COLLEGE: Arts and Letters
DEPARTMENT: Department of Design
POSITION TITLE: Assistant Professor in Interior Architecture/Design - 2 positions open
DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
The Department of Design at California State University, Sacramento invites applications for two tenure-track Assistant Professor positions in the program of Interior Architecture and the newly established program of Architecture Studies. Together these programs, along with Photography, Graphic Design, and Design Studies, constitute the Department of Design, housed in the College of Arts & Letters. Our rapidly growing Department has 11 full-time faculty members who proudly serve over 700 majors. Our students identify as approximately 32% first generation, 20% Asian American, 6% African American, and 36% over the age of 21. Department-wide, 41% of our students identify as Hispanic or Latinx/Latine, with an increasingly larger percentage of this demographic choosing the architecture and interior architecture major.
The Interior Architecture and Architecture Studies degrees introduce students to a broad academic course of study including opportunities to take courses in graphic design, photography, and design studies as well as a wide variety of complementary General Education courses. Majors complete a practical 4-year course of study that focuses on preparation for work in the field and potential certification/licensure in Interior Design or Architecture in states such as California, Washington, and Arizona. Our program is excited to continuously offer one of the only public undergraduate degrees in architecture in the entire Northern California region.
Our program is in culturally vibrant Sacramento, the state capital of California. Otherwise known as the “Farm to Fork” capital, Sacramento is located at the intersection of the Sacramento and American Rivers, boasts 15 Michelin-rated restaurants, an active arts scene, and provides easy access to nearby major cities along with an abundance of natural resources. Sacramento is just two hours to San Francisco, one and a half hours to Lake Tahoe, and three hours to Yosemite National Park. Sacramento has also been named the “13th most diverse city” in the United States (WalletHub.com).
Sac State is proud to be a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI) dedicated to academic excellence and anti-racism. In 2020 CSU Sacramento was awarded the Seal of Excelencia and in 2024, launched the nation’s first Black Honors College. We are a teaching-focused institution offering culturally responsive education for minoritized students. We have a strong commitment to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in the classroom and broader campus culture. For more information about this department and our campus, please see the following links.
POSITION DETAILS:
This is an entry-level full-time, probationary position at the rank of Assistant Professor starting in Fall 2025. We invite candidates who will teach in our Interior Architecture and Architecture Studies programs in the Department of Design. Starting salary will be negotiated with the Dean of the College of Arts & Letters and depend upon qualifications, professional experience, educational preparation, university-level teaching experience, and record of scholarship and service.
As a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and awardee of the Seal of Excelencia certification, Sacramento State is hiring a cohort of faculty who will support our commitment to Latinx/e student success during the 2024-25 tenure-track hiring cycle. We are looking for teacher-scholars who have a demonstrated commitment to teaching, research, and/or service in and with the Latinx/e community, broadly conceived. Successful candidates will have demonstrated two or more of the four Latinx/e Student Success Cohort Hire criteria in their application materials and interviews (see Required Qualifications below).
Our department seeks candidates prepared to teach a variety of courses at the upper and lower division level that will complement their respective areas of expertise such as architecture or interiors focused design studios, architectural history, theory, and/or special topics seminar courses, computer graphics and technology courses, and/or building science courses. We are particularly interested in candidates with knowledge of decolonialized theories and histories of architecture that will complement existing specialties in the department, including, but not limited to, Latin American culture and design.
In addition, we welcome candidates whose professional work in their design practice, classroom methods, and/or community engagement supports our university imperatives of anti-racism and equity. We seek enthusiastic candidates who will be dedicated to teaching and mentoring our specific student population using culturally responsive methods and forging collaborative relationships across disciplines. The ideal candidate will be an engaged team member who will assist with co-developing our programs and curricula to best serve the needs of our Latinx/e students and broader diverse population of learners. Candidates with limited teaching and service experience are encouraged to demonstrate how they would apply their skills at Sac State in their application materials.
JOB DUTIES:
- Teach approximately 12 working units of undergraduate lecture/studio courses per semester. A typical load is 3-4 courses per semester depending on the working units for each course type.
