Founding Program Director, Master of Architecture, Department of Human Sciences and Design at InsideHigherEd

DESCRIPTION:Baylor University seeks a visionary architect-educator to serve as the Founding Program Director for its new Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program within the Department of Human Sciences & Design (HSD), part of the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. The Program Director will lead the launch, continual development, and accreditation of an innovative, hybrid professional master’s program that integrates design excellence with a commitment to human flourishing, wellbeing, and quality of life, reflecting Baylor’s faith-integrated approach to education. Building on the strength of Baylor’s CIDA-accredited undergraduate Interior Design program, the M.Arch expands the University’s leadership in built environment education—advancing a model of collaborative design practice that bridges creativity and technology, theory and practice, and design excellence with evidence-based inquiry. This search seeks candidates who are program builders and creative academic leaders; innovative and collaborative educators eager to shape the future of design education. Supported by Baylor’s Graduate Professional Education (GPE) Incubator, the program benefits from a robust institutional framework and a collaborative, team-based approach to enrollment management, recruitment, marketing, and online course development. Baylor’s strong cross-campus network provides comprehensive support for developing innovative, high-quality hybrid graduate programs, enabling the Program Director to focus on fostering curricular excellence, advancing professional and practice readiness, and mentoring faculty and students. Candidates do not need prior experience developing or managing online programs to excel in this role given Baylor’s infrastructure in the hybrid/online space, however experience with hybrid/online education is desirable.  This is a full-time, 12-month clinical-track faculty appointment at the rank of Clinical Associate or Clinical Professor, depending on experience. The position offers a rare opportunity to establish a nationally distinctive program and to contribute to shaping the next chapter of design education at Baylor, leading as one of a handful of architecture programs at faith-based R1 institutions. RESPONSIBILITIES:Strategic LeadershipLead the launch and strategic growth of the M.Arch, aligning its vision with Baylor’s mission and Robbins College’s commitment to advancing the health, well-being, and human flourishing. Establish a distinctive and recognized identity for the program within the national and international architecture community that reflects Baylor’s Christian commitment and core values of intellectual faith, service, and stewardship. Foster collaboration with Baylor’s undergraduate Interior Design program and contribute to a vibrant culture of built environment education within Human Sciences & Design.Academic and Administrative OversightOversee curriculum refinement, course sequencing, assessment, and accreditation readiness (NAAB). Recruit, mentor, and support faculty and staff, cultivating a collegial, collaborative, and respectful culture. Guide the admissions process and student recruitment strategy in partnership with the Department Chair and Robbins College Graduate Enrollment and Marketing teams. Build relationships with external partners, practitioners, and community organizations to enrich the program’s reach and impact. Collaborate with the Department Chair on faculty supervision, budget development, and resource allocation.Participate in program, departmental, and college meetings, events, and immersions (Note: Although the position is remote, periodic travel to Baylor’s campus in Waco, Texas, is required. Travel funds are budgeted for this role.)Teaching and ScholarshipTeach within the M.Arch program, contributing to its intellectual and creative culture. Support and model Baylor’s integration of faith, scholarship, and practice in architectural education.Accreditation and AssessmentLead the process of seeking initial NAAB accreditation and ensure compliance with all standards. Develop and oversee systems for ongoing program assessment, quality improvement, and professional relevance. Serve as the primary liaison with NAAB, NCARB, and related professional bodies.QUALIFICATIONS:Required qualifications:A professional degree in architecture (NAAB-accredited B.Arch, M.Arch, or D.Arch, or international equivalent).Note: candidates holding a B.Arch must also have a terminal degree in architecture or a closely related field.Demonstrated record of excellence in architectural education.Leadership experience in higher education, architectural practice, or related settings.Preferred qualifications:Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or other terminal research degree in architecture or a closely related field.Professional licensure in architecture.Experience in leading accreditation processes (e.g., NAAB).Experience in strategic planning, curriculum development, program assessment, and budget and resource management.Experience with hybrid and/or online education. If no experience, a clear desire to rapidly integrate with hybrid/online infrastructure and expertise available at Baylor.SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Review of applicants will begin on January 15, 2026. Submissions received after January 26, 2026 will not be considered.APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Applicants must submit all required materials via Interfolio. A complete application includes the following:Letter of application addressing how your qualifications align with the position and how you can fulfill the stated responsibilities.Curriculum vitae.Personal teaching philosophy and design education statement.Self-disclosed Religious Affiliation Form - you will be asked to indicate your denominational affiliation and briefly describe your activities and involvement with your current congregation or synagogue.Unofficial transcripts of awarded degrees.A list of three professional/academic references, including names and contact information.Applications MUST be submitted online by going to: https://apply.interfolio.com/178021.Inquiries regarding the position may be directed to the Search Chair, Dr. Debra Harris, at [email protected]. To learn more about this opportunity, please visit Baylor Human Resources and the Department of Human Sciences & Design online.ABOUT ROBBINS COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SCIENCES AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITYThe Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences at Baylor University seeks to prepare leaders in health and quality of life through science, scholarship and innovation. Together, the departments housed within the Robbins College – Communication Sciences and Disorders; Health, Human Performance and Recreation; Human Sciences and Design; Occupational Therapy; Physical Therapy; Public Health; and a number of Army-Baylor graduate programs – promote a team-based approach to transformational education and research, establishing interdisciplinary research collaborations to advance solutions for improving quality of life for individuals, families and communities. For more information, visit the Robbins College website.ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITYWith a main campus located in Waco, Texas, Baylor University is the oldest college in Texas. With a population of 21,000 diverse students, Baylor is one of the top universities in the nation, having been named an R1 institution by the Carnegie Classification in January 2022. Baylor is also on the honor roll of the "Great Colleges to Work For" from The Chronicle of Higher Education; Baylor offers competitive salaries and benefits while allowing faculty and staff to live in one of the fastest-growing parts of the state. Our strategic plan guides the University as we continue to live up to Baylor's mission of educating men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community.Equal Employment Opportunity StatementBaylor University, a private not-for-profit university affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, is committed to compliance with all applicable anti-discrimination laws, including those regarding age, race, color, sex, national origin, military service, genetic information, and disability. Baylor complies with statutory Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity requirements. Baylor's full official Notice of Non-Discrimination may be read online.