Executive Summary
We invite applications for the next Director of the Knowlton School, which this role is expected to start as early as Autumn 2026. The Director is responsible for cultivating a cohesive and collaborative climate and culture across the school’s three sections: architecture, landscape architecture, and city and regional planning. The Director represents the school at the college and university levels, leads all aspects of school administration, in a fiscally responsible manner, and fosters an environment where faculty, staff, and students can thrive. The future Director of the Knowlton School should be a bold, creative, and collaborative problem-solver that builds upon the school’s research, interdisciplinarity, and education profile to address the changing landscape as the professions evolve.

The position is open to applicants who may require sponsorship for a visa or other work authorization.

Reporting Relationships
The Director reports to the Dean of the College of Engineering.
Direct reports include the heads of each section:
• Architecture Section Head
• Landscape Architecture Section Head
• City and Regional Planning Section Head

Performance Objectives
The Director of the Knowlton School will provide visionary leadership and strategic oversight across all facets of the school’s operations, representing the school within the College of Engineering and the broader university. The Director will foster a collaborative academic culture that supports faculty development, student success, and scholarly excellence. This includes ensuring operational effectiveness through the management of staff, academic programs, and internal processes, while promoting fairness in responsibilities and opportunities. The Director will lead strategic financial planning in alignment with academic priorities, working closely with section heads and administrative staff to develop and manage the school’s budget. In addition, the Director will cultivate meaningful relationships with alumni, industry partners, and external stakeholders to enhance the school’s visibility and secure external funding. A commitment to shared governance, continuous improvement, and academic innovation will be central to the Director’s leadership approach.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Governance
• Lead the development and regular review of the school’s governance documents, including the Pattern of Administration and Appointments, Promotion, and Tenure (APT) procedures.
• Represent the school within the College of Engineering and broader university leadership.

Academic & Administrative Management
• Oversee day-to-day operations, including staff hiring, supervision, and service assignments.
• Collaborate with faculty and the Dean to plan and implement forward-looking academic programs.
• Ensure continuous improvement of instructional quality through course evaluations and faculty-led reviews.

Faculty Development & Evaluation
• Conduct annual performance reviews for faculty and support their professional growth.
• Make informed recommendations on faculty appointments, reappointments, promotions, and dismissals in alignment with university policies and the school’s APT document.
• Foster a collegial environment that supports scholarship, innovation, and academic excellence.
Operational Excellence
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date curriculum vitae for all instructional personnel.
• Promote equity in faculty responsibilities and privileges based on academic rank.
• Ensure effective onboarding, supervision, and development of faculty and staff.
Financial & Strategic Planning
• Lead the development of the school’s annual budget and financial forecasts in collaboration with the Cost Center Manager and Section Heads.
• Align financial planning with strategic priorities and academic goals.
External Engagement & Advancement
• Cultivate relationships with alumni, industry partners, and other stakeholders.
• Identify and pursue external funding opportunities in partnership with University Advancement and designated staff.

Academic Program Review
• Facilitate and participate in academic program reviews in coordination with the Dean and the Office of Academic Affairs.
The Director may delegate specific responsibilities to Associate Directors or Section Heads as appropriate, while maintaining overall accountability for the school’s success.

About the Knowlton School
The Knowlton School is positioned for leadership in one of the nation’s fastest growing metropolitan regions, and situated within one of the nation’s largest state, research- intensive universities. The Knowlton School is housed within the College of Engineering and physically located in the award-winning Knowlton Hall designed by Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects with four integral gardens designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh and Associates. The Knowlton School enjoys the benefits of a large research institution, including significant access to resources, international reach, and collaborative relationships with departments in engineering, design, fine arts, public health, ecology, history, law, and the Wexner Center for the Arts. The school fosters a singular environment for innovative design research and critical inquiry within its three sections: architecture, landscape architecture, and city and regional planning. Each section offers undergraduate and graduate programs of study to a combined student population of nearly 800 students. The head of each section reports to the Director of the School. The mission of the school is to educate future architects, landscape architects, and planners; achieve and maintain internationally recognized excellence in education, scholarship, and creative activity; shape and serve the professions of architecture, landscape architecture, and city and regional planning; contribute to the intellectual and creative purposes of the college and university; and promote the improvement of environmental quality and design, locally and globally.

The College of Engineering

At The Ohio State University, we champion human potential through unrivaled experiences that bring together expertise, ideas and resources wherever we are. Through these dynamic and connected experiences, human potential blossoms in unexpected ways. As a community, we empower people to envision the unimagined, advance innovations and solve unrelenting problems at a scale few others can match — propelling humanity forward.

