"Director of Garden and Landscape Studies"

Job Summary:

Dumbarton Oaks is a leading research center in Garden and Landscape Studies, with a library that is a point of reference for the field, joined to world-renowned museum collections and a historic garden designed by Beatrix Farrand. In recent years, thanks to a grant from the Mellon Foundation, Dumbarton Oaks has expanded its support of landscape studies in the areas of urban studies, and landscape and democracy. The Director of Studies is a key contributor to Dumbarton Oaks’ mission to support residential fellows and scholars, promote advanced research in our fields of study, and advocate for the humanities. Candidates should have a distinguished record of scholarly achievement, as well as significant experience in program management and academic administration, and a desire to contribute to a wide array of programs and activities in a collaborative environment. Reporting to the Director, the Director of Studies oversees and coordinates all programming related to Garden and Landscape Studies at Dumbarton Oaks, including the residential fellowship program, scholarly visitors, scholarly events, and committee meetings. Additionally, the Director of Studies administers the Mellon grant that supports the Landscape and Democracy Initiative at Dumbarton Oaks. This is a term position (five years, potentially renewable for another five years).

Job Specific Responsibilities:

Internally, the Director of Garden and Landscape Studies has overall responsibility for administering the study program, including: coordinating the meetings of the Committee of Senior Fellows that advises on fellowship selection and programmatic activities; supervising the Program Coordinator and Mellon Coordinator; ensuring the smooth running of activities in Garden and Landscape Studies (such as the annual fellowship cycle, research reports by Fellows, short-term research awards, visiting scholars, etc.); overseeing Garden and Landscape Studies publications; and managing the program budget. The Director of Garden and Landscape Studies provides advice on related holdings within the library and archives; produces reports; and participates in ongoing program evaluation as well as overseeing Garden and Landscape Studies publications. The role may also propose or contribute to dynamic new initiatives and publications in consultation with the Director and relevant departments. The Director of Garden and Landscape Studies is also expected to interact with the Directors of Pre-Columbian and Byzantine Studies to develop ideas and programs that bring the different areas of Dumbarton Oaks together as a collegial and scholarly community with shared broad interests in the Humanities.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervises the Program Coordinator in Garden and Landscape Studies and the Mellon Program Coordinator.

Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications: PhD in Garden and Landscape Studies or related field, with peer-reviewed publications and lecturing experience. Minimum of ten years’ experience in an academic setting, including administrative duties. Additional Qualifications and Skills: Broad knowledge of various aspects of the humanities outside own specialization. Experience in program management and/or academic administration; strong interpersonal skills; and a desire to contribute to a wide array of programs and activities in a collaborative environment.