- Teach courses that incorporate culturally-responsive and equitable teaching methods and demonstrate measurable impacts on the department’s student success metrics
- Assist in co-developing courses and curriculum in the Interior Architecture and Architecture Studies programs as needed.
- Work cooperatively with colleagues on selected department, college, and university-wide shared initiatives and committees and other service contributions to the institution.
- Share in assigned student academic advising for the department.
- Engage in service to the community such as community-engaged research and practice, partnerships, professional involvement, direct service projects, and other forms of service that draws on candidates’ areas of expertise.
- Develop and undertake scholarly activities such as creative activities, theoretical and applied research, community engaged scholarship, teaching scholarship, and other forms of academic scholarship.
- Contribute to the campus’ goal of being an anti-racist and inclusive campus through their teaching, service, and/or scholarship.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
The department reminds applicants that only the required qualifications must be met to apply. All applicants who meet the required qualifications will be considered.
Education:
Education requirements may be met using any of the following:
- An earned Masters or Ph.D. in Architecture and/or Interior Architecture and/or Interior Design OR
- An earned Masters or Ph.D. in another degree program closely related to Architecture, Interior Architecture or Interior Design such as Architectural History, Environmental Design, Landscape Architecture, Planning, Design Studies, Industrial Design and related fields in conjunction with licensure/professional certification in Architecture, Interior Architecture or Interior Design and/or professional experience and/or demonstrated published research in the broader architectural field. (note: if you have an advanced degree in a related field, please elaborate in your cover letter and other application materials how your education and experience have prepared you for this position.)
Special Knowledge and Abilities:
- Potential to teach in two or more of the following areas: architecture or interiors focused design studios at the undergraduate level, architectural history, theory, and/or special topics seminar courses, computer graphics and technology courses, or building science courses.
- A demonstrated commitment to cultural sensitivity, inclusion, and diversity (DEIBJ practices) as a future faculty member through specific examples from their education, teaching experiences, professional work, research agenda, mentorship and/or community service activities, and/or concrete plans for how they would enact such commitments at Sac State.
- Evidence of their ability to work collaboratively to achieve successful outcomes as evidenced by work products, specialized knowledge, and/or project outcomes in an academic or non-academic setting.
- Potential for effectively teaching minoritized student populations using equitable and culturally-responsive methods through examples of past or proposed teaching materials, syllabi, supplemental education, mentorship activities, and/or articulation of relevant strategies and best practices.
- Examples from past experiences that demonstrate the candidate’s ability to meet two or more of the following criteria as a part of the Provost’s Latinx/e Student Success Cohort. Materials may emphasize candidate education, training, professional experience, teaching methods and outcomes, research, and/or community service;
- Excellence in teaching Latinx/e students;
- Effective service (e.g., advising, mentoring) to Latinx/e students;
- Research, scholarship, and/or creative artistic expression focused on the Latinx/e community;
- Knowledge (professional background and/or training experiences) that advances our institutional commitment to Latinx/e student success
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Please note that all candidates considered must meet all required qualifications, but do not need to meet all preferred qualifications.
The ideal candidate will also have one or more of the following:
- Teaching experience at the college-level using culturally-responsive methods and equitable practices as evidenced by teaching assistant experience, recommendations, course syllabi, teaching examples and outcomes, teaching reviews, student work and other college-level teaching evidence.
- Evidence of service to an academic community, larger community, governmental, and/or professional organizations.
- Evidence of successful interdisciplinary collaborations in either academic or non-academic settings as evidenced by scholarly and creative activities, professional work, teaching, and/or community projects.
- An ability to integrate knowledge of current and historic Latin American architecture and design into a variety of courses such as seminars and lectures as demonstrated by specialized education and training, previous teaching, syllabi, teaching examples, student work and/or research.
APPLICANT INSTRUCTIONS:
Review of applications will begin January 31, 2025, and the position will remain open until filled.
Complete applications include the following:
- Cover letter at a maximum of 3 pages summarizing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications listed above. Please briefly address your ability to meet two or more of the Latinx/e Student Success Cohort criteria (see Required Qualifications above), to be expanded upon in the Diversity Statement, and additional documents as appropriate, as listed below.
