Fashion and Technology Instructor

Position Description

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is Canada’s only polytechnic university, proudly serving the South Fraser region for more than 40 years. With campuses in Surrey, Richmond, Langley, and Cloverdale, KPU is deeply connected to the communities it serves and to the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences of its students. Through academic excellence, applied learning, innovation, and strong industry and community partnerships, KPU prepares students for meaningful futures.

As an open-access university, KPU is powered by the people who live and work here. We believe every employee plays a meaningful role in supporting student learning and success. We are honoured to carry the name of the Kwantlen First Nation and are committed to equity, inclusion, reconciliation, and respectful relationships. As one of BC’s Top Employers, KPU is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and engaged workplace where employees feel valued, connected to purpose, and empowered to make an impact.

We invite you to explore your next career opportunity at KPU and discover how your work can contribute to a university where thought truly meets action.

FACULTY POSITION TITLE: Fashion & Technology (FASN) Instructor
POSITION TYPE: REGULAR (WITH 100% workload), QUALIFIED FACULTY LIST
POSITION START: SEPTEMBER 2026

FACULTY OVERVIEW

Imagine working in a new, cutting-edge facility backed by a 30-year history as an industry leader. The Wilson School of Design (WSD), located on our Richmond campus, has eight different programs that encourage students to take risks and innovate in small, personalized classes offering intensive hands-on learning experiences and state-of-the-art equipment.  
 
With the longest-running four-year degree program in Western Canada, the Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Technology has an international reputation for building tomorrow’s fashion leaders with the design skills, business acumen and marketing savvy needed to compete in the global fashion marketplace. Our students come from diverse backgrounds: from young designers fresh out of high school to industry professionals looking to advance their career. We are seeking dedicated faculty to teach in our innovative program.
 
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) proudly offers all learners opportunities to achieve success in a diverse range of programs that blend theory and practice, critical understanding, and social and ethical awareness necessary for good citizenship and rewarding careers.  
 
KPU takes its name from the Kwantlen First Nation. We work, study, and live in a region south of the Fraser River which overlaps with the unceded traditional and ancestral lands of the Kwantlen, Musqueam, Katzie, Semiahmoo, Tsawwassen, Qayqayt, and Kwikwetlem peoples.  

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Fashion & Technology (FASN) program is seeking applicants who are qualified to teach one or a selection of the following courses:

• FASN 2116 History of Global Dress
• FASN 2216 Fashion Trends: Analysis and Forecasting
• FASN 3110 Advanced Technical Apparel Design and Production  
• FASN 3111 Digital Clothing and Avatar creation for Diverse Body Types
• FASN 3220 Innovative Apparel Practices

 

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES  

Faculty members of WSD are also expected to contribute and participate in any of the following:   

• Curriculum development and review.  Assisting students outside of scheduled class time.  
• Service and representation of the program on various university committees, internally and externally. 

More information concerning the working conditions for a faculty member are outlined in Article 12 of the Kwantlen Faculty Association (KFA) Collective Agreement
 

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum qualifications include:

• Post-Secondary Education
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design, Costume Design, or Industrial Design  
• Or, academic credentials and experience appropriate to areas of responsibility 
• Master’s Degree or higher is preferred

 

A Professional Portfolio with a minimum of 5 years related work experience: 

• Experience as a designer, product developer, or similar role 
• Demonstrated knowledge and currency with design fundamentals, creative research, concept development, and the creative process. 
• Evidence of experience or knowledge in course content area (see course descriptions)

 

References from one or more of each: 

• Client 
• Peer 
• Employer 
• Allied professional

Post-secondary teaching experience, minimum 3 years preferred or a teaching credential  

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Candidates are asked to submit:  

• Submit a resume and cover letter (preferably in PDF format) that includes evidence of teaching and/or design experience, as well as scholarly or industry accomplishments. The cover letter should indicate the specific course number(s) and name(s) of interest.   
• Provide a rationale for the selected courses. Course numbers, names, and calendar descriptions are listed below for reference.  
   
