Apr 08, 2024
Carnegie Mellon University's (CMU) School of Architecture invites applications for the position of Curator of Public Programs and Director of CM-A Publications. This position is responsible for creating dynamic events, publications, and exhibitions that bring together the school's many constituents and audiences. You will contribute to the school by working with faculty and students to produce the annual public programs series that include lectures, symposia, panel discussions, screenings and exhibitions. You will also direct the annual publication of student work, EX-CHANGE, and its accompanying exhibition. The Public Programs at the school serve to bridge the various interests of the programs across architectural design, urban design, building performance, sustainable design, computational design and construction management. They also are a means to address the school's pedagogical focus on climate change, artificial intelligence and social justice.
This is a unique opportunity for someone with experience working in multiple modes of architectural discourse (events, publications, exhibitions, etc.) to work strategically and build partnerships within the school, across the university, and beyond. We are looking for someone who will bring leadership and vision to the launch of the school's forthcoming publishing imprint. Experience writing and editing is a plus, particularly experience taking illustrated books from the concept stage through printing. With many concurrent projects underway, the ideal candidate is also comfortable managing a team, commissioning designers, and working with outside editors to meet tight deadlines.
Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within the School of Architecture. Inclusion, collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the school and university through their work. The Curator of Public Programs must be a strong communicator: someone who is personable and fosters a welcoming environment for our diverse students, faculty, outside audiences, and invited guests.
Your core responsibilities will include:
Public Programs:
Work with the Head of the School to source school objectives and ideas for the public programs
Work with a committee composed of faculty and students to develop the annual public program's theme, identity, and lineup of participants for lectures, panels, symposia etc.
Work with faculty and staff to produce symposia.
Commission graphic designer to create cohesive graphic identity for public programs and EX-CHANGE
Work with the school's communications team to advertise the events
Serve as point of contact for collaborations and cross-programming with neighboring departments and institutions
Maintain the school's public programs calendar and create worksheets to manage each event.
Manage the budget of the public programs.
Manage events' venues, catering and dinners with guests.
Exhibitions
Work with faculty and staff to produce exhibitions, including the annual thesis show.
Work with Director of Facilities to build and track a collection of flexible exhibition display systems
EX-CHANGE
Work with the Head of School to source ideas for the annual school publication of student work, EX-CHANGE.
Work with a committee of faculty and students to collect and curate the annual display of student work.
Instruct a class that produces the EX-CHANGE exhibition and publication.
Collaborate with outside graphic designers to produce a graphic identity that links the EX-CHANGE publication with the on-campus exhibition.
Edit the annual EX-CHANGE publication and direct the content included.
Work with the communications team to facilitate distribution and marketing of the book.
CM-A Publications
Work with an existing framework and strategy to launch a new imprint of books on architecture.
Manage budget, content, and all aspects of book production.
School Description
The CMU School of Architecture is situated within the College of Fine Arts, alongside the Schools of Art, Design, Drama and Music. We are part of one of the world's leading research institutions at the interdisciplinary intersection of technology, the arts and the humanities. As such, a wide range of transdisciplinary educational and research opportunities exist at the School, college and university. If your creative work is breaking new ground, you will find an encouraging, stimulating environment to support your explorations.
The School is a team of dedicated educators, designers, researchers, practitioners and interdisciplinary collaborators who instruct approximately 430 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students. Our philosophy is to provide deep immersion in the discipline of architecture across our B. Arch, M. Arch and post-professional master's and doctoral programs, intensified by a university culture of interdisciplinary innovation and creative inquiry. Our programs take advantage of specialized facilities and centers like the Robert L. Preger Intelligent Workplace, Design Fabrication Lab (dFAB), Code Lab, Remaking Cities Institute, and the IDeATe Physical Computing Lab. Also, our location in the dynamic, post-industrial city of Pittsburgh provides us a unique urban context for inquiry and action.
More information about the School of Architecture can be found on the SoA website:
To apply, complete the online application form at and submit the following materials: