Director, School of Architecture (Tenured Faculty)

University of Illinois at Chicago•Chicago, IL

35d•Onsite

About The Position

The School of Architecture at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) seeks candidates for the position of Director to begin August 2026. Located in the heart of one of the most vibrant arts cities in the United States, UIC is a comprehensive urban public research (R1) university that enrolls over 35,000 students and is among the nation's top five most diverse campuses. The School of Architecture is one of four Schools in the College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts (CADA), and shares facilities and a close collaborative relationship with the School of Design. Serving a diverse student body of approximately 300 undergraduates and 50 graduates, the School of Architecture offers five degree programs: a four-year pre-professional BS in Architecture, an upper-level BA in Architectural Studies, a NAAB-accredited Master of Architecture (three-year or two-year with advanced standing), a one-year post professional MS in Architecture, and a two-year Master of Arts in Design Criticism. Extending its sixty-year history of instigating significant practice and discussion in architecture, the School is composed of an energetic faculty who actively contribute to the international culture of design, research, and criticism. In its teaching, research, and public programming, the School is focused on design and advanced work in technology and theory with a central commitment to the cultural and disciplinary project of architecture. With a direct reporting line to the Dean of CADA, the Director will work with the School faculty and staff to realize the mission of the School. The Director's responsibilities include all aspects of the School's operation: budget and finance, staffing and HR, curriculum oversight, recruitment, accreditation, fundraising, public programming, and facility use and improvement. The Director represents the discipline of architecture within the College and University as well as at local, national, and international venues, and works closely with the Dean and College administration to maintain and cultivate new external relationships with alumni, supporters, donors, and patrons. One key aspect involves strengthening connections between the School and professional offices, as this relationship entails graduating future architects who can challenge and elevate the broader culture of practice. The Director oversees the equitable allocation of resources and opportunities for the advancement of all members of the School community, and ensures clear and focused communication with internal and external stakeholders consistent with the School's values and identity. The Director will execute these responsibilities in a climate of transparency and in accord with the principles of shared academic governance. We seek an energetic and collegial leader with a demonstrated ability to listen to diverse input and bring people together toward a collective vision. The successful candidate will be adept at mobilizing consensus among faculty peers, as well as directing and supporting professional staff, as a means to act inclusively and decisively for the advancement of the School. We expect a hands-on leader based in Chicago who maintains an active presence in the School and serves as the public face for both its internal and external programming. Applicants should demonstrate exemplary professionalism and disciplinary leadership in the field of architecture in an academic, professional, or cultural organization. Possessing an acute knowledge of the international landscape of architecture programs, the Director will advance the School's unique position with regard to its past successes and future promise.

Requirements

terminal professional degree (MArch or international equivalent) and/or PhD in Architecture or a closely related field
credentials that merit rank at the level of associate or full professor with tenure, including an accomplished record of successful teaching
international record of creative/scholarly achievement
public service that contributes to advancing architecture and its place in the world

Responsibilities

budget and finance
staffing and HR
curriculum oversight
recruitment
accreditation
fundraising
public programming
facility use and improvement
represents the discipline of architecture within the College and University as well as at local, national, and international venues
works closely with the Dean and College administration to maintain and cultivate new external relationships with alumni, supporters, donors, and patrons
strengthening connections between the School and professional offices
oversees the equitable allocation of resources and opportunities for the advancement of all members of the School community
ensures clear and focused communication with internal and external stakeholders consistent with the School's values and identity