Head, School of Design, Carnegie Mellon

Faculty Opening
Head, School of Design


Carnegie Mellon University is inviting applications for the position of Head of the School of Design.

At Carnegie Mellon’s School of Design, we believe design to be a humanistic discipline, the art of conceiving, planning, and shaping products that are made to serve the needs and desires of people. We believe that design will change the world, a world that values the quality of people’s lives in balance with a healthy and sustainable planet. We build on the humanistic, artistic, and scientific strengths of Carnegie Mellon as a leading research university, to identify and address new problems as they emerge.

The person filling this position must be able to work effectively with a wide range of people: faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, university leaders, parents and friends of the University. The position requires effective decision-making, consultative problem solving, creative management, embracing of new technology, and a high level of energy, dedication, and passion for the future of design.

The Head must be able to represent Carnegie Mellon Design to the outside world, advocate for design at the university level, and speak clearly to constituents within the College of Fine Arts. The Head should have a visionary approach to design research and the education of designers.

The ideal candidate will bring to the position a strong professional background, excellent management skills, the proven ability to gain and manage resources, and a record of successful leadership. Evidence of visionary thinking and the highest standards of design excellence are essential.

Excellence in design may be demonstrated through the proven track record of an inspired practitioner and/or teacher, researcher, and administrator. The individual should have potential for teaching, research and professional activities at the rank of Tenured Full Professor.

Review of applications begins December 15, 2008 until position is filled for an optimal start date of July 1, 2009.

Interested candidates should submit a statement of teaching, research, and/or professional activities, reasons for wanting to join our School, current curriculum vitae, and names of five references with contact information. A portfolio may be requested at a later date. Mail your package to:

Susanne Slavick
Chair, Head Search Committee
School of Design, MMCH 110
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890

Electronic submissions or inquiries via email to: [email protected]

The School of Design offers a BFA in Industrial Design and in Communication Design. We offer a Master of Design in Interaction Design and in Communication Planning and Information Design, a Master’s in Product Development, and a Ph.D. in Design. We have formal degree arrangements and strong relationships with many units on campus, including the Departments of English and Mechanical Engineering, the Tepper School of Business, and the Human Computer Interaction Institute. For more information, visit us at www.design.cmu.edu. Carnegie Mellon University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.