   

CANDIDATE PROFILE   

• Student focused: Demonstrates appreciation for students and the role of a learner-centered institution.  
• Collaborative: provides evidence of strong interpersonal communication and embracing a collaborative style of working.  A team player committed to fostering consensus building towards the success of the program. Demonstrated teamwork abilities in a creative and collaborative working environment.  
• Leader: Strong academic leadership qualities and experience   
• Organizational skills: diplomatic, consultative, and democratic. Organized, pays attention to details and a multi-tasker; able to manage and prioritize multiple demands and various levels of accountability.  Understands institutional policies and procedures.  
• Strong communicator: effective written and oral communication skills  
• Interpersonal skills: dedicated and reliable; positive and eager; flexible, open-minded, adaptable, and resilient.  Confident, self-directed, pro-active, action oriented, ‘can-do’ personality.  Embraces diversity. Has a sense of humour.  Dedicated to creating and maintaining a motivational climate and work closely with other faculty.   
• Innovative: a broad, innovative, creative, and big-picture thinker   

Candidates will be required to demonstrate an understanding of Fashion & Technology as well as their interest and abilities to consult with and represent the program.  

COURSE CALENDAR DESCRIPTIONS 
Course calendar descriptions can be found at https://calendar.kpu.ca/programs-az/design/fashion-technology/fashion-technology-ba/#requirementstext 

COURSE-SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS 

FASN 2116 History of Global Dress, FASN 2216 Fashion Trends: Analysis and Forecasting

Desirable relevant experience

• Industry connections or experience with recognizable brands or design houses
• Focus on application of course content to professional fashion design
• Currency of professional experience (within the last 3 years)

 

FASN 3110 Advanced Technical Apparel Design and Production

• Minimum of 3 years’ technical apparel design or manufacturing experience or similar role  
• Advanced CAD pattern drafting skills in Optitex fashion design CAD software and/or Gerber AccuMark software 
• Evidence of a variety of project work, showing a range in scope, type, depth and complexity 
• Familiarity with user testing and designing for technical apparel 
• Advanced experience working with industry sewing equipment

Desirable relevant experience

• Industry connections or experience with recognizable brands or design houses
• Focus on application of course content to professional fashion design
• Currency of professional experience (within the last 3 years)

 

FASN 3111 Digital Clothing and Avatar creation for Diverse Body Types

• Minimum of 3 years’ advanced apparel fitting experience  
• Advanced CAD pattern drafting skills in Optitex fashion design CAD software and/or Gerber AccuMark software 
• Evidence of a variety of project work, showing a range in scope, type, depth and complexity 
• Advanced adobe creative suite skills as they relate to specification packages and style card development, measurement sheets, fittings and revisions  
• Trained and able to work in 3D modeling software like Clo3D and/or Browzwear Vstitcher 

Desirable relevant experience

• Industry connections or experience with recognizable brands or design houses
• Focus on application of course content to professional fashion design
• Currency of professional experience (within the last 3 years)

 

FASN 3220 Innovative Apparel Practices

• Experience in zero-waste fashion design and advanced pattern cutting techniques 
• CAD pattern drafting skills in Optitex fashion design CAD software and/or Gerber AccuMark software 
• Knowledge of contemporary apparel industry issues 
• Understanding of 3D modeling software like Clo3D and/or Browzwear Vstitcher

Desirable relevant experience

• Industry connections or experience with recognizable brands or design houses
• Focus on application of course content to professional fashion design
• Currency of professional experience (within the last 3 years)

 

*SALARY INFORMATION:
Placement on the salary scale will be dependent on level of education and relevant teaching experience.  Advancement up the pay scale is based on FTE and employment status.

This competition is for a maximum FTE of 100% (Regular).  When possible, priority will be given to the candidate(s) who can maximize the FTE either individually, or collectively, as such please indicate on your application your preferred workload percentage. This competition could also be used to add candidates to our Qualified Faculty List, therefore also please indicate on your application if you are interested in being added to this list. 

Total Rewards

As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top-up, sick leave, long-term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, inhouse training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more! 

Note: Eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part-time.

Visit https://www.kpu.ca/hr for more information on KPU’s workplace, culture and total rewards.

Note to Applicants

Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.

If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.

We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.