Director, School of Architecture and Planning

The School of Architecture and Planning (SA+P) in the Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design at the University of Texas at San Antonio invites applications for the position of Director. The school seeks exceptional candidates with (1) a record of high-quality research and scholarship, (2) excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, and (3) leadership and/or administrative experience. Successful candidates will demonstrate a clear vision for expanding the research enterprise of the school, a plan for the continued growth of its graduate and undergraduate educational programs, and the ability to build strong relationships with local industry and other academic departments. This vision should also foster research and creative activities, encourage interdisciplinary endeavors, engage the broader professional community, and advocate for SA+P. The successful candidate will be engaged in leading SA+P as the school moves into new space as a critical program of UTSA\’s ambitious growth of their downtown campus. This space will support continued growth in academic programs, scholarship, and community impact. The new location in the core of the city of San Antonio provides SA+P an incredible opportunity for increasing connection with local firms, community organizations and government in the seventh largest city in the United States.

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)

UTSA is designated as a Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education R1 Research university, which places us among the top 4% of research universities in the nation. As a Tier One institution, UTSA is also one of only 22 universities in the nation that is also Hispanic Serving; one of 6 that also hold three National Centers of Academic Excellence; and, one of 10 universities that have the Seal of Excelencia for Latino student success. With more than 36,000 students, is the largest university in the San Antonio and south Texas region.

UTSA advances knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service, and with an intentional focus on career readiness, the university produces more graduates for the workforce than any other institution in the region. It is a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property — for Texas, the nation, and the world.

In August 2024, the https://www.utsa.edu/today/2024/08/story/utsa-and-ut-health-san-antonio-merger-announced.html authorized UT System to begin integrating UTSA and the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio into one unified institution, establishing a world-class university that integrates academic, research, and clinical excellence to build a profoundly impactful university of the future. Driven by a vision for growth and impact, this merger will expand capacity to offer robust undergraduate and graduate programs, attract top-tier faculty and staff, develop innovative initiatives, and elevate transdisciplinary research to address the evolving needs of the region.

UTSA has been recognized as a Top Employer in Texas by Forbes Magazine. Learn more about UTSA https://www.utsa.edu/, on https://www.utsa.edu/today/, or on https://x.com/utsa, https://instagram.com/utsa/, https://facebook.com/utsa, https://youtube.com/user/utsa and https://linkedin.com/school/the-university-of-texas-at-san-antonio/.

Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design (KCEID)

The Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design (KCEID) is home to more than 4,300 undergraduate and graduate students in 9 undergraduate, 16 Masters, and 6 PhD degree programs. The college is supported by over 140 tenure/tenure-track and fixed-term faculty, and a dedicated cadre of staff. Each of the KCEID\’s five units brings unique value for advancing its mission—these include the Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mechanical, Aerospace, and Industrial Engineering, as well as the Schools of Architecture & Urban Planning, Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management. KCEID is also home to 10 research institutions and centers, a student success center, a Large-scale Testing Laboratory, and a Makerspace, supporting research through research and discovery as well as educational excellence. Collectively, the students, faculty, and staff within KCEID support KCEID\’s mission to identify and solve grand challenges where humanity intersects the physical world.

KCEID educational programs are accredited by ABET, the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), and the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). For more information about KCEID, please visit https://klesse.utsa.edu/.

School of Architecture and Planning (SA+P)

SA+P has augmented an esteemed tradition of preparing students for professional practice with cutting-edge research agendas. As part of a Hispanic-Serving Institution, SA+P takes pride in its student body and growing number of first-generation students. Its faculty are engaged professionals and researchers across the globe. The school offers B.S. degrees in Architecture and Interior Design, a Master\’s degree in Architecture, and M.S. degrees in Architecture and Urban and Regional Planning, as well as a Dual M.S. degree in Architecture and Urban and Regional Planning. The research activities and experimental facilities are well supported by federal research and infrastructure grants. SA+P is home to two research centers -the Center for Cultural Sustainability and the Center for Urban and Regional Planning Research- as well as multiple laboratories. Collectively, these units support transdisciplinary academic and applied research in the areas of environmental sustainability, building technology, material science, historic preservation, urban and regional planning, and community design. SA+P research centers and laboratories pursue impact beyond the university, collaborating with academic and industry partners, governments, NGOs, and community groups to identify grand challenges, generate new knowledge bases, and develop applied solutions for the built environment. SA+P currently has 53 faculty, 4 staff, and 769 undergraduate and 140 graduate students. Additional information about UTSA’s SA+P can be found at https://klesse.utsa.edu/architecture-planning/.

Required Qualifications

Credentials enabling appointment as a tenured Associate or full Professor with the School of Architecture and Planning, which include:

• A professional Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited program, an international equivalent, a professional Master\’s degree in Interior Design from an accredited program, or a Master\’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning or international equivalent, a professional licensure or a Ph.D.
• Demonstrated excellence and national or international recognition of academic achievements in design, research, and creative work.
• A strong commitment to innovative architectural, interior design and urban planning teaching and curriculum development that embraces technology.
• Experience leading organizational development and culture building, as well as familiarity with the processes related to working in a large, complex institution.
• Demonstrated success as an outstanding collaborator and relationship builder with exceptional communication and people skills.
  The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate a record of leadership in high quality, collaborative research, and an excellent scholarship record of external funding.
• The successful candidate must have the ability to work with and be sensitive to the educational needs of first generation and low-income students and be committed to assisting the University\’s commitment to thrive as a Hispanic Serving Institution.

Preferred Qualifications

• A proven ability to develop and implement successful interdisciplinary and/or international programs.
• A history of building, enhancing, and sustaining partnerships within communities ranging from university to national and international, including academic, professional, industry, and/or governmental partners.
• Experience in an academic supervisory capacity/leadership position.
• Experience with architecture, interior design, or urban planning accreditation processes.
• Knowledge of innovative curriculum development and implementation.
• Experience with fiscal management responsibilities.
• Leadership in professional organizations.

Application Process

Review of applications will begin on November 18, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. Priority will be given to applications received by November 17, 2024.

To apply, please create a single file in PDF format containing in the following order:

• A current curriculum vitae.
• Complete contact information for at least three professional references.
• A research and teaching philosophy statement, indicating how these align with the required and preferred qualifications (5-page limit).
• A statement describing previous administrative experience and the vision for UTSA\’s SA+P, indicating how these align with the required and preferred qualifications (5-page limit).

Additional information:

Candidates with relevant experience who have not completed their doctoral dissertation (ABDs) will be considered.
The appointment at the rank of Associate or full Professor with tenure is contingent upon Board of Regents approval.
At the discretion of the hiring department, this position posting may be closed once a sufficient number of qualified applications has been received.

Additional Information

• UTSA is a tobacco free campus.
• This is a security sensitive position. Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.
• Applicants selected must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.
• Valid driver\’s license and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) as applicable.
• Inquiries about the position should be directed to Ender Finol, Committee Chair, at mailto:ender.finol@utsa.edu.

Working Conditions

This position will be primarily located on campus. Travel and parking expenses are the employee’s responsibility.

Equal Employment Opportunity

As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, it is the policy of The University of Texas at San Antonio to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetic information, and veteran status. The University is committed to the Affirmative Action Program in compliance with all government requirements to ensure nondiscrimination. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. UTSA campuses are accessible to persons with disabilities.

To view the full job posting and apply for this position, go to https://apptrkr.com/5742422