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Executive Director of Interior Design

Savannah College of Art and Design k

Savannah, GA

Sep 9
Job Description

As executive director of interior design, you will provide strategic direction supporting the unique visual identity of SCAD while also maintaining the university brand and ensuring consistency across all university locations. You will lead project creative direction and conceptualization with an emphasis on highlighting SCAD artists and ensuring the visual appearance of SCAD is breathtaking and remarkable throughout each SCAD building, event, exhibition, retail outlet, photo shoot, and initiative worldwide. The executive director of interior design is the leader of SCAD Design Group, SCAD’s internal design studio consisting of licensed architects and certified interior designers at multiple SCAD locations.

You will lead interior design and architectural design across all SCAD locations and be a key contributor to the aesthetic of SCAD, following the creative direction of SCAD President and Founder, Paula Wallace. Inspired ideation will be a focus as you lead project teams through the processes of concept development, functional programming, space planning, specification of furniture and finishes, design and QC of custom fabrications, curation of artwork, environmental signage, and acquisition of specialties and other unique objects, collections, and curiosities. You will be responsible for imparting wonder and joy in every space, serving SCAD students and faculty needs as well as creating the stunning backdrop for memorable university experiences.

You will work closely and collaboratively with SCAD events, exhibitions, and special projects teams as the creative leader within SCAD Design Group. In collaboration with internal and external architects and designers you will create inspiring creative concepts for building projects, events, exhibitions, and executive initiatives while leading teams of tradespeople and contractors during implementation, construction, and project delivery.

Among other duties, you will also adhere to all applicable codes, laws, OSHA regulations, and safe practices; ensure follow-through on all Design Group projects and initiatives; and serve as a liaison between various departments and project contractors, vendors, artists, and craftspeople.

The successful candidate thrives as an individual and team contributor and demonstrates exceptional organization, time, and project-management skills. The candidate should be self-directed, able to handle multiple complex projects and deadlines with ease, and comfortable in high-energy environments. Spectacular interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential.

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in interior design, architecture, or a closely related discipline and a minimum of 10 years of related professional experience OR combination of education/training and experience
Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, Sketchup, Revit, or other similar design applications
Adept at communicating concepts through visual presentation and verbal communication
Excellent leadership, team management, and project management skills
Acceptance as SCAD authorized driver

Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree in related field with five years of related experience and/or training or the equivalent combination of education and experience
Proficiency in AutoCAD, Sketchup, Revit, or other design applications
Team and project management experience in fast-paced, high-energy environment
Ability to handle multiple, multicomponent projects and deadlines

Certificates, licenses, and registrations:
Valid driver’s license

Travel Required: 10% to 20%

Work Hours: The university work week is Sunday through Saturday. Most offices are open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. To accommodate business needs, employees may be assigned to other workdays and/or hours, including weekends and evenings.

ADA Tag: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and minimum qualifications listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and/or meet the minimum qualifications.

Savannah College of Art and Design

SCAD is a private, nonprofit, accredited university, offering 100 graduate and undergraduate degree programs across locations in Atlanta and Savannah, Ga.; Lacoste, France; and online via SCADnow. SCAD enrolls more than 17,500 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 120 countries. In fiscal year 2023, SCAD generated $1.3 billion in annual economic impact for the state of Georgia, a 70% increase from the last report conducted for fiscal year 2019. The future-minded SCAD curriculum engages professional-level technology and myriad advanced learning resources, affording students opportunities for internships, professional certifications, and real-world assignments with corporate partners through SCADpro, the university’s renowned research lab and prototype generator. SCAD has earned top rankings for degree programs in interior design, architecture, film, fashion, digital media, and more. Career success is woven into every fiber of the university, resulting in a superior alumni employment rate. A 2023 study found that 99% of SCAD graduates were employed, pursuing further education, or both within 10 months of graduation. SCAD provides students and alumni with ongoing career support through personal coaching, alumni programs, a professional presentation studio, and more.