Director, School of Visual Arts, College of Arts and Architecture

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

About The Position

The School of Visual Arts in the College of Arts and Architecture at The Pennsylvania State University (University Park Campus) invites applications for the director of the Penn State School of Visual Arts. The successful candidate must meet the qualifications for immediate tenure under Penn State University's policies and procedures at the time of appointment. This is a 48-week position with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2026. Reporting to the Dean, the Director works closely with the College Academic Leadership Council, t he Assistant Director for Access and Equity; the academic leadership of the School (Art Education, Digital Art, Photography, and Studio Art); the administrative staff of the school; the graduate program officers in Art Education and Studio Art; and the school Faculty Leadership and Governance Council. The College of Arts & Architecture is committed to fostering a culture that is fair, inclusive, and respectful of all individuals. We strive to create an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and all members of our community have equitable opportunities to succeed. Through our curricula, values, standards, policies, and practices, we promote inclusive excellence and uphold the principles of equal opportunity and nondiscrimination. Candidates are welcome to share experiences that demonstrate their commitment to these values and goals, and their ability to contribute to an inclusive academic community for all . The ideal candidate will lead the School of Visual Arts in support of the School, College, and University strategic plans. The director will facilitate a respectful and collegial work environment that supports the success of all faculty, staff , and students. The director will foster achievement in the scholarship of research and creative activity, teaching and learning, and service to the institution, community, and profession. The director is the budget administrator for the School of Visual Arts: responsible for oversight of faculty salaries, endowments, travel, student scholarships, and earned revenue. The director will mentor all faculty members (tenured, untenured, and non-tenure track) through promotion and/or tenure processes and conduct annual reviews for faculty and staff. The director is responsible for the successful administration of the school which includes, but is not limited to: hiring personnel, maintenance of facilities and equipment, NASAD accreditation, recruitment of undergraduate and graduate students, curriculum development and assessment, and online course curricula. The director will develop relationships with donors and alumni and will work with the Dean and the Advancement Office in fundraising and alumni activities. The director will collaborate with School and College recruitment and advising staff to attract undergraduate and graduate students, participate in recruitment events, and implement a comprehensive recruitment strategy. We seek a dynamic, accomplished, thoughtful, collaborative leader whose scholarship of research and/or creative activity, teaching, and service are grounded in one or more of the areas represented in the School of Visual Arts—Art Education, Ceramics, Digital Art and Media Design, Drawing and Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture—or a related area. We are interested in candidates who will lead the School of Visual Arts with a vision that includes innovative possibilities for the visual arts, such as in studio practice, digital arts and multimedia technology, community-based art practice, socially relevant art education in schools and communities, and sustainable practices. We seek a leader who will inspire students and faculty to pursue achievement in visual art and art education in national and international spaces. The next director of the School of Visual Arts will prioritize collegiality and will be an advocate for the visual arts across campus and beyond through curriculum development, outreach, and research/creative activity.

Requirements

A terminal degree in visual art or art edu ca tion (MFA, PhD, EdD, or equivalent) or a related field.
Full Professor; Tenured (or equivalent experience).
College-level teaching experience.
Three years leadership or administrative experience within a department or school.
Demonstrated record of national or international achievement, excellence, and impact in research and/or creative activity, teaching, and/or professional service or outreach.
Excellent communication, presentation, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Experience with personnel management.
Demonstrated efficacy and skill with managing academic budget s.
Experience mentoring faculty and graduate students.
Commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration in research, creative activity, teaching, and/or service within and beyond the university.
Demonstrated success in securing external funding as evidenced in previous work with development officers to secure funding, gifts, endowments, or grants.
Evidence of equitable considerations, awareness, and practice regarding curricula development, inclusive practices in supporting student bodies, staff, and faculty members of all backgrounds, along with evidence of working collectively to cultivate a culture that supports success and enables all members of our college community to thrive.

Nice To Haves

Evidence of on-going research, scholarly and/or creative activities and outreach.
Experience revising and/or developing new courses, degree programs, and minors.
Familiarity with online teaching, course development, and program management.

Responsibilities

Lead the School of Visual Arts in support of the School, College, and University strategic plans.
Facilitate a respectful and collegial work environment that supports the success of all faculty, staff , and students.
Foster achievement in the scholarship of research and creative activity, teaching and learning, and service to the institution, community, and profession.
Budget administrator for the School of Visual Arts: responsible for oversight of faculty salaries, endowments, travel, student scholarships, and earned revenue.
Mentor all faculty members (tenured, untenured, and non-tenure track) through promotion and/or tenure processes and conduct annual reviews for faculty and staff.
Responsible for the successful administration of the school which includes, but is not limited to: hiring personnel, maintenance of facilities and equipment, NASAD accreditation, recruitment of undergraduate and graduate students, curriculum development and assessment, and online course curricula.
Develop relationships with donors and alumni and will work with the Dean and the Advancement Office in fundraising and alumni activities.
Collaborate with School and College recruitment and advising staff to attract undergraduate and graduate students, participate in recruitment events, and implement a comprehensive recruitment strategy.

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing.
In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans.
One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

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