33rd Annual Benefit Fashion Show Student Director

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General purpose: The Annual Benefit Fashion Show Director is a student role responsible for a wide variety of tasks that are directly associated with the coordination, management, and promotional activities for The Center of Mission & Community Learning’s Annual Benefit Fashion Show (ABFS).

Summary of Essential Functions 

• Develop the direction of the show and lead a team of fellow students to execute the unique identity of the 33rd Annual Benefit Fashion Show.

• Support the Center of Mission & Community Learning team in making timely arrangements for successful execution of the fashion show

• Select & curate the selected designers and select & direct the Photography & Graphic Design team.

• Coordinate with campus partners such as Events & Communications to create robust marketing & day-of-show plans.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Create a theme and show statement for the show in collaboration with the Center of Mission & Community Learning team.

• Curate a selection of fashion show designers for the fashion show

• Lead effective marketing strategies for designer, creative team & model recruitment and ticket sales

• Organize the photoshoot and promotional events/publications

• Schedule & lead group critiques and individual check-in meetings with designers

• Direct graphic design & photography team to create a unified vision for the show.

• Direct the volunteers - schedule meetings, delegate tasks before, during, after the show.

• Analyze weekly reports to help the team anticipate and avoid problems.

• Collaborate with campus partners (MICA Communications, MICA Events, MICA Store, etc)

• Attend regular meetings with the Center of Mission & Community Learning leadership team

• Perform other related duties as assigned

• Must be willing and able to assist in application and enforcement of Mission & Community Learning initiatives and policies to ensure effective implementation of ABFS event.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• People-person interested in leadership and holding themselves and others to timelines

• Detail-oriented and diligent to follow-up and complete tasks for assigned projects.

• Organized, and able to provide both practical and creative leadership

• Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities to meet deadlines. Proficient in social media platforms.

• Passion for wearable art construction and process.

• Knowledge of event planning-related logistics

• Familiarity with MICA’s 33-year long tradition of the Annual Benefit Fashion Show, either via participation or attendance.

• Strong curatorial skills

• Strong stage management skills

• Capable of leading large (12+ person) teams of creatives

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Time management strategies

• Familiar with Google Calendar.

• Experience with graphic design or fiber craft and garment-making is a plus

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a currently enrolled MICA (junior or senior undergraduate or graduate) full time student at time of employment

• Experience and knowledge in the fields of fashion and/or event management

• Remain in good social and academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.5

• Sincere desire to support Center of Mission & Community Learning events and MICA

• Commit to one-year employment (fall and spring semesters)

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient at adapting to changes and incorporating novel/innovative ideas to work

• Superior task management abilities that help fulfill responsibilities in a timely and efficient manner

• Ability to respond to emergencies and risks promptly and responsibly

• Effective communication skills that help take orders and delegate responsibilities

Compensation

• 3-10 hrs/week from August 2025-April 2026

• $15/hr

Conditions of Employment 

• Enrolled as a current, full-time (12 credit hours) MICA student in good standing at the time of application and throughout the recruitment and employment period.

• Will be a junior, senior, or MFA student during the time of employment

• Achievement and maintenance of a minimum 2.5 cumulative at the time of application and throughout the recruitment and employment period.

• Attend all mandatory meetings.

• Student employees may work no more than 20 hours per week across all on-campus positions. Excessive overtime will be met with disciplinary action, including but not limited to placement on a Professional Performance Improvement Plan. 

• Students employees WILL NOT skip required academic commitments, classes, or lectures to conduct work on ABFS programming unless otherwise approved by a faculty member in writing.   

• Important to note: Past disciplinary violations of MICA policies or the law may result in a candidate being removed from the selection process.

Application Timeline & Details

Applications close June 30th

Interviews will take place July 8th-15th

For more information, please contact Marissa Vazhappilly at mvazhappilly@mica.edu.

Please note: This position is contingent on the college’s operational plan, fiscal budget, and the department’s need for student employees.

Physical demands and work environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of the job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

• Work environment: While performing the duties of the job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal.

General sign-off: The employee is expected to adhere to all company policies.

I have read and understand this explanation and position description.

Maryland Institute College of Art is committed to its policy of providing equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or veteran status (disabled, Vietnam-era, or otherwise). Furthermore, the College does not tolerate any form of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment or sexual violence. This policy applies to all programs, facilities, and activities provided by Maryland Institute College of Art, including but not limited to admission, educational programs, and employment.

Applicants must apply online for each job in which they are interested. You will not be considered for any job for which you have not specifically applied. We do not accept applications via email, U.S. mail, or fax. Successful candidates for any staff or faculty positions will be subject to a pre-employment background check.

MICA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact Human Resources at 410-225-2363.