Department Name: 8N500:Sch of Interiors:Planning/Strategy/Desig

Job Summary:

The Director, who reports to the Dean of the College of Design, is responsible for the overall academic, administrative, and fiscal leadership of the School of Interiors. The Director will provide leadership in defining the strategic priorities and vision for the School and to enhance its visibility, brand, and reputation. In this role, the Director will be responsible for continuing to advance and strengthen degree programs; foster excellence in teaching, research, and engagement; increase the School's enrollment; continue the advancement of innovation and multidisciplinary activities; and increase the School's financial resources. The Director should promote a diverse work and learning environment that fosters entrepreneurship, growth, collaboration, and shared governance. This is a 12-month appointment.

As the Commonwealth of Kentucky's premier accredited undergraduate Interior Design program, UK offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interiors: Planning, Strategy, Design. The School also offers a two-year Master of Arts in Interior Design. The School of Interiors has a rich academic tradition as an open-minded setting that supports diverse intellectual approaches within a rigorous design curriculum. Throughout its history, Kentucky's academic environment, one which balances diversity, connectivity, and ingenuity, has attracted outstanding faculty and students, enabling many to reach the highest levels of national academic and professional achievement. On the University of Kentucky's flagship campus in Lexington, the School strives to fulfill the University's bold Land Grant Mission by delivering exceptional design thinking to improve our region's built environment and the lives of its citizens.

The Director’s responsibilities include:
● Overseeing the operational and fiscal management of the School;
● Continually evaluating the effectiveness of courses, the program and curriculum;
● Developing schedules and faculty teaching assignments;
● Recruiting new faculty, making recommendations to the Dean regarding faculty appointments, promotions and dismissals;
● Overseeing the faculty performance review process, and clearly communicating to faculty the specific University and College policies that inform the process;
● Actively guiding faculty members through the tenure/promotion process and supporting their ongoing efforts to advance scholarly and creative activities;
● Inspiring morale and ensuring that all faculty are offered privileges and responsibilities appropriate to their rank;
● Overseeing the ongoing assessment, development and implementation of the School, College and University Strategic Plans;
● Participating in the development and implementation of College policies, procedures and guidelines;
● Establishing and evaluating School policies and procedures;
● Representing the School and College to external constituencies including alumni, members of the interior design profession, other university units and potential donors;
● Identifying and pursuing external funding opportunities in support of the School and College mission in cooperation with designated development staff;
● Maintaining currency in teaching and learning and a scholarly agenda, including continued research and publication or distinguished practice;
● Teaching one (1) course within the discipline per academic year;
● Ensuring compliance with SACS and CIDA accreditation guidelines;
● Facilitating the resolution of issues and problems that may arise between faculty, staff and students;
● Serving on University and College-wide committees;
● Fostering interdepartmental collaboration and continuing to enhance the reputation of the University of Kentucky College of Design School of Interiors in academic and professional circles; and
● Working with the Recruitment Officer to recruit talented undergraduate and graduate students.

Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, work samples (upload under Specific Request 1) and the names of three references when prompted in the application.

The executive search firm of Buffkin Baker has been selected to recruit for this position. To be considered, candidates should complete the UK application, and contact Martin Baker via martin@buffkinbaker.com.

The anticipated start date of the position is July 1, 2020. Review of applications will begin November 22, 2019 and will continue until the position is filled. Please contact the Search Committee Chair, Asst. Professor Rebekah Radtke (rebebkah.radtke@uky.edu) with inquiries.

Skills /Knowledge/Abilities:

Specific qualifications include:

●Demonstrating a commitment to consensus building between the faculty, students and staff;
●having the ability to work effectively with and expand outside constituencies including but not limited to alumni, donors and the profession;
●being able to respond to the real factors of budgets and enrollment, and leverage the strengths of the school;
●demonstrating a track record of sound fiscal management of resources;
●having the ability to provide leadership to direct the School to a level of national and international prominence;
●demonstrating an alignment with the University, College and School mission, vision and strategic plans;
●possessing excellent written, oral and public communication skills;
●demonstrating the capacity to build innovative teaching, research and outreach programs;
●displaying an aptitude for problem solving and facilitating the success of others; and
●demonstrating a commitment to collaboration and appropriate levels of transparency and confidentiality as part of a leadership team in the College of Design with the other Schools, Departments and programs.

Position Time Status: Full-Time

Required Education:

A professional degree in interior design or related field (BA, BS, MA, MS) and a terminal degree (Master's post-professional or Doctorate) in interior design or related field. Nationally or internationally recognized professional work may be considered as a substitution for the terminal degree requirement

Required Related Experience:

●Nationally and/or internationally recognized high-quality teaching and research experience or distinguished practice
●Meets the requirements for the rank of tenured Associate or Full Professor at the University of Kentucky
●Evidence of design excellence and an awareness and understanding of issues in interior design practice and academia
●Proven leadership and managerial skills
●Teaching experience in higher education
●Knowledge and understanding of a wide range of instructional systems development, training methods, techniques, and formats
●Experience with curriculum development
●Ability to motivate students and faculty to think creatively and critically
●Knowledge of the requirements of accreditation agencies
●Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of students, faculty, staff and constituencies in a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural community
●Skill in budget preparation and management

Required License/Registration/Certification :

Professional licensure or certification, or a substantial body of nationally or internationally recognized work

University Community of Inclusion:

The University of Kentucky is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring all our students, faculty, and staff work in an environment of openness and acceptance. We strive to foster a community where people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives can feel secure and welcome. We also value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.