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

Associate Dean of Research, College of Design, Architecture, Art, & Planning Application for the Associate Dean of Research role at Inside Higher Ed (UC / DAAP context). Current UC employees must apply internally via SuccessFactors. Next Lives at the University of Cincinnati.

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best urban public research universities. UC is a mission‑driven institution committed to student success and positively transforming the community through scholarship and service. The College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) invites applications for the position of Associate Dean of Research and Creative Activity at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor with tenure. This is a pivotal leadership role designed to advance the college’s mission of fostering innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and impactful scholarship across the fields of design, architecture, art, planning, and related disciplines.

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 a dynamic culture of inquiry, experimentation, and scholarly excellence. This is a 12‑month faculty position.

Essential Functions

Teaching & Scholarship : Teaching at least 2 graduate and / or undergraduate courses related to the candidate’s area of expertise; engages 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 Collaborative for DAAP Research and Innovation (CDRI). Develop and implement new initiatives to expand faculty engagement in creative activity and independent scholarship. Conceptualize and lead a strategic vision for research and creative activity aligned with DAAP’s mission and the university’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; support the advancement of individual and collective research agendas within the college. Continue and expand the DAAP grant accelerator program and develop new supports for creative and non‑traditional work. 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 with a focus 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 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 field.

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 :

A cover letter detailing interest in the position, relevant leadership experience, and key accomplishments in research, creative activity, mentorship, and strategic initiatives.

Curriculum vitae

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 well‑being, financial security, and work‑life balance. Eligibility varies by position and FTE. Highlights include :

Comprehensive Tuition Remission : UC provides tuition remission for you and eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.

Robust Retirement Plans : UC employees contribute to retirement plans with UC contributing 14–18% of salary depending on position.

Real Work‑Life Balance : Includes generous time‑off policy with vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, end‑of‑year paid time off, and 6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents.

Additional Benefits Include : Competitive salary, comprehensive health coverage, flexible spending accounts & wellness programs, professional development & mentorship opportunities.

Official academic transcripts will be required at the time of hire. For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations, contact Human Resources at jobs@uc.edu.

Equal Opportunity Employer : Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

REQ : 100123

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