Design Studies Undergraduate Education Director

School of Design Studies

The Boston Architectural College (BAC) wasestablishedin 1889 and has become a non-profit, tuition-based, accredited private school of spatial design offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs in architecture, interior architecture, landscape architecture, and design studies. Students work, either in a professional position,in community service settings, or in a professionally mentored environment, at the same time they are engaged in course work. Degree programs and individual courses are offered in person,onlineand in hybrid formats.

Continuing education programs are also available.

Reporting to theDean, School of Design Studies,the Design Studies Undergraduate Education Directoris a key member ofthe Design Studiesleadership teamina 12-month, full-time exempt administrative position.

While this position works most closely with personnel in the School of Design Studies,thepositionrequirescollaborationbroadlywithother

Deans,Education Directors, Academic Affairspersonneland personnel in the College's other departments to support the College's mission and goals.

The School of Design Studies opened in 2004 offering a Bachelor of Design Studies(BDS) degree with concentrations in building technology and digital media.

Insubsequentyears, theBDS wasmodifiedand concentrations and majors were added to meet changing student demographics and tomaintaincourse offering and enrollment efficiency as part of the BAC's varied undergraduate programs. Enrollment in the Bachelor of Design Studies peaked at90students in2013.Subsequentlyenrollment declinedand in fall 2022the decision was made to suspend applications to the Bachelor of Design Studies program.

During the first six to 12 months, the primary responsibility of this position will be to investigate how to revitalize and redevelop the Bachelor of Design Studies curriculum to attract and sustain student interest,enrollment and opportunities after graduation. As part of this responsibility, the DS Undergrad Director will be expected to:

Investigate options fora flexible, career-orientedthree-yearand/or four-yearundergraduate degree programs that will meetthe current, competitive demandsinthe higher education market and meet

New England Council of Higher Education (NECHE),MA Board of Higher Education accreditation standards,and otherapplicablerequirements

Coordinate this investigation with the curricula and requirements in existing degree programs in Design Studies (master's programs) and the degree programs (both bachelor and master) in the Architecture, Interior Architecture and Landscape Architecture Schools as well as the BAC unique Practice curriculum

Prepare and present options forthe Bachelor of Design Studiesdegreecurriculumto the BAC's Academic Affairs personnel for review and feedback

Prepare and present options for consideration and acceptance by the BAC's President and Cabinet and subsequentlyby NECHE and the MA Board of Higher Education

Manage and revise as appropriate the existing Sustainable Design continuing education certificate program

Assuming acceptance of one or more BDS degree options, implement,leadand manage the BDS degree program as described below.

The current thinkingregardingtheappropriate direction of theredevelopedBDSprogramisthatcourse(s) of study should be to prepare students for entry level employment in fieldsrelated to the built environment. Nevertheless, it will be the responsibility of the position to research,evaluate and eventually propose appropriate curricularpath(s) for the degree program.

Strategic vision

Ability to forge new ground, thinking creatively and innovatively in the face of new challenges

Project management skillsand outcomes oriented

Ability to develop constructive and positive relationships across the college

Excellent written and verbal communications skills

Demonstrated emotional intelligence

Keen analytical skills

Ability to work and influence across institutional lines

Ability to prioritize in face of competing demands

Sound professional judgment

Confidentiality and discretion in handling student,faculty and College information

Serve as academic leader for Design Studies Bachelor of Degree Studies program

Provide a visible presence for theBDStoprospective and current students

Collaborate withBAC core faculty, adjunct faculty and staff throughout the College leading and managing the BDS program

Collaborate in strategic planning for the School of Design Studies and the BACas a whole

Review and shape curriculum, ensure coherence and effectiveness of overall educational content of design studies programs

Design and implement assessment processes to oversee successful delivery and student achievement in theBDS

Assume responsibility for educational quality and effective…