Positions

Position Title:  Executive Director, Norman B. Leventhal Center for Advanced Urbanism (LCAU)

Job Title:  Director of Administration and Finance, Gr. 10

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Norman B. Leventhal Center for Advanced Urbanism (LCAU), a part of MIT’s School of Architecture and Planning (SA+P), is committed to fostering inter-disciplinary research and dialog about architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture, computation and systems thinking, focusing on creating innovation for the future of urban areas.  Working closely with the Faculty Director, the Executive Director will oversee all administrative functions of the Center, which has an operating budget of $1M, and 40 affiliated faculty, 5-7 doctoral students, and a staff of 5.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBLITIES (ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS)

• Develop and manage budget and financial projections for Center; maintain statistical data and produce reports for purposes of strategic planning;

• Oversee all aspects of both pre- and post-award administration of research, discretionary, and Institute funding; ensure compliance with Institute funding policies and federal guidelines and regulations;

• Work with affiliated faculty to assemble, submit and assist in drafting grant applications and proposals; 

• Work collaboratively with the External Relations Manager to develop and maintain relationships with sponsors and partner organizations in support of academic/research priorities; steward special initiatives and membership agreements;

• Help shape initiative/programmatic content in coordination with faculty stakeholders; implement administrative aspects of programs, educational workshops, conferences, and events;  

• Responsible for human resources activities for all Center staff, including recruiting and on-boarding; engage and build inclusive environment where researchers, designers, faculty, and staff can interact regularly;

• Support faculty director with academic degree administration, including admissions and assigning research assistantships;  

• Facilitate outreach to affiliated and other MIT faculty to promote engagement; provide support to Center’s external advisory board;

• Facilitate strategic and effective communication about Center’s research and activities to SA+P, MIT, and external audiences; in conjunction with staff from SA+P and MIT’s central Resource Development, prepare annual report of LCAU activities. 

• Manage physical space occupied by LCAU, including coordination of repair and maintenance, space changes, and environmental health and safety compliance;

• Administer biennial Norman B. Leventhal City Prize;

• Administer yearly LCAU seed grant program;

• Implement internal policies and procedures and manage organizational systems; 

• Provide counsel and support to director, faculty, students, staff and visitors regarding operations and other policy matters;

• Identify and seek solutions for administrative issues.

• Perform other responsibilities as directed.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervise 2-3 FTEs

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Reports to the Faculty Director

REQUIRED QUALIFCATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in urban planning, architecture, or related field;

• Minimum of five years of program management experience, preferably in a university setting;

• Outstanding leadership, supervisory, interpersonal, and communication skills; 

• Excellent analytical, financial, and writing skills; 

• Advanced knowledge of databases, spreadsheets, and accounting principles;

• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects at once and handle shifting priorities; 

• Tact, discretion, and ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters;   

• Must be able to develop and implement program policies and procedures.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• MIT experience and knowledge of its financial, human resources, and operational systems;

• Master’s degree in urban planning, architecture, or related field. 

Link to application: Apply here

Questions? Please feel free to reach out to us lcau@mit.edu. 
 

 

Position Title:  Lecturer-Researcher, Norman B. Leventhal Center for Advanced Urbanism (LCAU)

Job Description:  

LECTURER-RESEARCHER, School of Architecture and Planning-Norman B. Leventhal Center for Advanced Urbanism (LCAU) , to teach graduate-level courses (50%) and conduct research (50%) in the area of technology and urban planning.   

Teaching duties include developing and teaching two graduate-level classes per year on topics such as data visualization, GIS, civic technology, data ethics, and urbanism; holding weekly office hours; participating on department committees; and serving as academic and thesis advisor to Master of City Planning program students.  

Research responsibilities include planning and conducting research aimed at improving design and planning of urban environments; working with the director to develop the next tri-annual research theme (e.g., carbon neutral cities, energy transition, generative AI), developing research agenda, and contacting MIT faculty and staff for feedback on proposed theme; leading design of ideation workshops and other research-related events and developing exhibitions; building publication record related to research theme; presenting research at conferences; drafting research narratives and preparing grant and other funding proposals; representing LCAU and research to sponsors; developing connections across MIT, companies, non-governmental organizations, and governments; involving faculty LCAU’s ongoing research agenda; and overseeing and providing research guidance to TAs/RAs/students.    

Job Requirements  REQUIRED:  master’s degree in planning, architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, or related field; three years’ professional experience in urban planning or design and at least two years’ direct research experience; teaching experience in professional development or at a graduate level in the area of data visualization, GIS, data design, or civic technology; ability to teach in a dynamic, cross-disciplinary setting catering to both designers and planners; excellent research and written and verbal communication skills; and project management and exhibition experience.  

PREFERRED: Ph.D. in a related field. 

This is a full-time role, but part-time will be considered.   

This a three-year appointment beginning September 2024.  

Application material should include a cover letter summarizing expertise, professional approach to design, courses you are prepared to teach, and research interests; a curriculum vitae; and a link to a digital portfolio (20-page max). 

Link to application: Click here

Questions? Please feel free to reach out to us lcau@mit.edu.