Associate Dean of Research, College of Design, Architecture, Art, & Planning Job

Associate Dean of Research, College of Design, Architecture, Art, & Planning Join to apply for the Associate Dean of Research, College of Design, Architecture, Art, & Planning role at Inside Higher Ed. Current UC employees must apply internally via SuccessFactors. Next Lives at the University of Cincinnati. Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati is a Carnegie 1 institution and a leading urban public research university with more than 53,000 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, and over 350,000 living alumni. UC is known for its strong research programs and its commitment to student success and community impact. About The College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning The College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) invites applications for the position of Associate Dean of Research and Creative Activity, a rank of Associate Professor or Professor with tenure. DAAP is an internationally recognized leader in creative and interdisciplinary education and is home to a vibrant community of designers, artists, architects, and planners shaping the future of our built and visual environment. Job Overview The Associate Dean will serve as the chief strategist and advocate for research and creative activity within DAAP, leading efforts to build on our dynamic culture of inquiry, experimentation, and scholarly excellence. This 12‑month faculty position includes developing and implementing a strategic vision that aligns with the college’s academic priorities and the broader goals of the university. Essential Functions Teaching & Scholarship Teach at least 2 graduate and/or undergraduate courses related to the candidate’s area of expertise. Engage in research and/or scholarship and/or creative work in their area of expertise. Strategic Vision & Leadership Build upon and expand existing DAAP research initiatives and the structure and activities of our Collaborative for DAAP Research and Innovation (CDRI). Develop and implement new initiatives to expand the reach of the DAAP Research Office. Conceptualize and lead a strategic vision for research and creative activity that aligns with DAAP’s mission and the University of Cincinnati’s priorities. Maintain policies, practices, and protocols that promote research excellence and creative innovation. Research & Funding Provide leadership and actively promote external research opportunities for faculty, supporting the continued advancement of individual and collective research agendas within the college. Continue and expand the DAAP grant accelerator program while developing new supports for creative and non‑traditional work that may not fit traditionally funded research grant models. Collaborate with the Office of Sponsored Research and other units to identify funding sources and support proposal development. Faculty Development & Mentorship Provide individualized mentoring to tenure‑track faculty, focusing on early career development in research and creative activity. Design and implement strategies to support associate professors in preparing for promotion to full professor, including milestone planning and mentoring. Offer tailored support for artists and creative practitioners in identifying and applying for fellowships, residencies, and grants. Awards & Recognition Create and sustain prestigious award pipelines by identifying faculty with the potential for national and international recognition and supporting their application development. Partner with campus units to offer professional development workshops on topics such as book proposals, grant writing, CV development, and career advancement. Collaboration & Outreach Facilitate interdisciplinary and inter‑institutional research partnerships, including collaborations with other UC colleges, national/international scholars, and community stakeholders. Engage in strategic outreach to foster research networks and collaborative initiatives. Evaluation & Reporting Establish, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for research and creative activity across DAAP. Develop mechanisms to monitor research productivity and benchmark performance against peer institutions. Visibility & Impact Partner with the DAAP Communications and Marketing team to translate research and creative accomplishments into marketing and PR efforts. Work with DAAP and UC Marketing/Communications teams to disseminate information about research activities, awards, and scholarly impact. Minimum Requirements Terminal degree in a discipline represented in the College such as communications design, industrial design, fashion design, architecture, interior architecture, urban planning, community planning, landscape architecture, fine arts, art history, architectural history, or related fields. Minimum 5 years in higher education. Tenured professors are especially encouraged to apply. Minimum 2 years administrative experience in higher education as program director, department chair, assistant dean, associate director or chair, collaborative research team leader, or similar role. Strong record of research, scholarship, and/or creative activity with external funding demonstrated in the CV. Application Process Send a cover letter detailing interest in the position, relevant leadership experience, and highlighting key accomplishments in research, creative activity, mentorship, and strategic initiatives. Include a curriculum vitae and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin on January 15, 2026 and the search will remain open until an appointment is made. The position is intended to commence on August 15, 2026. Compensation and Benefits UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well‑being, financial security, and work‑life balance. Eligibility varies by position and FTE. Highlights include: Comprehensive Tuition Remission for you and eligible dependents. Robust Retirement Plans: State pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP) with UC contributing 14–18% of your salary. Generous time‑off policy: vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, additional end‑of‑year paid time off, 6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents. Competitive salary based on experience. Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription). Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs. Professional development & mentorship opportunities. FOR ALL FACULTY HIRES OFFICIAL ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS WILL BE REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF HIRE. Equal Opportunity Employer Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans. For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact Human Resources at jobs@uc.edu. #J-18808-Ljbffr