Seeking Director

Job description
Virginia Tech’s College of Architecture, Arts, and Design seeks an exceptional leader to serve as the Director of the School of Architecture. Reporting to the dean, the director will be responsible for providing visionary academic and administrative leadership, fostering a culture of collaboration, and advancing the school’s reputation as a premier destination for architectural education and research. The ideal candidate will bring a combination of academic administrative experience and compassionate leadership to drive the school’s success.

The School of Architecture, one of four schools in the newly launched College of Architecture, Arts, and Design (AAD), plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of architectural education and practice through its progressive programs, cutting-edge research, and community engagement initiatives. The School of Architecture, grounded in its pedagogical roots, continually seeks vital approaches to the education of an architect. The school cultivates an experimental and inventive atmosphere for architectural education: students are encouraged to drive their own trajectories, and faculty are given latitude to design their labs and courses. Faculty, staff, and students are all significantly engaged in conversations about the direction of the school. 

Candidates will be assessed on their potential and/or proven ability to excel in these areas:
Strategic leadership: Work with faculty to support and further the compelling vision for the school that builds on the school’s long-standing commitment to high quality, student driven design education and aligns with both the university’s and college’s strategic goals. Lead the school’s efforts to innovate in architectural education, research, and community engagement.

Academic excellence: Oversee the development and enhancement of curriculum, ensuring the delivery of rigorous and relevant programs that prepare students for the evolving demands of the architecture profession. Foster an environment that encourages inquiry, research, innovation, and collaboration among faculty and students.

Collaborative engagement: Build strong relationships with faculty, students, staff, and stakeholders—internal and external to the university. Promote interdisciplinary collaboration across the university and beyond.

Administrative management: Provide effective management of the school’s resources, budgets, and operations. Work collaboratively with staff and college leadership to ensure successful execution of administrative functions and support the implementation of innovative initiatives.

Student support: Prioritize student success by enhancing mentoring and advising programs, promoting diversity and inclusion, and creating an environment that supports student well-being and growth.

Faculty mentorship: Understand and appreciate the individual and collective needs of the school’s faculty and provide the support, advocacy, and leadership needed to advance their success in teaching, research, scholarship, and service. Provide conditions in which faculty are best positioned to advance, and which support the recruitment and retention of an increasingly diverse faculty.

External relations: Cultivate relationships with industry partners, alumni, donors, and governmental agencies to enhance the school’s visibility, secure funding opportunities, and promote the achievements and innovation of faculty and students.

Emotional intelligence: Demonstrate a high level of emotional intelligence in interactions with colleagues, students, and stakeholders. Foster a positive and supportive atmosphere that values diverse perspectives and promotes open communication.

Required qualifications
–Credentials enabling appointment as a tenured Professor with the school, including a terminal degree in a related field, and a national and/or international recognition in one’s field; advanced Associate Professors with an exemplary record of achievement in academic research, teaching, and service who demonstrate a trajectory toward promotion to Professor will be considered.
–Record of success in scholarship, academic leadership, and administration
–Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
–Excellent communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills

Preferred qualifications
–Experience leading organizational development and community/culture-building
–Familiarity with processes related to working in a large, complex institution
–Commitment to values embodied in ‘Ut Prosim’ (‘that I may serve’), the university’s motto
–Success in fundraising, including experience working with advisory boards and donor cultivation and stewardship

The review of applications will commence on Wednesday, November 15 and continue until the position is filled.  For additional details or to apply, visit the Virginia Tech Careers website here.