Careers

DEAN, SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, at THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

The Opportunity

The University of Virginia is seeking a principled and visionary leader to serve as the next Dean of the School of Architecture. This role involves leading the School during a pivotal time to shape the future of design practice and pedagogy while building upon a strong foundation. The Dean will report directly to the Executive Vice President and Provost.

The strategic vision for the School is built upon four multi-disciplinary focus areas:

  • Legacy
  • Impact
  • Engagement
  • Innovation

Key Roles and Responsibilities

The Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer, providing operational leadership for academic programs, faculty affairs, fiscal management, and external engagement.

  • Visionary Leadership: Lead a diverse academic community that includes Architecture, Architectural History, Landscape Architecture, and Urban and Environmental Planning. The Dean must inspire a culture of innovation to address challenges such as climate resilience, housing equity, and design justice.
  • Academic Distinction: Advance the School’s visibility nationally and internationally through excellence in research, teaching, and creative practice. This includes expanding access to public-sector funding and foundation grants.
  • Collaboration: Act as a “bridge-builder” across the University to develop collaborative initiatives. The Dean acts as the principal ambassador for the School to alumni, civic leaders, and global partners.
  • Stewardship & Fundraising: Provide visible leadership for fundraising efforts, working closely with the School of Architecture Foundation to secure support for scholarships, professorships, and capital improvements.

Candidate Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess a record of scholarly, creative, or professional excellence in architecture, architectural history, landscape architecture, or urban and environmental planning.

Required Experience and Traits:

  • Education: Advanced professional or doctoral degree with credentials suitable for appointment as a full professor.
  • Leadership: Demonstrated academic leadership in a complex setting, with the ability to lead within a shared governance framework.
  • Management: Proven success in strategic planning, fiscal management, and fundraising.
  • Character: A collegial leader with integrity, sound judgment, and the ability to foster trust across disciplines.

Institutional Context

  • Heritage: UVA is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring the “Academical Village” and the Rotunda, which remains the heart of the University.
  • Reputation: UVA is a top-ranked public institution, recognized by The Princeton Review as the No. 1 public school for financial aid for four consecutive years.
  • Financial Stability: The University holds a triple-A bond rating and has approximately $15.5 billion in long-term assets under management as of June 2025. The recent “Honor the Future” campaign raised $6.1 billion, surpassing its goal ahead of schedule.
  • Location: The University is located in Charlottesville, Virginia, approximately 100 miles south of Washington, D.C., near the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Application Process

The recruitment is being led by the UVA Executive Search Group (ESG).

  • To Apply: Submit a letter of interest and a CV to deanarch2025@virginia.edu
  • Inquiries: Confidential inquiries and nominations may be submitted via the online form mentioned in the posting.