HOD

Head of Department (HOD) – School of Design

Job Description

Position

Head of Department (HOD), School of Design

Reports to

Principal / Director, Hamstech College of Creative Education

Location

Sanjay Ghodawat UniversityKolhapur, Maharashtra

Employment type

Full-time, Permanent

1. Position Summary

The Head of Department provides academic, administrative and strategic leadership for the School of Design. The HOD is responsible for delivering a high-quality, industry-relevant design education, nurturing faculty and student creativity, strengthening research and industry partnerships, and ensuring the department meets all regulatory, accreditation and institutional standards.

2. Key Responsibilities

Academic Leadership

• Lead the design, review and continuous updating of curricula, ensuring alignment with industry trends, emerging technologies and regulatory/accreditation requirements.
• Oversee teaching quality, timetables, assessment, examinations and evaluation processes.
• Promote studio-based, project-based and interdisciplinary learning.
• Ensure timely completion of syllabi, studio reviews, juries and final-year projects.
• Champion academic integrity, originality and ethical design practice.

Faculty Management and Development

• Plan faculty workload, recruitment, induction and mentoring.
• Conduct performance appraisals and support professional development, training and further study.
• Encourage faculty participation in research, publications, exhibitions, competitions and conferences.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful and inclusive departmental culture.

Student Development and Welfare

• Oversee admissions support, orientation, academic advising and mentoring.
• Monitor student progress, attendance and retention; address academic and disciplinary matters.
• Support internships, placements, portfolio development, exhibitions and design showcases.
• Encourage student participation in competitions, workshops and community-based design projects.

Research, Innovation and Industry Engagement

• Promote applied research, creative practice and innovation within the department.
• Build partnerships with design studios, corporations, start-ups, NGOs and professional bodies.
• Organise guest lectures, workshops, live projects, hackathons and exhibitions.
• Support funded projects, consultancy, patents/IP and publications.

Administration and Resource Management

• Prepare and manage the departmental budget and ensure effective use of resources.
• Ensure studios, workshops, labs, software and equipment are well maintained, safe and up to date.
• Maintain accurate departmental records, reports and data for audits and accreditation (e.g., NAAC, NBA, NIRF or equivalent).
• Represent the department on academic councils, boards of studies and institutional committees.

Strategic Planning and Institutional Representation

• Develop and implement a vision, strategic plan and annual goals for the School of Design.
• Contribute to institutional policy, branding, outreach and admissions promotion.
• Represent the school at external forums, alumni events and professional gatherings.
• Strengthen alumni networks and engagement.

3. Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Master's degree in Design (M.Des) or a relevant discipline; a PhD or equivalent terminal qualification is strongly preferred.
• Minimum [8–10] years of teaching and/or professional design experience, including at least [3–5] years in a senior academic or leadership role.
• Demonstrated record of curriculum development and academic administration.
• Evidence of research output, publications, exhibitions, design projects or professional practice.

Desirable

• Experience with accreditation processes and quality assurance.
• Established industry network and consultancy or professional design practice.
• Experience in grant writing, funded projects or international collaborations.
• Familiarity with emerging areas such as UX/UI, service design, sustainable design, AI in design and design thinking.

4. Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership, decision-making and people-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Strategic thinking, planning and budgeting ability.
• Creative vision with an understanding of contemporary design practice and technology.
• Conflict resolution, negotiation and stakeholder management.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, sustainability and ethical practice.
• Proficiency with academic management systems and digital design tools.

5. Key Performance Indicators

• Student outcomes: retention, graduation rates, placements and portfolio quality.
• Faculty performance: teaching quality, research output and professional development.
• Industry engagement: partnerships, live projects, internships and consultancy.
• Compliance: accreditation, audits and timely reporting.
• Student and faculty satisfaction, and departmental reputation (awards, rankings, exhibitions).