The University of Utah College of Architecture and Planning is seeking candidates for Department Chair at the rank of Associate or Full Professor in City & Metropolitan Planning. It is expected that the selected candidate will have credentials to ensure the granting of tenure. The Department of City & Metropolitan Planning at the University of Utah is in a state of tremendous growth and development, offering a significant opportunity for the qualified candidate to influence the program’s direction. In the past three years, the department has recruited a stellar, nationally recognized faculty. It has augmented existing undergraduate and graduate degrees with a Ph.D.in Metropolitan Planning, Policy and Design, and a joint Master of Real Estate Development degree with the School of Business. It has also launched a new professional education program called the Mountain West Planning + Design Academy. The department has completed a very successful site visit for initial PAB accreditation. In addition, through its newly approved Metropolitan Research Center, it is poised to become a national leader in metropolitan planning and design. Considerable potential for research, community involvement, and engagement in city and metropolitan issues exists in Utah’s unique and rapidly growing urban environment.

The University of Utah, a Research I university and the flagship institution of the state higher education system, is located in Salt Lake City, one of the nation’s most livable and socially diverse cities. Its quality of life is enhanced by a reasonable cost of living, beautiful scenery, multiple outdoor recreation opportunities, convenient transit, and impressively cosmopolitan and diverse culture. Salt Lake County, the state’s largest and characterized as one of the nation’s fastest growing “mega” counties, is among the national leaders in many “creative class” measures. Utah will be the nation’s fastest growing state between 2010 and 2040. The University of Utah ranks among the world’s top 100 universities and among the top 25 public universities in the US. It also enjoys a stable financial environment compared to other universities.

The College of Architecture + Planning is an intimate and supportive setting for faculty and students alike. Applicants are encouraged to consult the Department web site at http://cmpweb.arch.utah.edu/.

The Chair is the administrator of the department, responsible for student and faculty recruitment, budget oversight, and departmental governance. In addition, the chair has significant influence on departmental direction, faculty hiring, curriculum development and outreach to the university and civic communities. The chair reports directly to the dean.

We are seeking candidates with broad-based understanding and interest in the interdisciplinary challenges of the planning field. Consideration will be given to candidates with a strong research record compatible with issues of the intermountain metropolitan west such as but not limited to growth, technology, sustainability, urban ecology, tourism, transportation, community development, planning with diverse populations, urban design, economic development, and environmental/natural resource planning.

Minimum qualifications include a Ph.D. in planning or a related field, teaching experience in a PAB- accredited planning program, a strong research and publication record, and participation in planning organizations at the national level. A record of facilitating a diverse community of scholars is especially important. Administrative experience is desirable and professional planning experience is a plus. Qualified applicants must submit a curriculum vita, a letter of application including statements of pedagogical and research objectives and review of relevant administrative experience, samples of scholarship and research, and a list of three references (with phone/fax numbers, mailing and e-mail addresses). Review of applications begins March 15, 2010 and will continue until a candidate is appointed. The appointment is to start in July 2010 (preferable) or January 2011.

Please address questions and full applications for this position to Presidential Professor Arthur C. Nelson, FAICP, City & Metropolitan Planning Search Committee, University of Utah, College of Architecture + Planning, 375 South 1530 East Room 235, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0370 (or email acnelson@utah.edu). The University of Utah, as an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action employer, encourages applications from women and minorities, and provides reasonable accommodation to the known disabilities of applicants and employees.