Dean, Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design

University of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Inclusive environment

Equal opportunity employer

Job summary

The University of Houston is seeking a Dean for the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design. This position requires a visionary leader who can guide the College through transformative changes in design education. Responsibilities include strategic planning, academic leadership, and budget management.

Candidates should possess a terminal degree and a distinguished record in academia. The Dean will be engaged with fundraising and representing the College externally. Applications preferred before September 8, 2026, should be sent to Parker Executive Search.

Qualifications

• Distinguished record of academic and professional achievement.
• Strong commitment to student success and high-quality education.
• Experience in multidisciplinary program development.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee College programs and strategic directions.
• Manage recruitment, promotion, and tenure processes.
• Oversee budget management and resource allocation.
• Represent the College to external donors and constituents.

Skills

Academic leadership

Fundraising and advocacy

Budget management

Interpersonal communication

Innovative thinking

Education

Terminal degree in architecture, design, or related field

Job description

Overview

The University of Houston (UH) requests nominations and applications for the Dean of the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design. This is a singular leadership opportunity at a major research university, located in Houston, TX. The Dean will lead the College through a period of transformation in architecture and design education, driven by advances in artificial intelligence, computational design, climate imperatives, and the blending of design disciplines. The Dean will be an engaging, visionary leader who can advance UH and the College’s mission, sustain excellence in teaching, research, and professional practice, and manage the College with financial acumen and strategic resource allocation.

The Dean will be a proactive advocate for the College’s teaching, research, and practice missions, and a capable university citizen who can represent the College campus-wide. The successful candidate will be familiar with challenges facing students and faculty in architecture, interior architecture, environmental design, industrial design, and related fields, and will help position the College at the forefront of design education.

Responsibilities

• Academic Leadership and Strategic Planning: Direct and oversee College programs, develop strategic directions aligned with the University’s Strategic Plan, articulate long-range vision and fiscal provisions, promote the College and actively participate in shared governance with university leadership.
• Faculty Appointments: Oversee recruitment, appointment, reappointment, promotion, and tenure processes; implement long-range recruitment strategies in collaboration with the Provost; ensure alignment with University objectives for quality, productivity, and disciplinary representation.
• Budgetary and Administrative Oversight: Manage the College’s budget and strategic allocation of resources; support faculty research and graduate programs; coordinate activities across program directors, faculty, and staff; plan for facilities needs and cross-college collaborations.
• Stewardship and Development: Represent the College to external constituents and donors; articulate philanthropic priorities; collaborate with university leadership, development staff, and advisory boards to plan fundraising and steward philanthropic donations in alignment with donor expectations.

Qualifications

• Distinguished record of academic and professional achievement, with eligibility for appointment as a full professor in one of the College’s programs.
• Terminal degree in architecture, design, or related field.
• Demonstrated capacity to bridge theory and practice; engaging fundraiser and advocate for the College at local, national, and international levels; and ability to develop external relationships and partnerships.
• Strong people skills, effective listening and communication with diverse audiences; compassionate, servant leadership with strong organizational and consensus-building abilities.
• Commitment to student success, high-quality education, and assessment practices to support strategic planning and UH’s national competitiveness.
• Experience building multidisciplinary programs and fostering an internationally oriented educational environment.
• Innovative and entrepreneurial approach, willing to lead new initiatives within the College.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies (artificial intelligence, computational design, design automation) and their implications for practice and pedagogy.
• Adequate fiscal management skills, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Commitment to UH’s values of innovation, collaboration, resilience, and inclusive excellence for faculty, staff, and students.

Application/Nomination Process

Preferred: The Search Committee invites letters of nomination and applications (letter of interest, full resume/CV, and contact information for at least five references). Review of materials will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made; it is preferred that nominations and applications are submitted before September 8, 2026. Applications should be submitted to Parker Executive Search.

For additional information, please contact:

Porsha Williams, Vice President; Jacob Anderson, Principal; Julia Butler-Mayes, Ph.D., Associate
Parker Executive Search
Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 2875, Atlanta, GA 30328
770-804-1996 ext. 102; 109; 111
[e-mail] | [e-mail] | [e-mail]

The University of Houston is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. UH is responsive to the needs of dual career couples.