Program Director- Architecture & Design

Faculty are essential to Liberty University’s mission of Training Champions for Christ. It is expected that ‎‎‎‎‎a faculty member model a personal commitment to the goals and values of Liberty University, engage ‎‎‎‎‎in an active commitment to, and experience of, personal spiritual formation within a biblically informed ‎‎‎‎‎Christian worldview. Faculty should view their teaching, engagement with students, and scholarship as a ‎‎‎means to a significant educational ‎‎end. They should strive to employ a variety of techniques for the ‎‎‎development of good learning ‎‎conditions, view each student as a unique individual, and insofar as it is ‎‎‎possible, provide for individual ‎‎differences, abilities, and interests. ‎

The program director will lead a dynamic and innovative multidisciplinary team that supports undergraduate and graduate programs in architecture, design, and related fields. The candidate will likely serve as the director of a new center devoted to architecture and design. The program director will oversee academic, operational, and strategic initiatives, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes excellence in education, research, and community engagement. This role requires an experienced professional with a vision for advancing architectural education, a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, and the skills to enhance the program’s impact in the field of architecture and design.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategic Planning

• Develop and implement a vision and strategic plan that aligns with the institution’s mission and goals.
• Establish and advance short- and long-term objectives for the architecture and design programs, including initiatives to enhance academic excellence and industry relevance.
• Foster a culture of innovation and collaboration among faculty, staff, and students.
  
  

Program Management and Curriculum Development

• Oversee curriculum design and development to ensure alignment with National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) standards and industry trends.
• Collaborate with faculty to maintain and evolve undergraduate and graduate architecture programs, ensuring interdisciplinary integration and cutting-edge content.
• Lead initiatives to enhance the educational experience, such as hands-on workshops, design labs, and community-based projects.
  
  

Research and Outreach

• Promote and support faculty and student research in architecture, design, sustainability, and emerging technologies.
• Develop partnerships to expand research opportunities and collaborative projects.
• Enhance the program’s visibility and reputation through outreach efforts, public programming, and events that engage the broader community in architectural discourse.
  
  

Resource Management and Operations

• Manage the program’s budget, facilities, and resources effectively, ensuring operational efficiency and sustainability.
• Oversee the recruitment, development, and evaluation of faculty and staff, fostering a supportive and productive work environment.
• Ensure compliance with accreditation requirements, working closely with faculty and administrative staff to prepare for accreditation reviews and implement continuous improvement strategies.
  
  

Student Engagement and Support

• Foster an environment that supports student success, engagement, and professional development.
• Develop and support mentorship and internship programs that connect students with industry leaders and real-world architectural practice.
  
  

Qualifications

• Education: Master’s or doctoral degree in architecture or a related field from an accredited institution. A professional license in architecture is preferred.
• Experience: Experience in architecture or design education, with a track record of academic leadership and program management. Demonstrated experience with NAAB accreditation processes is highly desirable.
• Skills and Competencies:
• Strong leadership and strategic planning abilities, with experience leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with faculty, students, industry partners, and community stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of contemporary issues in architecture and design, including sustainability, urban design, and technological advancements.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative academic environment.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, allocate resources, and oversee operations.
  

Preferred Attributes

• A visionary approach to architectural education and a commitment to advancing the program as a hub for innovation and community engagement.
• Strong network of professional contacts in architecture, design, and related fields.
• Experience in securing funding and managing grants for research and academic initiatives.
  
  

Target Hire Date

2025-01-01

Time Type

Full time

Location

Lynchburg - In Office

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University’s hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.