Director/Chief Executive Officer

SCI-Arc is a school of design where students and faculty explore the boundaries of architectural thinking to critically examine the possibilities of shaping physical, digital, or imagined environments. From design and materials to culture and experience, SCI-Arc asks questions regarding new theoretical constructs and designed realities to constitute possible futures. We contribute an imaginative, rigorous, and forward-thinking approach to help shape the future of the architectural profession.

The Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) seeks a bold, forward-thinking, creative leader as its next Director/CEO (director). Reporting to the Board of Trustees, this next leader will be a transformational administrator, educator, and champion of the institution, stimulating a broad dialogue and discourse around architecture, design, experimentation, and creative thought and expression.

Established in 1972, SCI-Arc is a world-renowned center of innovation and one of the nation’s few independent architecture and design schools, expanding the envelope of architecture and opening the aperture on what it means to be an architectural and design professional in an increasingly interconnected, globalized world. The Institute enrolls approximately 450 students annually in undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate programs, including accredited degrees in architecture as well as degrees in emerging design disciplines. Of the 70-80 faculty, most are part-time professors with active architectural and creative practices. More than 60 dedicated staff members support the day-to-day excellence of SCI-Arc. With close ties to its Los Angeles roots and an expansive global network, SCI-Arc has regularly ranked as one of the top architecture and design schools in California, the United States, and globally.

The next director will bring ambition and creativity to the project of leading SCI-Arc in its next chapter. They will possess a deep love for architectural thinking coupled with a commitment to pluralism of ideas and practices. Ideally experienced as both an educator and creative practitioner, this person will also have the financial acumen to ensure a sustainable future for SCI-Arc that is built on educational excellence, innovation, and financial stability. The director will develop a clear strategic plan for enrollment that anticipates how the landscape is changing, both with regard to student demographics as well as emerging industry concerns such as understanding and embracing emerging technologies and their impact on the creative landscape; build the brand and increase the visibility and recognition of SCI-Arc in local and global networks; optimize financial resources and build a sustainable business model; and foster an inspiring and inclusive culture across the school community. 

The role calls for a candidate with demonstrated evidence of successful leadership in dynamic, transformational contexts, with the ability to make decisive changes that position SCI-Arc for a sustainable future. With respect for the input and collaboration of faculty, staff, and students, the director will usher in a new era of strategic leadership that understands the evolving needs of the discipline while remaining grounded in SCI-Arc’s founding spirit of innovation and experimentation. 

Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent electronically below. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process.

Ben Tobin and Courtney Wilk-Mandel are leading this search with Nella Young. 

SCI-Arc promotes an open and ethical environment in which to work, teach, and study. SCI-Arc expects all members of the SCI-Arc community to uphold the val­ues of honesty, respect, trust, tolerance, and civility in dealing with one another. 

SCI-Arc adheres to all federal and state civil rights laws banning discrimination in institutions of higher education. The Institution will not discriminate against any student, applicant for admission, employee, applicant for employment, vendors, or contractors, on the basis of race, religion, color, ethnicity, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, marital or familial status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military status, predisposing genetic characteristics or any other protected category under applicable local, state or federal law, including protections for those opposing discrimination or participating in any resolution process within SCI-Arc or within the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or other human rights agencies.