Department Head of Architecture – Penn State

Penn State's Stuckeman School is searching for a Head of the Department of Architecture, a tenured full professor role; applications received by 9 November 2026 get full consideration.

illustrarch Editoral Team26 October 20261 Mins read1

Department Head of Architecture – Penn State

Illustration: illustrarch

Job 14 days left

Company: The Pennsylvania State University
Location: University Park, Pennsylvania, US
Workplace: On-site
Sector: Education
Education: Master degree
License required: US architecture licensure desired
Work authorization: Authorization required
Benefits: Medical, dental and vision cover, retirement plans, 75 per cent tuition discount for employees and eligible family
Required documents: Cover letter, full CV, selected scholarly or creative work, three references
Application deadline: 9 November 2026

Apply at Penn State

The Stuckeman School in Penn State’s College of Arts and Architecture is searching for a Department Head of Architecture to lead its Department of Architecture at University Park, Pennsylvania. The department has around 32 full and part time faculty, 316 undergraduate and 62 graduate students, and offers professional B.Arch and M.Arch degrees as well as research based M.S. and Ph.D. programmes. Submissions received by 9 November 2026 will receive full consideration, and review continues until the post is filled.

Timeline of key dates for the Department Head of Architecture – Penn State job listing — Key dates · Illustration: illustrarch

The role

The department head will lead the department through significant changes in higher education, the profession and the university, implement its 2026 to 2030 strategic plans and serve on the School and College leadership teams. Responsibilities include day to day administration, faculty recruitment, promotion and tenure processes, annual faculty reviews, NAAB accreditation and curriculum development, support for graduate education and research, fiscal management of the departmental budget and work with the College’s advancement office. The head is expected to keep an active research agenda or creative practice. It is a 42 week appointment reporting to the School Director.

Required qualifications

A terminal degree in architecture, such as a professional M.Arch, a Ph.D. or a D.Des in architecture
A record that meets the criteria for a tenured appointment as full professor at Penn State
Departmental or college level leadership experience, including strategic planning, budget and personnel management
A proven record of teaching at undergraduate and graduate level and of research or creative achievement
Capacity to manage NAAB accreditation processes

US licensure, international research leadership, curricular innovation including AI literacy, and fundraising experience are listed as desired. The successful candidate must be able to work in the United States by the time of hire.

How to apply

Upload a cover letter addressing the role’s responsibilities and qualifications, a full CV, selected scholarly or creative work and the names of three references through the application link. Questions go to the search committee chair, Dr. Robin Thomas.