Careers

Lecturer – Director of Design Build Program

Position Title

Lecturer – Director of Design Build Program

Institution

Department of Architecture at the University of Massachusetts Amherst

Location

Amherst

Key Dates

Application Review: January 15, 2027
Early Start Date: May or June 2027 possible (to allow for observation of the current year’s build project)
Latest Start Date: September 1, 2027

Position Description

The Building and Construction Technology Program (in the Department of Environmental Conservation) and the Department of Architecture at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a full-time lecturer position to be the director and primary instructor for the UMass DesignBuild program. The successful candidate will provide the core organizational, administrative, and instructional role in the UMass DesignBuild program. This program is committed to providing an experiential learning environment where students engage in design-build pedagogy and experience the integration of both architectural design and full-scale construction. Past projects featured high-performance building design, experimental materials and systems, and MEP/HVAC systems integration. Successful candidates will have a strong interest in design-build pedagogy and experience in architectural design, particularly for high-performance residential projects, and full-scale on-site construction work.

  • Teaching Duties:
    • Fall: Teaching the BCT 313 course (3-credit) on high-performance, light-frame, residential construction. This may coincide with instructional duties for the completion of the previous DesignBuild project.
    • Spring: Teaching a 6-credit undergraduate and graduate level DesignBuild design studio (ARCH 404/604) that leads to the construction documents for the upcoming project.
    • Summer: Instructor for two 6-credit (each) DesignBuild build courses during which the structure will be built. These are two full-time (40 hours/week) six-week sessions.
    • Teaching duties may vary, depending on evolving needs.
  • Service Duties
  • Construction Management Duties:
    • Perform all necessary tasks required for the successful construction of the proposed design-build project as specified in the UMass DesignBuild Design Studio, including but not limited to the following:
    • Prepare UMass DesignBuild site in preparation for student arrival for the start of the Build, i.e., tools, materials, construction equipment, safety equipment, etc.
    • Procure all materials and equipment necessary for the build.
    • Instruct students in all aspects of construction procedures including both tool and job site safety.
    • Provide technical on-site instruction about all systems (structural, MEP, etc.).
    • Communicate and coordinate as necessary with assorted code officials, municipal authorities, specialty contractors, and materials suppliers.
    • Complete construction as needed following the conclusion of the summer build courses and ensure delivery to community partner.
    • Operating construction equipment and UMass vehicle(s).
  • Program Management Duties (Throughout the Year):
    • Primary management of the UMass Design Build program including, but not limited to the following tasks:
    • Solicitation and procurement of projects for the DesignBuild program.
    • Negotiations for agreements with community partners, the University, and/or other potential collaborators for DesignBuild projects.
    • Collaborate with the Development Offices to secure philanthropic support for projects through cash and in-kind contributions. Pursue and coordinate project financing and fundraising strategies, including charitable gifts, grant funding, and the purchase or transfer of completed projects.
    • Overseeing program and construction finances and interfacing with University accountants.
    • Interfacing with UMass Legal as necessary for annual agreements with recipients of DesignBuild projects, and managing agreements between all involved parties.
    • Student recruitment.
    • Outreach to media, donors, town officials, AEC professionals, faculty, UMass Administers, etc.
    • Campus construction site supervision (maintenance and updating).

Qualifications:

  • Minimum Qualifications:
    • Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. architecture, building science, construction technology, construction management, civil engineering, or similar).
    • Construction Supervisor License (CSL) in Massachusetts or equivalent (by the time of hire).
    • OSHA 10 Safety License (by the time of hire).
    • Previous onsite experience in full-building light-frame construction.
    • Previous teaching experience in construction, design-build, and/or design programs.
    • Driver’s license.
  • Preferred Qualifications
    • Architect license in Massachusetts (by the time of hire).
    • Experience in high-performance building design and construction.
    • OSHA 30 safety license.

Application Process

Apply online at https://careers.umass.edu/jobs/lecturer-director-of-design-build-program-amherst-massachusetts-united-states.

Along with the application, please submit the following:

  • Cover letter of no more than 1,000 words that describes your interest in the position, qualifications and teaching philosophy.
  • Comprehensive CV.
  • Documentation of required licenses, as applicable.
  • Portfolio of design work or construction project listing, not to exceed 25MB.
  • Contact information of three references (including name, title, address, telephone number, and email address).