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.

Virginia Tech is a renowned public research university located in Blacksburg, Virginia. With a commitment to innovation, excellence, and a collaborative spirit, the university has a distinguished reputation for fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment.

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.

Currently consisting of over 45 full-time faculty and staff, the School of Architecture serves over 825 students including 144 Master's students and 27 enrolled in its doctoral program. While based in Blacksburg, the school has a presence in northern Virginia through its Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center (WAAC), home to full-time and part-time faculty and visiting scholars who deliver graduate programming and advance architectural research. The school's reach also extends to Chicago, Boston, and Riva San Vitale, Switzerland via its studio, lab, and study abroad programs.

The Director of the School of Architecture will be responsible for the following, and 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.

The College of Architecture, Arts, and Design at Virginia Tech affirms our collective responsibility to encourage, build, and embrace the polyculturalism of our world. We do this by acknowledging and addressing our past, recognizing our current responsibility, and acting in the interests of building and sustaining communities that are truly safe, supportive, and inclusive for all. Our commitment is to continually and proactively engage in these processes for the benefit of our students, staff, and faculty across the college, and the communities around the world we aim to serve.

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

Materials Submission

The following information will be included in complete applications:

1) Curriculum Vitae

2) a brief cover letter which situates your work within the discipline and profession

3) a portfolio of work and/or research (can be a link to a website or a .pdf)

4) A one page personal statement of teaching philosophy including the candidate's ideas for supporting an equitable and inclusive educational environment consistent with the Virginia Tech Principles of Community. Specific examples of experiences, activities, and plans will help us identify candidates who can support our college's aim to sustain an equitable climate and extend our University's commitment to inclusive excellence.

5) the names and contact information for three current references as attachments to the online application.

Additional materials may be requested and required from shortlisted candidates.

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Salary range is $160,000-175,000 per year

Review Date

Wednesday, September 15, 2023

Additional Information

The initial term of appointment will be five years with the opportunity for renewal.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight , a , a college, , and . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous and . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.