Position Description

Center Director

Advanced Computing Center for the Arts and Design

College of Arts and Sciences

Position Overview

The Ohio State University College of Arts and Sciences seeks a Center Director who will provide innovative leadership for its Advanced Computing Center for the Arts and Design (ACCAD), the primary resource on campus for the creative use and integration of computer graphics technologies and arts-based practices. Anticipated start date is July 1, 2024. ACCAD is internationally recognized as one of the first and leading centers of its kind in the world, distinguished by a transdisciplinary approach to creative research and multidisciplinary learning experiences.

The successful candidate for director will be a communicative and inspiring leader who is committed to continuing to build an inclusive and transdisciplinary arts-centric vision for the future of the Center; who is skilled in managing change with people representing diverse areas of study; and who is dedicated to developing the creative potential of faculty, staff, and students. The director will have a faculty appointment in an appropriate department in the College of Arts & Sciences and will be charged with collaborating with arts and sciences departments and interdisciplinary initiatives across the College, broader campus, regional campuses, other academic institutions, and industry partners, including bolstering partnerships with The Wexner Center for the Arts. The new director is expected to foster an inclusive, innovative, and interdisciplinary culture among a diverse community of faculty, staff, and students from varied areas of study.

The Ohio State University has demonstrated a commitment to the arts through the creation of a new Arts District that links the historic Oval to bustling High Street. By bringing the various arts units into an attractive, coherent, and accessible space, the District facilitates interdisciplinary creative and scholarly work, curricular innovation, and community engagement.

Education and Experience Requirements

Required:

·        Applicants are expected to have an appropriate terminal degree in an area of specialty sufficient to warrant appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor with tenure.

·        National/international record of scholarly or artistic achievement commensurate with the position of advanced Associate Professor or Professor at the Ohio State University, including a distinguished record of creative and/or scholarly achievement, teaching excellence at the post-secondary level, and professional service; and evidence of continued excellence in creative and/or scholarly achievement. Equivalent outstanding achievement in industry will also be considered.

·        Demonstrated and effective leadership and administrative experience in academia or industry.

·        Demonstrated ability to cultivate positive work relationships with diverse students, colleagues, and staff.

·        Experience in leading change and the ability to work successfully across disciplines within a diverse and complex organization.

·        Experience with interdisciplinary collaborations, for example those with other academic units, community partners, and professional arts organizations.

Desired:

·        Desired experience in fundraising, budgeting, and management.

·        Interest and insight in emerging computer graphics technologies.

·        Candidates should demonstrate attentiveness to building a diverse intellectual community, in line with Ohio State’s Shared Values (see below).

How to Apply

Apply to the Careers at Ohio State website at https://osu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/OSUCareers/job/Columbus-Campus/Center-Director--Advanced-Computing-Center-for-the-Arts-and-Design_R89156-1. A competitive application consists of the following required elements: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, separate research and teaching statements.

You will be presented with the opportunity to attach up to FIVE documents in the Application Documents section. Please include the following:

• Attachment 1: Cover Letter: 1-2 page letter, which should include a brief summary of your leadership vision, teaching, and research and/or creative scholarship and a link to an online portfolio of creative research work.
• Attachment 2: CV (Curriculum Vitae): Detailed overview of your scholarly experience, including your research experience, teaching and mentoring experience, service, funding, and publications.
• Attachment 3: Research Statement: Summary of your past research accomplishments, current work/research, and proposal for your future research plan as a faculty member.
• Attachment 4: Teaching Statement: A statement of your approaches, experience and philosophy regarding your teaching, learning, and mentoring.

You will be asked for names and contact information for three reference letters at a later date.

Review of applications will begin November 15, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries may be directed to Professor Laura Lisbon (Lisbon.1@osu.edu).

The College

With more than 80 majors and 100 minors, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the university. The Arts and Sciences provides extraordinary opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, blending creativity and analysis to truly be at the forefront of thought. The breadth and depth of knowledge in the college gives students and researchers the critical thinking and adaptability essential for a lifetime of success. 

Center Information

The Advanced Computing Center for the Arts and Design (ACCAD) is a computer animation, interactive, immersive and emerging technologies interdisciplinary research center. We function as a collaborative space to make, create, imagine and connect.  ACCAD is internationally recognized as one of the original and leading centers of its kind, distinguished by the transdisciplinary approach to research and teaching which is central to its identity. ACCAD functions as an applied collaboratory for time-based digital media production, both in furthering the excellence of its faculty and graduate students in residence and cultivating its own innovative research agenda.

The University

Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers and recently ranked No. 4 on Forbes’ list of best U.S. employers for diversity. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

The Ohio State University’s Shared Values include Excellence and Impact, Diversity and Innovation, Inclusion and Equity, Care and Compassion, and Integrity and Respect. Our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression.

Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. Become a Buckeye and contribute to an incredible legacy that serves to guide our future and shape a better tomorrow.

The Ohio State University is committed to enhancing academic excellence. Recruiting, supporting, and retaining faculty of the highest caliber is a core component of this commitment. The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) has established Dual Careers and Faculty Relocation (DCFR) to focus on supporting new and prospective faculty and their loved ones. Service offerings include dual careers partner consultations, identifying potential employers and/or employment opportunities, consultation and resources related to relocation, as well as identifying opportunities to engage on campus and in the surrounding community. While employment opportunities are not guaranteed, resources and consultation are provided to support the partners of new and prospective faculty as they are considering or transitioning to The Ohio State University.  

In addition to being responsive to dual-career opportunities, we strongly promote work-life balance to support our community members through a suite of institutionalized policies.  Ohio State is an NSF ADVANCE institution and a member of the Ohio/Western Pennsylvania/West Virginia Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC).

Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and diverse metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here. In addition to  its Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to Ohio State ATI in Wooster. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.