Director, School of Visual Arts
The School of Visual Arts in the College of Arts and Architecture at The Pennsylvania State University (University Park Campus) invites applications for the director of the School of Visual Arts. The successful candidate must meet the qualifications for immediate tenure under Penn State University's policies and procedures at the time of appointment. This is a 48-week position with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2026. Reporting to the Dean, the Director works closely with the College Academic Leadership Council, the Assistant Director for Access and Equity; the academic leadership of the School (Art Education, Digital Art, Photography, and Studio Art); the administrative staff of the school; the graduate program officers in Art Education and Studio Art; and the school Faculty Leadership and Governance Council.
The director will facilitate a respectful and collegial work environment that supports the success of all faculty, staff, and students. The director will foster achievement in the scholarship of research and creative activity, teaching and learning, and service to the institution, community, and profession. The director is the budget administrator for the School of Visual Arts: responsible for oversight of faculty salaries, endowments, travel, student scholarships, and earned revenue. The director will mentor all faculty members (tenured, untenured, and non-tenure track) through promotion and/or tenure processes and conduct annual reviews for faculty and staff. The director is responsible for the successful administration of the school which includes, but is not limited to: hiring personnel, maintenance of facilities and equipment, NASAD accreditation, recruitment of undergraduate and graduate students, curriculum development and assessment, and online course curricula. The director will develop relationships with donors and alumni and will work with the Dean and the Advancement Office in fundraising and alumni activities. The director will collaborate with School and College recruitment and advising staff to attract undergraduate and graduate students, participate in recruitment events, and implement a comprehensive recruitment strategy. We seek a dynamic, accomplished, thoughtful, collaborative leader whose scholarship of research and/or creative activity, teaching, and service are grounded in one or more of the areas represented in the School of Visual Arts—Art Education, Ceramics, Digital Art and Media Design, Drawing and Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture—or a related area. We are interested in candidates who will lead the School of Visual Arts with a vision that includes innovative possibilities for the visual arts, such as in studio practice, digital arts and multimedia technology, community-based art practice, socially relevant art education in schools and communities, and sustainable practices. We seek a leader who will inspire students and faculty to pursue achievement in visual art and art education in national and international spaces. The next director of the School of Visual Arts will prioritize collegiality and will be an advocate for the visual arts across campus and beyond through curriculum development, outreach, and research/creative activity.
Required Qualifications: A terminal degree in visual art or art education (MFA, PhD, EdD, or equivalent) or a related field; Full Professor; Tenured (or equivalent experience); College-level teaching experience; Three years leadership or administrative experience within a department or school; Demonstrated record of national or international achievement, excellence, and impact in research and/or creative activity, teaching, and/or professional service or outreach; Excellent communication, presentation, organizational, and interpersonal skills; Experience with personnel management; Demonstrated efficacy and skill with managing academic budgets; Experience mentoring faculty and graduate students; Commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration in research, creative activity, teaching, and/or service within and beyond the university; Demonstrated success in securing external funding as evidenced in previous work with development officers to secure funding, gifts, endowments, or grants. Evidence of equitable considerations, awareness, and practice regarding curricula development, inclusive practices in supporting student bodies, staff, and faculty members of all backgrounds, along with evidence of working collectively to cultivate a culture that supports success and enables all members of our college community to thrive.
Penn State is one of the premier research universities in the world and a driver of economic growth and prosperity for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. http://www.psu.edu.
The College of Arts and Architecture is a comprehensive arts community including academic programs in music, theatre, visual arts, art education, graphic design, art history, architecture and landscape architecture. https://artsandarchitecture.psu.edu
The School of Visual Arts is accredited by NASAD; has an annual operating budget of ~$4M; is comprised of four broad programs: Art Education, Photography, Studio Art, and Digital Art and Media Design; eight on-campus degrees: five undergraduate; three graduate; two minors, one post-baccalaureate certification; courses in the Digital Multimedia Design degree program (online), and one online certificate. http://www.sova.psu.edu
All applications should include a current cv (with the names and contact information of at least four referees), a letter of application, and a one-page statement about your current research and creative activity. The letter of application should address your experience and background regarding the specific required and preferred qualifications listed above. In your cover letter, also describe how your academic research, creative activity, pedagogy, and service experience engage with diverse programmatic populations in ways that are inclusive, equitable, and open to all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or other protected characteristics. If you have a professional website, please provide a link in the letter. Applications received by December 1 will be assured of full consideration. However, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Inquiries may be directed to Search Committee Chair at [email protected].
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES: This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. Due to the financial and fiduciary responsibilities of this position, successful completion of a credit history check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
EEO IS THE LAW: Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