Together, we build vibrant communities believing anything is possible — and create lasting impact far greater than any one person could accomplish alone. As an engaged community of advocates, mentors, leaders, caregivers, innovators and citizens, we elevate the human experience and inspire others to do the same.

Ohio State's College of Engineering and Knowlton School strive to foster a learning culture that prepares students to be key contributors to society through their technological, professional and personal skills. Our faculty and our students thrive in an environment of new ideas and concepts that expand the understanding of science, engineering and architecture.

In addition to being an innovative leader in engineering and architecture education, we endeavor to fulfill our university's land-grant mission of advancing Ohio's economic mobility, competitiveness and standard of living through our contributions toward technology and creativity, continuous improvement, a well-prepared workforce and lifelong learning.

Undergraduate enrollment quantity and quality has increased substantially. The number of undergraduate engineers and Knowlton School students has grown steadily, from approximately 5,000 in 2006 to 9,925 in 2024.

Transcending the traditional lecture/lab approach and instilling an early appreciation of the engineering profession, we distinguish ourselves by providing experiential learning for our students. For example:
• 100+ student project teams and organizations offer hands-on engineering experience for students to get involved and work collaboratively.
• 97.6% of incoming Ohio State engineering students were ranked in the top 25% of their high school classes (2024).
• The university’s First Year Experience, Learning Communities and Undergraduate Research programs have all been named among the nation’s exemplary programs leading to student success (U.S. News & World Report).
• More student-related data can be found in our Annual Statistical Report.

Faculty Development: The Ohio State University and the College of Engineering are committed to supporting and developing faculty as well as the work-life balance of its faculty. These resources include The Engineering Faculty Mentoring Program, the Better Research through Better Mentoring program, and institutional membership to the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning. To learn more visit: https://engineering.osu.edu/faculty-development.

Learn more about the College of Engineering, the university and Columbus here.

Candidate Qualifications
Education
• A terminal degree in architecture, landscape architecture, city and regional planning, or strongly allied field of study.

Knowledge and Work Experience
Required
• Must hold the rank of Full Professor or possess a record of scholarly achievement and academic leadership that meets the criteria for appointment at the rank of Full Professor within one of the academic sections of the Knowlton School (visit the school’s Appointments, Promotions, and Tenure guidelines).
• Demonstrated track record of academic leadership, personnel and budget management, and collaboration.
• A commitment to teaching excellence and to health and well-being for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a focus on working constructively, decisively, and collegially with external and internal colleagues.
• Demonstrated experience in mentoring faculty and students within an academic setting.
• Demonstrated impact of service to the academic enterprise.
• Deep understanding of the academic research enterprise, with the ability to support, advocate for, and strategically guide the scholarly endeavors of faculty and researchers across the Knowlton disciplines.

Desired
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate, articulate, execute and/or steward a strategic vision. Familiarity working with campus administrators and leaders
• Interest in actively taking advantage of The Ohio State University as a comprehensive university.
• A willingness to mentor a range of faculty from different intellectual backgrounds.
• Experience with and/or curiosity for engagement across disciplinary boundaries
• A demonstrated record of, and strong commitment to, Ohio State’s shared values.
• An understanding of and appreciation for professional practice.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with alumni, campus leadership, and other external stakeholders to expand financial resources for student aid, faculty research, hiring, and capital improvements.
• Familiarity with budget management and understanding resource allocations.

Additional Information
The budget for this position is up to $180,000. The offer for this position will be based on internal equity and the candidate's qualifications.

Ohio State provides access to a depth and breadth of opportunities and resources. Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you a comprehensive benefits package.
How to Apply
Please visit https://osujoblinks.com/8opi to find out more about the role. Inquiries, nominations and applications are invited. For fullest consideration, applicant materials should be received by August 25, 2025.

Applicants should submit the following:
1. Cover Letter: Cover Letter: 1–2-page letter, which should include a brief summary of your academic background and why you are interested in this opportunity.
2. Leadership Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailed overview of your scholarly experience, including your research experience, teaching and mentoring experience, service, funding, and publications.
3. Vision Statement: A vision for the role of the Knowlton School in preparing the next generation of leaders in their disciplines.
4. Leadership Statement: A concise summary of your leadership philosophy, values, and approach.

Please direct all application materials to Matt Gebhart, Talent Acquisition Consultant, The Ohio State University Executive Search team, at gebhart.96@osu.edu with the Subject Line “Director & Professor, Knowlton School”.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. Additionally, there may be further requirements specific to the college or unit, which could include drug and health screenings, as well as faculty misconduct checks depending on the rank of the position.