Department Head Plant Science and Landscape ArchitectureSearch #: 499238
Work type: Full-time
Location: UConn Storrs
Categories: Faculty Department Head/Director
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES- Provide academic and administrative leadership to support and promote excellence in the department's teaching, research, extension, and service missions.
- Oversee academic affairs, personnel, budgeting, and facility management, ensuring efficient and transparent departmental operations.
- Lead strategic planning and assessment to align departmental goals with the missions of the college and the university.
- Develop and implement effective recruitment and retention programs to increase undergraduate and graduate student enrollment.
- Teach at least one undergraduate course and participate in research and/or extension programs.
- Represent and advocate for the department within the college, university, state, and professional and international communities.
- Ensure compliance with university, college, and union policies and procedures, and develop departmental policies as appropriate.
- Collaborate with the CAHNR's Director of Development to engage alumni, donors, and stakeholders in advancement activities.
- Foster faculty, staff, and graduate student success through mentoring, annual evaluations, and support for professional development.
- Build a collegial and collaborative departmental culture, encouraging interdisciplinary engagement within and beyond the department.
- Maintain compliance for and support the accreditation of the professional Bachelor's in Science in Landscape Architecture (BSLA) degree granted by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB).
- Promote innovation and entrepreneurship in academic, research, and extension initiatives.
- Develop, supervise, and support an effective staff structure to ensure smooth departmental operations.
- Oversee department facilities to ensure efficient operation and alignment with program needs.
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and CAHNR missions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS- Doctoral degree in Plant Science, Landscape Architecture, or a closely related discipline; or Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) from a LAAB-accredited program.
- Record of nationally recognized scholarship and professional activities related to research, teaching, and/or extension/outreach that will qualify the individual to be tenured at the rank of Professor or Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture.
- Proven experience, ability, or potential for strong leadership of an academic department with emphasis on strong interpersonal skills appropriate to sustaining a collegial environment, building a shared vision and mission for the growth of the department, delivering quality academic programs within a respectful work environment, and managing physical infrastructure.
- Demonstrated leadership in developing departmental programs, coordinating capital improvements, or stimulating external funding from both public and private sources.
- Record of success in securing extramural funding from nationally competitive research programs, foundations, private donors, or other sources.
- Evidence of effective interpersonal and communication skills that contribute to an inclusive, respectful departmental culture and high-quality program delivery.
- Understanding of and commitment to the land-grant mission.
- Experience with basic and applied research.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS- For applicants holding an MLA, a Ph.D. in Landscape Architecture or a closely related field.
- Evidence of a nationally or internationally recognized program of scholarship in research, teaching, or extension.
- Demonstrated engagement and rapport with stakeholders, industry, and donors.
- Administrative or leadership experience in a department or program encompassing teaching, research, extension, and service within a land-grant university.
- Proven experience building consensus and making decisions in a collegial and transparent manner.
- Experience supervising a diverse set of facilities such as greenhouses, research and service laboratories, farms, or related infrastructure.
- Rank of Full Professor or equivalent in Plant Science, Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, or a closely related discipline.
APPOINTMENT TERMS This is a full-time, tenure-track, 9-month position with a 10th month of service in this administrative capacity. The anticipated start date is January 1, 2027, however, the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) is willing to accommodate an earlier start date in consultation with the selected candidate.
Salary is competitive and commensurate with the candidate's experience and record of achievement.
The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits, please visit the HR Health Benefits page.
TO APPLYPlease apply online, Faculty and Staff Positions,
Search #499238 and submit the following application materials:
- Cover letter that addresses how your experience meets the minimum and preferred qualifications (maximum of two pages)
- Curriculum Vitae (must include a list of publications, grants received, and records of teaching, extension and/or service)
- Leadership Statement summarizing how you will provide innovative leadership for CAHNR Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture and how you will contribute to the department's success (maximum of two pages)
- Names and contact information for at least three references. Finalists will be notified prior to contacting references
Evaluation of applicants will begin on
August 23, 2026, and remain ongoing until the position is filled. Send inquiries about this position to the search committee chair, Rosa Raudales. For further information, please visit our website.
This position will be filled subject to budgetary approval.
All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics.
All members of th
