The University of Illinois Chicago – CADA is currently seeking to fill the position of School of Design Tenured Faculty (School Director) in Chicago, IL. As a comprehensive urban public research university, UIC boasts a diverse campus and offers a variety of design programs to a student body that is equally diverse. The School of Design is one of four schools in the College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts, and it is closely connected to the School of Architecture. The incoming Director will play a crucial role in advancing the mission of the School, overseeing its operation and fostering relationships both within and outside the field. Candidates for the position should have a strong background in design, with a record of creative, scholarly, and/or professional achievement. They must also possess leadership skills, teaching experience, and a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The Director will work collaboratively with the Dean and other faculty members to ensure the success and growth of the School.
School of Design Tenured Faculty (School Director)
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Director Position
The School of Design at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is seeking a Tenured Faculty member to assume the role of School Director. This position, starting in August 2024, requires an individual with a strong intellectual vision and a record of creative, scholarly, and/or professional achievement. The Director will play a pivotal role in fostering and strengthening relationships both within and outside the field of design.
School Overview
The School of Design is one of four Schools in the College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts at UIC. Situated in the heart of Chicago, one of the most vibrant cities in the United States, UIC is a comprehensive urban public research (R1) university that boasts a student enrollment of over 33,500. The School of Design shares facilities and maintains a close collaborative relationship with the School of Architecture.
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Programs Offered
The School of Design offers a range of programs to approximately 300 undergraduate and 30 graduate students. These include a Bachelor of Design (BDes) in Graphic Design and Industrial Design, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Design Studies, a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science+Design, and a Master of Design (MDes) in Graphic and Industrial Design. The programs aim to provide advanced design education to a student body that is diverse in culture, socio-economic background, and national origin.
Mission of the School
At the School of Design, design is understood as a discipline for rigorous inquiry into both what is and what could be. It is seen as an agent for change, cultivating dialogue between communities, professions, and other social formations. The mission of the School is to provide advanced design education and foster a culture of diversity and inclusion.
Leadership Qualifications
The ideal candidate for the Director position will possess exceptional leadership qualities. They should have an outstanding record of creative, scholarly, and/or professional achievement, meriting appointment as a tenured professor in the School. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate leadership in the field of design, whether in an academic, professional, or cultural organization. Teaching experience in both undergraduate and graduate programs is also required.
Responsibilities of the Director
As the School Director, the individual will be responsible for the overall operation of the School. This includes budget and finance management, staffing and human resources, curriculum oversight, recruitment, accreditation, advancement, public programming, and facility use and improvement. The Director will represent the discipline of Design within the College and University, as well as locally, nationally, and internationally. They will work closely with the Dean to maintain existing relationships and cultivate new external relationships with supporters, donors, friends, and patrons.
Minimum Qualifications
To be considered for the Director position, applicants must possess a terminal professional degree such as an MFA, MDes, or international equivalent, and/or a PhD. In addition, candidates should have an established record of academic or professional accomplishments and proven success in advancing knowledge of design and academic programs. A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in curriculum, the classroom, and the field is necessary. Furthermore, candidates should possess a high level of interpersonal skills and integrity.
Application Process
To apply for the Director position at the School of Design, interested candidates must submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three or more external references through the UIC job board at jobs.uic.edu. The deadline for electronic applications is January 2nd, 2024. Interviews are expected to take place in mid to late February 2023.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The University of Illinois Chicago is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or status as an individual with a disability.
Additional Information
Offers of employment by the University of Illinois may be subject to approval by the University’s Board of Trustees and are contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of any criminal background checks and other pre-employment assessments. As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System utilizes E-Verify to verify employment eligibility. Candidates selected for hire will be required to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding such findings.
For more information about the School of Design, please visit https://design.uic.edu/.
