The Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture of The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science & Art invites nominations and letters of application for the position of Dean, the academic and administrative leader of the School. Founded upon a radical commitment to diversity, The Cooper Union embodies a vision that fair access to free education and open public discourse fosters a just and thriving world. The Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture occupies an exceptional position, nationally and globally, as an inspiring and intensive laboratory for pedagogy, design, and distinguished scholarship in architecture.

The Dean will join The Cooper Union at a critical moment in its history as it pursues an ambitious plan to restore full-tuition scholarships for all undergraduate students while continuing to develop models of education that consider urgent social, political, cultural, and environmental issues. The Cooper Union is composed of the schools of Architecture, Art, Engineering, and the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences. In this context, the School of Architecture recognizes the collaborative potential of technical and creative disciplines while continuing its dedication to the highest standards of education in the profession and discipline of architecture. 

The School has consistently been at the forefront of pedagogical advancement and experimentation in design and theory since its inception. As the academic leader of the School and a member of the faculty, the Dean provides intellectual and pedagogical leadership. This includes curriculum development, support for disciplinary and interdisciplinary exploration on the part of both faculty and students, and the cultivation of a supportive scholarly environment. The Dean also serves as Chair of the Architecture Faculty, currently composed of full-time, proportional-time, and adjunct faculty, recognized as both distinguished practicing professionals and scholars. The Dean works with students, faculty, and staff to provide an exceptional architectural education that is rooted in history, advanced through critical thinking, motivated by excellence in design, and fueled by imagination and social responsibility. The candidate will articulate a position on the evolution of the School that reflects both the principles that have been foundational to The Cooper Union for over 150 years, as well as a bold vision for its future. 

As the administrative leader of the School, the Dean will work directly with the President and the Vice President of Academic Affairs in providing strategic leadership for the School of Architecture. In accordance with the School of Architecture Governance, the Dean will articulate a long-term vision for the School, and develop and implement an aligned strategy and budget, consistent with The Cooper Union’s mission. In alignment with The Cooper Union’s overall fundraising goals, the Dean partners with the Office of Alumni Affairs and Development to lead fundraising efforts for the School. 

The School seeks a motivated and dynamic individual who will contribute to the vibrant intellectual life of the School through scholarship, practice and teaching. The Dean leads the School’s five-year Bachelor of Architecture and three-semester Master of Science in Architecture degree programs and advances the School’s position in the discipline, including overseeing satisfactory adherence to professional accreditation requirements, and supporting its many public programs. These include lectures, exhibitions, publications, and the work of its Archive, fostering public discourse that engages the School community, institutional partners, as well as the wider public, in New York City, nationally and internationally. 

The Dean fosters a climate of collaboration within the School and across The Cooper Union through positive and productive relationships. The Dean will be an important and collegial partner with the Deans of Art, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Students, to both fortify the rigorous programs of the professional schools, and create opportunities for experimentation at the intersection of disciplines. Beyond The Cooper Union, the Dean engages with the broader architectural community and others to build positive relationships, partnerships, and networks for the School, and to advance the field of architecture, promoting the visibility and impact of the School. 

Qualifications 

Candidates must demonstrate significant and recognized contributions to the discipline of architecture, through their work in education, practice, and/or history and theory. Further, candidates will exemplify a profound understanding of the implications of the social, cultural, political, environmental, and economic conditions of our time for architecture. These conditions provide exceptional challenges and opportunities to reconceive the unique and transformative potentials of architecture to society today. 

The ideal candidate for the next Dean of the School of Architecture values discovery, investigation, creativity, partnership and inclusion, and is deeply committed to fostering the vital cultural contribution of architecture within a broad sociopolitical and environmental context; is an inspirational leader with exceptional communication skills and an aptitude for listening and collaborating; will champion the School and the broader institution, including its students, faculty, and alumni. Successful candidates must have impeccable personal and professional integrity. 

Candidates should have a demonstrated track record of effective leadership. It is highly preferred that qualified candidates have experience appointing, leading, guiding, and collaborating with faculty and/or staff to ensure a thriving organization intellectually and operationally; developing budgets and managing resources to advance an institutional mission and align with its’ strategic priorities. 

A professional degree in architecture or related fields, regardless of current professional or academic position, is required. Appointment The position is a full-time, full-year academic and administrative appointment in New York City. 

The Cooper Union offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, commensurate with the candidate’s background and experience. Salary for this position starts at $290,000. This is a non-union position. 

Applications 

Letters of Application should include a statement of intent and a detailed curriculum vitae. Applications should be submitted by January 15, 2025 for optimal consideration. Any inquiries can be directed to archdeansearch@cooper.edu. Applications will be reviewed in confidence. 

Please submit Letters of Application through SlideRoom: https://cooperarchitecture.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/82176 

Nominations 

The search committee welcomes nominations of exceptional leaders, especially those who might not otherwise consider themselves for the role. Please send nominations, which may include a brief statement of support, to archdeansearch@cooper.edu.