: “Inclusion & Sustainability”

    • Social Justice in Design: The 2026 strategic mandate includes the “Social Justice Center at FIT,” which works to increase representation for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) within the fashion industry through scholarships and corporate mentorships.

    • Innovation Through Diversity: FIT treats diversity as a “creative engine.” Its 2026 curriculum includes mandatory modules on Inclusive Design, ensuring that the next generation of designers creates for all body types, abilities, and identities.

    • The “DTech” Ecosystem: Strategically, FIT has moved beyond being “just a college” to being a Research & Development partner for global brands. By 2026, the DTech Lab has secured major partnerships with tech giants to pioneer 3D-knitting and virtual “metaverse” apparel.

To apply for this job please visit www.fitnyc.edu.