H. W. S. Cleveland Visiting Assistant Professor in Landscape Architecture

The Department of Landscape Architecture in the College of Design at the University of Minnesota invites applications and nominations for H. W. S. Cleveland Visiting Assistant Professor. Intended for talented designers and scholars who recently have started their careers in Landscape Architecture, this position offers teaching and research opportunities for candidates who have demonstrated interests at the intersections of the advancement of landscape architecture in the academy and in the profession. Through this position, we aim to draw energetic, inquisitive visiting faculty who bring innovative approaches to Landscape Architecture across systems and scales. We seek highly motivated early-career individuals who wish to cultivate expertise in design teaching through studio, lecture, and workshop courses. We are committed to attracting candidates from historically underrepresented groups knowing that diversity enriches the academic experience and provides a knowledge base for innovation.

The H. W. S. Cleveland Visiting Assistant Professor will be a person who has demonstrated excellence in and can effectively teach two or more of the following areas of Landscape Architecture: design studio, construction/implementation, design representation (analog and digital), history/theory, landscape ecology, or sustainability/climate adaptation. It is expected that the teaching assignments will be a mix of both undergraduate and graduate program levels. In addition, the Visiting Assistant Professor will mentor students, contribute to the ongoing development of the Landscape Architecture curriculum, participate in department committees and college committees where appropriate, participate in final project reviews, connect with the local landscape architecture professional community, and contribute to and support the mission of the university.

Located within the College of Design, the Department sits at the academic hub of vibrant professional and multidisciplinary research communities. Well known for its high quality of life, the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area offers cultural excellence in its museums and theaters, an exceptional parks system, and access to a well-regarded health care system. A powerful base of community action resides in the state's non-governmental organizations, especially foundations that support innovation as well as environmental and social justice.

Position: The position is a 100%-time, nine-month, term contract faculty appointment at the level of Assistant Professor. The term is for one 9-month academic year appointment, renewable for two additional 9-month appointments in the successive academic years. Renewal is contingent upon performance, funding, and the needs of the department. The maximum term is three successive 9-month appointments. Salary range begins at $69,000, and is commensurate with experience and qualifications. The Assistant Professor is expected to teach 4 courses over the academic year within the Department's programs, including one design studio each semester.

The Visiting Assistant Professor will also undertake a landscape research or creative project based on their own interests. The Visiting Assistant Professor will deliver a College lecture and have the opportunity to develop an exhibition on their research interests/creative practice including the project they undertook during their time at UMN.

The expected start date is August 25, 2025.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

• Master of Landscape Architecture (by the time of hire) or a BLA plus a related masters degree, or related undergraduate and graduate degrees and a body of professional practice in landscape architecture.
• Evidence of active research and publication/exhibition or other forms of dissemination.
• Demonstrated English language fluency.
• 0.5 to 1 year of teaching experience (at a college level) is required.
• Candidates should demonstrate the potential to develop and teach design studio and other core and elective courses at undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with faculty, students, staff and colleagues.
• Evidence of attention to cultural diversity in teaching mentoring and/or professional experience, and the commitment to support the University's equity and diversity goals.

Preferred Qualifications: In addition to the above requirements:

• 2 to 3 years of teaching experience.
• Minimum of 1 year of professional experience.
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness in landscape architecture courses at the collegiate level.
• Fluency in a 2nd language (e.g. Mandarin, Spanish, etc.).
• Commitment in teaching, scholarship, and/or service with a demonstrated ability, interest and/or potential to intersect with design justice and/or anti-racism.
• Experience and/or commitment to teaching and/or mentoring students who have been historically underinvested.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To be considered for this position please submit the following:

Curriculum vitae

Brief letter of interest (no more than 500 words) including: a description of the landscape-based research/creative work you would like to further during your fellowship and your relevant professional and teaching experience

A portfolio of professional and/or student supervised scholarship / design work (no more than 10 pages with your role in the displayed work clearly identified)

Contact information for three professional references.

Review of Applications will begin November 15, 2024.

For more information, please visit our website at: http://design.umn.edu

Questions regarding the search process should be directed to College of Design Human Resources, designHR@umn.edu. Questions regarding the position description and expectations should be directed to Kristine Miller, mille407@umn.edu

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).