Director III

About This Role

The College of Architecture, Planning & Design (APDesign) at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS invites applications for the position of Director of the Institute for Community Design and Research at K-State (ICDR), a newly established, interdisciplinary institute focused on advancing community-based design, planning, and applied research in service to Kansas.

The Director will lead the development, implementation, and growth of the College’s long-standing commitment to service learning and engaged research. The Institute will provide leadership and administrative support to sustain these existing efforts, while helping new efforts and collaborations to grow beyond Kansas. More about APDesign’s Community Engagement can be found at https://apdesign.k-state.edu/research/community-engagement.

The Institute will be a hub for design innovation, outreach, and collaboration with Kansas’s communities. The position offers a unique opportunity to shape a statewide and potentially regional model for revitalization through design, while building national visibility for the college and university, in line with K-State’s Next-Gen Strategic Plan and Land Grant mission.

About Us

The College of Architecture, Planning & Design at Kansas State University is a national leader in design education with a mission of preparing students for meaningful contributions to the built environment and society. All three departments within APDesign engage in community-centered projects on a regular basis. With nationally ranked programs and a legacy of civic engagement, APDesign is committed to design excellence and community service.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree and five to 10 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in one of the fields within APDesign (architecture, planning, landscape architecture, interior architecture, industrial design, interior design, real estate and community development) and/or a degree in non-profit leadership, public administration, or similar.
• Three years of experience in team leadership, collaboration, and project management.
• Experience securing and managing externally-funded projects or grants.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to work across disciplines.
• Knowledge of the land-grant university mission and engagement models.
• Master’s degree or higher in one of the fields within APDesign or in non-profit leadership, public administration, or similar.
• Demonstrated excellence in securing and managing externally funded, large or multiyear, sustained grants.
• Demonstrated excellence in team leadership, collaboration, and project management.
• Demonstrated excellence in professional, scholarly, creative, or academic community-engaged work.
• Experience working with rural communities, tribal entities, or underserved communities that lack access to resources or who have limited capacity for design and planning.
• Ability to teach a course in an area of the candidate’s expertise as it pertains to the mission of the ICDR.
• Experience with engaged research, design pedagogy, and interdisciplinary project-based learning.

Sponsorship Eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

• A cover letter addressing qualifications and vision for the Institute
• Academic curriculum vitae
• Names and contact information for three references

Candidates may also include a brief, curated portfolio (20 pages maximum) of engaged work, administered grants, relevant scholarship, non-profit leadership, or other evidence that illustrates achievement in the required or preferred qualifications. They may also include letters of support and other endorsements.

Application Window

Applications close on: January 15, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$83,000–93,000

• Departments: Arch Planning & Design Dean of
• Categories: Administrative / Professional, Architecture / Construction / Design, Business / Accounting / Finance
• Employment Type: Staff Full Time (Unclassified – Regular)
• Locations: Manhattan, Kansas, United States
• Worksite: On-site

Why Join Us

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid Work Options

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements. An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Background Screening Statement

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.