Head of School of Fashion at Domus Academy

Domus Academy Milan is seeking motivated individuals for the role of

Head of School of Fashion

Start: Academic Year 2026–27 (September 2026)

Contract: Collaboration contract (VAT) | Part-time can be considered

Working in collaboration with: Director of Education and Course Leaders

Location: Milan, Italy

Domus Academy is seeking a Head of School of Fashion, an academic and administrative leader responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of the School’s educational and research activities. The role ensures academic excellence, relevance, and innovation, aligned with industry evolution, societal transformation, and Domus Academy’s pedagogical approach: critical, practice-led, and project-based learning.

The Head of School plays a key role in curriculum development, faculty leadership, internal coordination, research and innovation, external representation, and budget/resource planning, contributing to the Academy’s international reputation and growth.

Key responsibilities

Teaching & Learning

• Coordinate and oversee educational activities across the School’s programmes, ensuring strong planning, delivery, and quality of teaching in collaboration with Course Leaders.
• Contribute directly to the learning environment through lectures, workshops, seminars, and student mentoring.
• Promote interdisciplinary approaches and integrate emerging societal and industry themes into curricula.
• Ensure the Academy’s distinctive project-based and critical model is consistently implemented across courses and learning activities.

Academic & Programme Development

• Drive the academic development of the School through regular strategic alignment with the Director of Education and Course Leaders.
• Identify and integrate new content, practices, and research themes responding to global challenges and opportunities.
• Foster innovation in programme structure, teaching methodologies, and course delivery.
• Oversee the operational and technical continuity of academic laboratories and support their strategic development.
• Support quality assurance (curriculum review, student feedback mechanisms).
• Support faculty development and propose faculty recruitment to the Director of Education, in coordination with Course Leaders.
• Lead special academic projects and initiatives, ensuring alignment with institutional strategy.

Research & Dissemination

• Advance the School’s contribution to practice-led and critical research in fashion and related disciplines.
• Support collaborative research initiatives with faculty and contribute to the development of academic projects.
• Advise and contribute to research grant proposals (institutional, industry-based, and EU-funded).
• Promote dissemination through conferences, publications, exhibitions, and public-facing outputs, aligning research with teaching and partnerships.

Internal & External Relationships

• Participate in institutional committees (faculty recruitment, curriculum review, academic policy development).
• Coordinate and support Course Leaders and tutors within the School.
• Collaborate across Schools to enable interdisciplinary initiatives and joint educational/research ventures.
• Represent the School and/or institution (when nominated) in boards, professional associations, and international partnerships (including joint/dual degrees).
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with companies, studios, institutions, and networks nationally and internationally.

Promotion & Institutional Representation

• Promote the identity and excellence of the School and its programmes to internal and external audiences.
• Showcase student and faculty projects through events, digital platforms, and academic/professional networks.
• Strengthen visibility and reputation through thought leadership in educational innovation and sector discussions.

Budget & Resource Management

• Manage the School’s educational budget and resource allocation in line with institutional policies.
• Oversee staffing plans and academic resource allocation, including coordination of external professionals supporting programme delivery.

Candidate profile

We’re looking for an experienced leader with a strong standing in the fashion ecosystem and the ability to guide academic development and talent formation in an international context.

You bring:

• Senior experience and recognised expertise in one or more of the following areas: Fashion Design, Fashion Styling & Communication, Fashion Marketing, and/or Fashion Management.
• Proven ability to lead academic strategy, curriculum development, and faculty communities, ideally across postgraduate and/or undergraduate programmes.
• Strong understanding of contemporary fashion systems, emerging cultural/societal themes, and innovation in practice-led learning.
• Excellent communication and representation skills; ability to build partnerships across industry and academia.
• Fluency in English (Italian is a plus).

How to apply

Please submit CV + Portfolio + short cover letter (and links if relevant), outlining your leadership approach and alignment with Domus Academy’s educational vision.

According to the GDPR 679/16 we inform you that the treatment of Personal Data contained in your resume, will respect the principles of legality, fairness and transparency and protection of your privacy and your rights. We only use the personal data we collect for the recruiting activities, such as your name, surname, address, email address, educational and employment background and job qualifications.