Fashion Industry Subject Matter Expert

Position Type: Part-time, work on call

Job Description

Attain Partners is seeking an experienced Fashion Industry Subject Matter Expert to provide senior-level advisory support for the development of a multi-year strategic plan for the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). The SME will bring deep expertise in the consumer goods, fashion, and retailing sectors and serve as a strategic thought partner to validate findings, inform recommendations, and ensure the plan reflects current and emerging industry realities. This role is consultative and impact-driven, supporting institutional decision-making at the intersection of industry trends, workforce outcomes, and higher education strategy.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide expert insight into consumer goods, fashion, and retail industry trends, including market dynamics, workforce needs, and future-facing capabilities
• Advise on how industry trends should inform FIT’s multi-year strategic priorities and initiatives
• Review and validate key project deliverables, including research findings, strategic options, and draft documentation
• Contribute strategic recommendations grounded in real-world industry experience
• Support synthesis of stakeholder input, particularly as it relates to industry alignment and employer expectations
• Participate in select workshops, interviews, or planning sessions, and provide facilitation support as needed
• Serve as a trusted advisor to confirm feasibility, relevance, and industry alignment of proposed strategies

Required Skills

• 10–15+ years of progressive experience within the consumer goods, fashion, and/or retailing industries
• Demonstrated expertise across one or more of the following areas: fashion, retail, apparel, consumer products, brand strategy, merchandising, or related sectors
• Prior experience contributing to or leading strategic planning, enterprise strategy, or transformation initiatives
• Strong ability to translate industry insight into clear, actionable guidance for institutional leaders

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with or advising higher education institutions, workforce development organizations, or mission-driven entities
• Prior consulting, advisory, or board-level experience serving as a subject matter expert
• Familiarity with how industry expectations intersect with student outcomes, curriculum design, and employer partnerships
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage senior stakeholders

Additional Information

Attain Partners values your mental, emotional, and physical health and wellbeing. Our comprehensive benefits package starts on your first day of employment and includes benefits such as:

• Competitive health, dental, and vision coverage, HSA and FSA accounts, life and disability insurance, fertility and family planning benefits, and employee assistance and discount programs
• 11 paid federal holidays and flexible unlimited time off (UTO)
• Generous 401(k) matching with immediate vesting
• Flexible career paths – our career tracks provide advancement, mobility, and flexibility as you continue to grow with us
• A healthy environment where we value unique experiences, and care about everything that makes you, you.