Director, school of interiors

The University of Kentucky is seeking a director for its school of interiors to join its faculty in Lexington, USA.

The director of the school of interiors in the department of psychology at the University of Kentucky will lead the next phase of the school’s development, working closely with faculty to articulate and advance a clear and compelling vision for the future of interior design education – one that builds on the school’s strengths in material exploration, interdisciplinary design, and human-centered inquiry while expanding its research impact, global reach and national visibility.

We are seeking an outward-facing, service-oriented leader who listens, advocates and positions the school within evolving conversations across design, higher education and the profession.

The director will enter at a moment when the school is well-positioned for new opportunities. We are in a new building, have made significant faculty hires in recent years, will have completed reaccreditation in spring 2027 and have a curriculum transformation underway. The school is in an energetic and malleable phase with significant opportunity to shape its trajectory.

The director of the school of interiors is a full-time faculty position with administrative responsibilities. Administration is anticipated to be 45 per cent of the director’s distribution of effort, with the remaining 55 per cent allocated to teaching and research. Reporting to the dean of the college of design, the director is responsible for the overall academic, administrative and fiscal leadership of the School.

They will provide leadership in defining the program’s strategic priorities and vision and in enhancing its visibility, brand and reputation.

In this role, the Director will be responsible for continuing to advance and strengthen curricular offerings; fostering excellence in teaching, research and engagement; strategically managing the program’s enrollment; overseeing the hiring of new full-time and part-time faculty; supporting the career advancement of faculty members; advancing innovation and multidisciplinary activities; and working collaboratively with College leadership and departmental faculty to effectively manage program resources.

The Director should promote a work and learning environment that fosters entrepreneurship, growth, collaboration and shared governance.

The position will commence on July 1, 2027. This is a 12-month appointment at the rank of associate or full professor with tenure. The term of the administrative appointment is four years and is renewable for an additional four years. Salary is competitive and based on qualifications and experience.

The ideal candidate will be an outward-facing, strategic leader who works closely with faculty to articulate and advance a shared vision for the school. They will be a strong listener, a clear communicator and an advocate for the program.

They will be able to build consensus, set direction and make decisions that move the school forward. This includes strengthening its intellectual contributions, expanding its reach and positioning it within evolving conversations in design, culture and the built environment.

An effective director will support people while also challenging the program to grow. They will recognize the school’s current momentum and guide it through this next phase with clarity, focus and purpose.

• serve as the public face of the School and position it within national and international design conversations
• expand partnerships with industry, alumni, peer institutions and community organizations
• grow the School’s global footprint through study abroad…