Department Head Plant Science and Landscape Architecture

About the role

The Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture within the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, at the University of Connecticut (UConn) invites applications for the position of Department Head with an appointment at the rank of Professor or Associate Professor.

We seek an inspirational, dynamic, and visionary individual to provide strong academic and administrative leadership for a highly ranked and productive department, in alignment with the strategic plans for the College and the University. This is a full-time, nine-month, tenured position with an additional month of compensated service in this administrative role. The successful candidate must meet University requirements for appointment at the rank of Full Professor or be an accomplished Associate Professor with qualifications meriting promotion to Full Professor within the next few years. Active engagement in teaching, research, and/or extension programs is expected.

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.

Requirements

The successful candidate must meet University requirements for appointment at the rank of Full Professor or be an accomplished Associate Professor with qualifications meriting promotion to Full Professor within the next few years. Active engagement in teaching, research, and/or extension programs is expected.

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.

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.

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.

Experience with 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.