Director Austin E. Knowlton School of Architecture
New Today
Current Employees and Students
: If you are currently employed or enrolled as a student at The Ohio State University, please log in to to use the internal application process.
Welcome to The Ohio State University's career site. We invite you to apply to positions of interest. In order to ensure your application is complete, you must complete the following:
Ensure you have all necessary documents available when starting the application process. You can review the additional job description section on postings for documents that may be required. You will be presented with the opportunity to attach up to five (5) documents in the Application Documents section. If necessary, please consider combining documents into one file.
If you require any assistance with including the necessary documents in the application process, please reach out to .
Resume parsing is not effective on documents which exceed one (1) page. As a result, it is not recommended to select Autofill with Resume when applying if using a resume or CV which exceeds one (1) page.
Prior to submitting your application, please review and update (if necessary) the information in your candidate profile as it will transfer to your application.
Job Title:
Director Austin E. Knowlton School of Architecture Department:
Engineering | Office of the Dean Director and Professor
Austin E. Knowlton School of Architecture
College of Engineering
The Knowlton School of Architecture () at The Ohio State University invites applications for the Director of the school starting at the rank of Professor with tenure.
Position Overview
We invite applications for the next Director of the Knowlton School to start as early as Autumn 2026. The Director is responsible for cultivating a cohesive and collaborative climate and culture across the school’s three sections: architecture, landscape architecture, and city and regional planning. The Section Heads all report to the Director. The Director also represents the school at the college and university levels, leads all aspects of school administration, in a fiscally responsible manner, and fosters an environment where faculty, staff, and students can thrive. The future Director of the Knowlton School should be a bold, creative, and collaborative problem-solver that builds upon the school’s research, interdisciplinarity, and education profile to address the changing landscape as the professions evolve. The position is open to applicants who may require sponsorship for a visa or other work authorization.
Performance Objectives
The Director is the administrative head of the Knowlton School, representing the school in dealings with the dean and university administration. The Director will provide visionary leadership and strategic oversight across all facets of the school’s operations.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Governance
Lead the development and regular review of the school’s governance documents, including the Pattern of Administration and Appointments, Promotion, and Tenure (APT) procedures.
Represent the school within the College of Engineering and broader university leadership.
Academic & Administrative Management
Oversee day-to-day operations, including staff hiring, supervision, and service assignments.
Collaborate with faculty and the Dean to plan and implement forward-looking academic programs.
Ensure continuous improvement of instructional quality through course evaluations and faculty-led reviews.
Faculty Development & Evaluation
Conduct annual performance reviews for faculty and support their professional growth.
Make informed recommendations on faculty appointments, reappointments, promotions, and dismissals in alignment with university policies and the school’s APT document.
Foster a collegial environment that supports scholarship, innovation, and academic excellence.
Operational Excellence
Maintain accurate and up-to-date curriculum vitae for all instructional personnel.
Promote equity in faculty responsibilities and privileges based on academic rank.
Ensure effective onboarding, supervision, and development of faculty and staff.
Financial & Strategic Planning
Lead the development of the school’s annual budget and financial forecasts in collaboration with the Cost Center Manager and Section Heads.
Align financial planning with strategic priorities and academic goals.
External Engagement & Advancement
Cultivate relationships with alumni, industry partners, and other stakeholders.
Identify and pursue external funding opportunities in partnership with University Advancement and designated staff.
Academic Program Review
Facilitate and participate in academic program reviews in coordination with the Dean and the Office of Academic Affairs.
The Director may delegate specific responsibilities to Associate Directors or Section Heads as appropriate, while maintaining overall accountability for the school’s success.
Qualifications
A terminal degree in architecture, landscape architecture, city and regional planning, or strongly allied field of study.
Must hold the rank of Full Professor or possess a record of scholarly achievement and academic leadership that meets the criteria for appointment at the rank of Full Professor within one of the academic sections of the Knowlton School (visit the school’s guidelines).
Demonstrated track record of academic leadership, personnel and budget management, and collaboration.
A commitment to teaching excellence and to health and well-being for undergraduate and graduate students.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a focus on working constructively, decisively, and collegially with external and internal colleagues.
Demonstrated experience in mentoring faculty and students within an academic setting.
Demonstrated impact of service to the academic enterprise.
Deep understanding of the academic research enterprise, with the ability to support, advocate for, and strategically guide the scholarly endeavors of faculty and researchers across the Knowlton disciplines.
Demonstrated ability to facilitate, articulate, execute and/or steward a strategic vision.
Familiarity working with campus administrators and leaders.
Interest in actively taking advantage of The Ohio State University as a comprehensive university.
A willingness to mentor a range of faculty from different intellectual backgrounds.
Experience with and/or curiosity for engagement across disciplinary boundaries.
A demonstrated record of, and strong commitment to, Ohio State’s shared values.
An understanding of and appreciation for professional practice.
Demonstrated experience collaborating with alumni, campus leadership, and other external stakeholders to expand financial resources for student aid, faculty research, hiring, and capital improvements.
Familiarity with budget management and understanding resource allocations.
Explore our extensive benefits
.
Work-life:
Flexible and remote work arrangement opportunities where applicable, childcare program, and access to educational, athletic and cultural events. Retirement:
State pension and alternative options with competitive employer contributions, as well as optional supplemental plans. Health:
Medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, life insurance, flexible spending accounts and wellness programming. Time off:
Paid vacation and sick time, parental and medical leave plus 11 paid holidays. Short and long-term disability options also available. Financial:
Tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, adoption assistance and discounts with preferred vendors and university partners. Wellness:
Lifestyle spending account, employee assistance program, health reimbursement account, and employee wellness program.
- Location:
- Columbus