Chair of Department of Architecture/Full Professor

Position Details
University of Colorado | Denver
Faculty Level/Title: Professor
Working Title: Chair of Department of Architecture/Full Professor
FTE: Full-time
Salary Range: $130,000-$140,000, plus stipend of $25,000, paid over twelve months of the year.
Position # 00350224 - Requisition #38196
Join the University of Colorado Denver

About the University of Colorado - Denver
Millions of moments start at CU Denver, a place where innovation, research, and learning meet in the heart of a global city. We're the state's premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand, top ranked bachelors', masters', and doctoral degree programs. We partner with diverse learners-at any stage of their life and career-for transformative educational experiences. Across seven schools and colleges, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges and produce impactful creative work. As part of the state's largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $800 million. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment, visit ucdenver.edu.

Job Description
* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers *

The University of Colorado Denver College of Architecture and Planning is searching for a visionary, collaborative, and accomplished leader to take on the role of Chair of the Department of Architecture. If you are deeply committed to championing student achievement, promoting excellence in research and creative activity, and engaging with our diverse public and professional communities, we encourage you to apply. Reporting to the Dean, the Chair will play a pivotal role in developing curriculum, shaping educational policy, managing professional accreditation, and promoting collaboration among the college's disciplines.

The Chair should be an experienced educator familiar with architecture and design practice to lead our highly regarded Department of Architecture and participate in the College's innovative teaching and creative research. The successful candidate will be hired with tenure at the rank of Full Professor, must have a terminal degree in Architecture (M.Arch) or its international equivalent, and may have degrees in related fields with further experience and qualifications in their area of specialization for research and creative work.

Given the university's mission and student body composition, we are especially interested in qualified applicants with experience in demographically diverse settings or who have a record of teaching, research, and mentoring that supports and benefits diverse communities. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2026.

About the Architecture Department
The Department of Architecture offers a professionally-accredited Master of Architecture (M.Arch) for first professional degree students and post-professional students. Our four-year pre-professional program (BS Arch) prepares students to enter accredited professional Master of Architecture (M Arch) programs across the country as well as graduate programs in Landscape Architecture, Interior Architecture, Planning, Historic Preservation, and Urban Design. The BS Arch program also offers students a network of experienced graduate students, working architects, and other design, construction, and real-estate professionals with practices in Denver and around the world. Our graduate program provides the skills and knowledge specified for graduate study in architecture and is fully accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Our program responds to and aligns with the evolving nature of professional practice. Collaborative work environments prize critical thinkers, problem-solving team players, builders, and leaders with excellent communication skills. Recognizing that the practice of architecture is now global, we provide students with international perspectives and experiences giving them a competitive edge when they enter the profession.

The College of Architecture and Planning and University of Colorado Denver
The College of Architecture and Planning (CAP) offers professionally-accredited masters' degrees in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban and Regional Planning; graduate degrees in Historic Preservation and Urban Design; and a PhD in Geography, Planning, and Design. CAP also maintains partnerships with universities in Asia, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East.

The University of Colorado Denver is a public research university serving more than 17,398 total students (11,409 full-time & 5,989 part-time). In 2025, we awarded 4,027 degrees, including more graduate and professional degrees than any other Colorado institution. With our solid academic reputation, award-winning faculty and renowned researchers, we offer more than 126 highly rated degree programs through seven schools and colleges. The university received over $27 million in research awards last year. CU Denver is located steps from the Denver Center for Performing Arts and the LoDo District affording our students, faculty, and staff access to a broad array of academic, professional, community, recreational and cultural outlets.

Professor and Chair
What you will do:
The Chair will be appointed at the rank of Full Professor in the Department of Architecture, with commensurate teaching, research, and service responsibilities in the program and college, adjusted for administrative responsibilities. The Chair is accountable for program leadership and management, and responsible for focusing the energies of the entire faculty of the unit to best align its mission with those of the college and university. The Chair has the responsibility for providing leadership toward the achievement of the highest possible level of excellence in the department's teaching, research/creative work, community engagement, and service. The Chair is expected to articulate the goals of the department, both within and outside the department, to articulate the department's actions or requests in pursuit of these aims, and to maintain a climate that is collegial, that respects diversity, that treats faculty, staff and learners fairly and supports creativity and innovation.