- Names and Contact information for three professional references
- CV or resumé at a maximum of 5 pages
- Unofficial transcripts of the highest degree relevant to position
- Brief Teaching Statement at a maximum of 500-words of the candidate's pedagogical principles and teaching philosophy based on experience and/or knowledge of best practices in college-level teaching
- Teaching Portfolio at a maximum of 10 pages that includes one or more of the following from either past or proposed teaching: example syllabi, assignments, summaries of course evaluations, evidence of student work, and other relevant teaching materials.
- Professional Portfolio at a maximum of 10 pages that includes one or more of the following: professional work, creative activities, theoretical and applied research, community engaged scholarship, teaching scholarship, and other forms of academic or professional scholarship
- Diversity Statement at a maximum 800 words that responds to the following prompts: Please explain how you have served or would serve a Latinx/e student population in your role as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Design at Sac State. Please elaborate on two or more of the four Latinx/e Student Success Cohort criteria in your statement, the same as identified in your cover letter. Furthermore, please explain how you would apply your ideas to our larger student population. Candidates are strongly encouraged to include specific examples in their statement. For tips and examples, please see the links below.
We strongly invite candidates to reach out to the committee chair, Emily Potts emily.potts@csus.edu with any questions or concerns about our university, this position, and/or the application and hiring process.
OTHER SPECIFICS ABOUT THE POSITION:
The classification annual salary range for this position is $64,860 - $143,928; the anticipated annual starting salary is $74,642.
About Sacramento State
Sacramento State is located in the heart of California’s capital city, five miles from State Capitol. The lush, 300-acre campus is situated along the American River, close to numerous bike trails and other recreational areas. Sacramento, also known as the “Farm-to-Fork Capital,” is one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in the country, with a population of half of a million. Sacramento State is a Hispanic and AANAPISI serving institution with about 31,000 students coming not only from the Greater Sacramento Region, but also from across the state, country, and world. Our 1,800 faculty and 1,500 staff are committed to meeting our mission:
“As California’s capital university, we transform lives by preparing students to lead, serve, and succeed. Sacramento State will be a welcoming, caring, and inclusive leader in education, innovation, and engagement.” As the regional hub of higher education, Sacramento State is dedicated to learning and student success; teaching, research, scholarship and creative activity; justice, diversity, equity and inclusion; resource development and sustainability; dedicated community engagement, and wellness and safety.
As evidenced by the values embedded in our Hornet Honor Code, Sacramento State is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all faculty, staff, students, and guests are welcome and valued. Our commitment is more than simply ensuring that our campus is free from bias and discrimination, but is one devoted to celebrating many diverse identities, life experiences, and perspectives that enrich our community, teaching and learning.
To learn more about why you should join the Hornet Family, please visit the Why Sac State? page.
Equal Employment Opportunity
California State University, Sacramento is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires only those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States.
It is the policy of California State University, Sacramento to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. If you need a disability related reasonable accommodation as part of the application and/or interviewing process, visit https://www.csus.edu/administration-business-affairs/human-resources/benefits/reasonable-accomodation.html.
The University is committed to creating an education and working environment free from discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. For more information on mandatory training for new employees, visit https://www.csus.edu/administration-business-affairs/human-resources/learning-development/csu-learn.html.
Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Fire Safety Right-To-know Act Notification:
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at https://www.csus.edu/clery.
The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery Act crimes for Sacramento State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request at the Police Service Center located in the University Union.
Under the Clery Act, this position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) depending upon the role on campus and/or job duties. If this position is identified by the Director of Clery Compliance & Training as a CSA position, you will be notified via email and will be assigned the appropriate training in CSU Learn
Background Check Disclaimer
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with California State University, Sacramento. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current California State University, Sacramento employees who apply for the position.
COVID19 Vaccination Policy
Effective May 2023, per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all California State University, Sacramento employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.
Out of State Employment
Per CSU-wide policy (HR2021-04), all faculty who will begin initial employment (or return from a 12-month break in service) on or after January 1, 2022 are required to perform their work from within the State of California. Faculty hired prior to January 1, 2022 must be available to perform work in the State of California if their assignment is in-person.
Eligibility Verification
Candidate will be required to provide official transcripts of their highest degree earned and must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. California State University, Sacramento is a sponsoring agency (ie. H-1-B Visa).