Director/CEO

Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc)
Search for the Director/CEO
Los Angeles, California

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.

THE SEARCH

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. 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. The next director will bring ambition and creativity to the project of leading SCI-Arc in its next chapter.

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. The director will develop a clear strategic plan for enrollment, build the brand and increase the visibility of SCI-Arc, optimize financial resources, and foster an inspiring and inclusive culture across the school community.

ROLE OF THE DIRECTOR/CEO

The Director/CEO of SCI-Arc is appointed by the Board of Trustees for a contracted term of five years. The director is responsible for defining and articulating the philosophy and focus of the Institute's position in the field of architectural education, ensuring its continued visibility and leading-edge reputation in the field. The director leads the overall vision, academic integrity, fiscal planning, and fundraising of the Institute and represents SCI-Arc to community leaders, civic organizations, and local businesses.

The director must have a proven track record of advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and in holding others accountable to do the same, along with a deep understanding of educational and social issues facing students from a wide range of backgrounds and countries.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A commitment to and passion for SCI-Arc's mission and the ability to share an inspiring message about the value of a design education.
• Sophisticated interpersonal skills and diplomacy combined with a commitment to broad consultation and transparency.
• Strategic orientation and administrative capacity with a connection to practice and teaching.
• Appetite for creative problem solving; enthusiasm and imagination for solving challenges.
• A nuanced understanding of financial management and administration.
• Demonstrated fundraising capacity and ability to steward existing donors and partners.
• Experience engaging with a board of trustees or similar governing body.
• Desire and ability to embrace the Los Angeles community.
• A strong sense of integrity and ethics.

APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS

Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website for the search:

Ben Tobin, Partner
Courtney Wilk-Mandel, Partner
Nella Young, Senior Associate
Isaacson, Miller
1925 Century Park East, Suite 1700
Los Angeles, CA 90067

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.