Founding Director of the School of Architecture
About The Position
Tennessee Tech University seeks a visionary architect-educator to lead the launch, continual development, and accreditation of its new Bachelor of Architecture program. The program aims to prepare graduates to become competent, skilled, professionally licensed, and community-minded architects. The Director will build a nationally distinctive architecture program, advancing curricular excellence, developing state-of-the-art facilities, promoting professional and practice readiness, and recruiting and mentoring outstanding faculty and students. The position is a full-time, 12-month faculty appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor and reports to the Provost. The Director will provide strategic leadership for the program; oversee curriculum, assessment, NAAB accreditation readiness, facilities, recruitment, faculty and staff support, external partnerships, and administrative resources; and teach in the Bachelor of Architecture program while supporting scholarship and/or professional practice that enhances architectural education.
Requirements
- A minimum of a master’s degree in architecture (NAAB-accredited M.Arch or equivalent).
- Demonstrated excellence in architectural education, including teaching architecture studios, lecture-based courses, and seminars.
- Evidence of an established record of peer-reviewed creative work and/or scholarly productivity.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Experience working with NAAB accreditation processes.
- Leadership experience in higher education, architectural practice, or related settings.
Nice To Haves
- Ph.D. or other terminal research degree in architecture or a closely related field.
- Professional licensure in architecture.
- Experience in strategic planning, curriculum development, program assessment, and budget and resource management.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for the growth of the Bachelor of Architecture program and establish a distinctive vision aligned with Tennessee Tech’s mission and goals.
- Oversee curriculum refinement, assessment, and readiness for NAAB accreditation.
- Coordinate renovation of facilities to create state-of-the-art studio space, classrooms, and labs.
- Recruit, mentor, and support faculty and staff, fostering a collegial, collaborative, and respectful culture.
- Guide admissions and student recruitment in partnership with the Division of Communication and Enrollment.
- Build relationships with external partners, practitioners, and community organizations to enhance student career readiness and program impact.
- Provide administrative oversight of faculty, budget planning, and resource allocation.
- Teach courses in the Bachelor of Architecture program and contribute to its intellectual and creative culture.
- Support scholarship and/or professional practice that enhances architectural education.
- Lead the process of seeking initial NAAB accreditation and ensure compliance with accreditation standards.
- Develop and oversee ongoing program assessment, continuous improvement, and professional relevance.
- Serve as the primary liaison with NAAB and relevant professional bodies.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
