Program Director & Associate or Full Professor

The M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management at the University of Florida http://www.dcp.ufl.edu/rinker seeks a Director for the Shimberg Center for Housing Studies (SCHS).

Established in 1988 by the Florida legislature, the mission of the Shimberg Center (http://www.shimberg.ufl.edu/) is to promote safe, decent and affordable housing and related community development throughout the state. SCHS is a nationally recognized leader in housing policy and data analysis.

SCHS provides applied research, technical assistance, and policy guidance to state agencies, local governments, housing industry professionals, and nonprofit organizations. SCHS is best known for the Florida Housing Data Clearinghouse (http://flhousingdata.shimberg.ufl.edu), which has provided comprehensive housing supply and demand data for Florida’s cities and counties since 2000. Other areas of interest include:

• Documenting housing market conditions and affordable housing needs statewide
• Preserving Florida’s affordable rental housing supply
• Promoting housing stability and wealth-building opportunities for households
• Supporting resilient housing and effective post-disaster recovery in collaboration with national researchers, federal and state agencies, and community organizations
• Connecting housing affordability to workforce, economic development, land use, and transportation planning and policy

SCHS also convenes bi-weekly  meetings of the Florida Housing Research Group, a statewide network of academic researchers and practitioners dedicated to housing policy and practice.

Position Overview

The University of Florida seeks an accomplished scholar and visionary leader to serve as Director of the Shimberg Center. The Director will guide the SCHS into its next phase of growth, leveraging its strong reputation and robust funding base to expand research, partnerships, and impact.

Key responsibilities are as follows:

• Strategic Leadership: Define and implement the Center’s vision and new strategic directions.
• Policy Expertise: Strengthen the Center’s role as a leading voice in housing planning and policy across Florida. Ensure the Center fulfills policy, research, and data analysis responsibilities outlined in Chapter 420 of the Florida Statutes.
• Funding & Growth: Expand the Center’s research funding base and secure financial sponsorship from public, private, and philanthropic sources.
• Program Oversight: Continue and grow initiatives such as the Florida Housing Data Clearinghouse, post-disaster recovery research, technical assistance, and academic programs.
• Partnership Development: Build collaborations with other UF units, research institutions, agencies, residential construction stakeholders and community-based groups.
• Teaching & Mentorship: Develop and teach courses in the Construction Management’s program’s residential track.
• Administration: Oversee SCHS operations, personnel, and budget.

Commensurate with education and experience.

A doctoral degree, distinguished record of research and scholarly activities, and proven track record of securing external funding.

The position will be filled at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor in the Rinker School of Construction Management, tenure upon hire negotiable based upon experience. Applicants must demonstrate academic credentials and experience appropriate to the academic rank and ability to assume leadership in research, teaching and service aligned with the SCHS mission. A doctoral degree, distinguished record of research and scholarly activities, and proven track record of securing external funding are required. Familiarity with state and national housing programs and policies and knowledge in the use of housing and demographic data in policy research are essential. Successful administrative experience in a university or similar research environment is essential.

Applicants must provide a curriculum vitae, a letter of introduction and interest, a description of the applicant’s research area(s) of interest, and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of five professional references. If relevant, you may submit selected material from your portfolio, including publications, plans, reports, or design work, depending on experience, up to 15 Mb. At a later date, candidates advancing in the selection process may be asked to provide additional material. The search committee will review applications on a rolling basis starting in February 2026. For full consideration, please submit materials by January 10, 2026.

University of Florida is a member of the State University System of Florida and an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on merit. UF is a public institution and subject to Florida’s Sunshine and Public Records laws. If an accommodation due to disability is needed to apply for this position, please call (352) 392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at (800) 955-8771 (TDD). Questions may be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Distinguished Professor R. Raymond Issa at raymond-issa@ufl.edu. Further information is available at http:// www.ufl.edu.

This is a time-limited position.