The Chair reports to the Dean and supervises all faculty in the Architecture Department. The Chair represents the department at the college and university levels and works closely with the Dean to represent the needs and expectations of the department. The Chair is also a member of the College and University administrative team, communicates college and university goals, and guides the development of department vision in planning for the future of department programs that align with the goals and objectives developed by the College and the University. As the chief administrator for the department, the Chair is the essential link between the administration and the department in representing departmental views on matters of educational policy and academic ethics.

The Chair is responsible for the recruitment, selection, and evaluation of department personnel including full and part-time faculty. In addition, the Chair ensures adequate faculty mentoring programs are in place and that faculty performance reviews are conducted regularly, in accordance with procedures and principles stated in the Laws of the Regents. This includes making recommendations for appointments, promotions, merit increases, and terminations of department personnel and management of promotion and tenure, post-tenure review, and faculty leave. In addition, the Chair is responsible for preparing departmental budget requests and administering financial affairs of the department in accordance with University rules and procedures. Additional day-to-day operations include management of departmental course offerings and curriculum, including the submission of course schedules and assignment of teaching and other duties within the department. The Chair also responds to student issues and oversees student recruitment, including managing the admissions process and retention efforts of current students.

Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications)
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• Terminal degree in architecture or related fields or international equivalent
• Faculty rank of Associate or Full Professor, or equivalent. (prior to appointment)
• Candidates should be able to offer instruction in design studio and large lecture courses in their area of expertise at the graduate and the undergraduate levels.

Preferred Qualification to possess (Preferred Qualifications)

• Ph.D. in Architecture or related field, or architectural licensure (or equivalent).
• Recognized excellence in higher education.
• Experience with curricular design and professional accreditation processes.
• Demonstrated administrative experience within a higher education environment.
• Professional leadership experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to communicate across various modalities.
• Ability to effectively listen and share relevant information, anticipate problems, and offer suggestions for resolution, where appropriate.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Contribute to a respectful, equitable, positive, and professional workplace.
• Commitment to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through research, teaching, and service.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.

• Strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate education and success.

Conditions of Employment

• This position follows a hybrid work structure where employees can work remotely or from the office, as needed, based on demands of specific tasks or personal work preferences. Working from the office is encouraged when working on tasks that require a high degree of collaboration.

Mental, Physical, and/or Environmental Requirements

• The ability to sit for extended periods, stand and walk occasionally, reach with hands and arms, use hands to manipulate a keyboard and mouse, and have good near vision for computer work;often requiring minimal lifting, but may involve bending or reaching to retrieve items from shelves or drawers.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.The University will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at workplaceengagement@ucdenver.edu.

Employment Sponsorship

While we are willing to consider visa sponsorship, we are unable to sponsor anyone whose H-1B petition would require an additional $100,000 payment as a condition of eligibility. We are also unable to support National Interest Exception requests. For additional information on the Presidential Proclamation on Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers, please refer to the USCIS website: H-1B Specialty Occupation | USCIS.

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $130,000-$140,000. In addition to the base salary, the Chair appointment includes a stipend of $25,000, paid out over twelve months. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training. The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation. Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line. Benefits statement to include in all benefits-eligible positions. See Eligibility Matrix. Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Preference will be given to complete applications received by January 9, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Required Application Materials:
To apply, please visit: http://www.cu.edu/cu-careers and attach:

• Letter of interest including statement of research, teaching, and service goals and achievements
• Curriculum Vitae
• Portfolio of teaching and research/creative work (not to exceed 40 pages). The documents that may be uploaded to the application are limited to 2.5 MB. Please include a link to an external document if needed.
• Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address. We will notify you prior to contacting both on and off-list references.

Questions should be directed to CAP Human Resources, CAP.HR@ucdenver.edu.

Background Check Policy
The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational, clinical, research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must, therefore, consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.