Description

The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) seeks an innovative, collaborative leader to bridge support for architectural pedagogy with institutional research, driving ACSA’s role as a convener and advocate for architectural educators. We are a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to lead architectural education and research on behalf of more than 7,000+ faculty members in the United States, Canada, and around the world.

The Opportunity

The director leads ACSA’s efforts to support member school faculty across all degree tracks—from associate’s to doctoral programs—by developing pedagogical resources, convening faculty workshops and webinars, and supporting volunteer committees. Concurrently, the director oversees ACSA’s institutional research portfolio, collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data on architectural education, higher education trends, and the AEC industry.

The position is a revamped role designed to expand ACSA’s ability to build a broad, inclusive home for the full spectrum of architectural educators. Recognizing that architectural pedagogy thrives across diverse academic environments—from two-year community colleges and four-year programs to professional degree tracks and advanced research programs—the director will engage faculty across all institutional types and career stages. 

As educators navigate evolving curricular standards, technological shifts, and emerging teaching methodologies, this position will actively foster a vibrant network for peer-to-peer collaboration, shared teaching resources, and pedagogical innovation. By creating accessible venues for faculty to exchange ideas, present pedagogical research, and refine their craft, the director will ensure ACSA serves as an essential partner in supporting the day-to-day teaching and long-term professional growth of all architectural educators.

Responsibilities include: 

• Disseminating quality educational resources by curating or authoring materials and by convening events such as workshops, conference sessions, and webinars.
• Assessing needs and outcomes from member programming to ensure high levels of member engagement across the spectrum of schools.
• Leading regular data collection efforts on architectural education, ACSA membership, higher education trends, and the AEC industry.
• Seeking opportunities for externally funded research projects germane to ACSA’s mission and strategic goals.
• Staffing relevant board-level committees and task forces focused on teaching, curriculum, and faculty development.

The position reports to the Executive Director and will collaborate with all members of our nine-person staff. 

These duties require knowledge of architectural pedagogy and higher education, skills in multi-project management, ability to synthesize and communicate qualitative and quantitative data verbally and visually, and a strong orientation to service for ACSA members.

Work Location, Salary, and Benefits

• Location: ACSA’s office is located in downtown Washington, DC, with area staff working a minimum of 6 days per month in the office. Preference will be given to  candidates in the Washington, DC, area. We will not consider remote candidates residing in the following states: Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Ohio, Washington, Wyoming, or all U.S. territories.  
• Salary Range: $80,000 – $110,000. Note: Salary is determined by candidate qualifications, experience, and geographic work location. Offers will reflect local market differentials based on where the selected candidate is based.
• Benefits: ACSA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid health/dental/vision coverage for the employee, TIAA retirement contributions, generous paid time off, and professional development support.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience, along with a current CV or résumé, to personnel@acsa-arch.org.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. ACSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and members of historically underrepresented groups in architectural education are strongly encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Essential Qualifications

• Education: graduate degree (master’s or doctorate) in architecture or related field.
• Experience: at least seven years of combined experience within architectural education and/or practice, with at least two years (full-time equivalent) of experience in a faculty role (full- or part-time, tenure-track or contingent).
• Knowledge of architectural pedagogy, gained through education, teaching, publication, or administrative duties.
• Data and research competency: Demonstrated experience collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data.

Desired Attributes and Experiences

• Strong service and collaboration orientation and track record of working collaboratively with volunteer leadership, committees, or faculty cohorts.
• Strong proficiency in verbal and visual communication.
• Demonstrated engagement with architectural pedagogy and curriculum, through teaching, publications, lectures, or presentations.
• Knowledge of integrating sustainability and climate action into architectural pedagogy.
• Knowledge of architectural education foundations, common to community college, undergraduate, and three-year master of architecture programs.
• Commitment to supporting the full scope of architectural pedagogy, valuing all areas of the architectural curriculum and ACSA members’ commitment to transdisciplinary thinking.
• Fluency in multiple languages.  
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.