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Urban Design Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Howard University

Assistant Professor

Washington, DC · On-site

$110K - $115K/yr

... Professor position in the Master of Architecture Program, set to begin on August 1, 2026. Key ... or urban design, design thinking, technology (structures, systems, computation- AI). A strong ...

Howard

Assistant Professor

Downing, WI · On-site

$110K - $115K/yr

... Professor position in the Master of Architecture Program, set to begin on August 1, 2026. Key ... or urban design, design thinking, technology (structures, systems, computation- AI). A strong ...

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All JobsUrban Design Professor Jobs

Urban Design Professor information

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$18.5K

$72.4K

$134K

How much do urban design professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for urban design professor in the United States is $72,445.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Urban Design Professors when balancing teaching, research, and community engagement?

Urban Design Professors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including designing engaging curricula, conducting impactful research, and collaborating with local communities on real-world projects. Balancing these areas can be challenging, especially when community engagement projects require significant time outside of classroom hours or when research deadlines coincide with grading periods. However, this dynamic environment also offers opportunities to integrate practical experiences into teaching and to foster interdisciplinary partnerships. Successful professors often rely on effective time management, strong communication skills, and support from their academic department.

What is the difference between Urban Design Professor vs Urban Planning Consultant?

AspectUrban Design ProfessorUrban Planning Consultant
Required CredentialsTypically a master's or PhD in urban design, architecture, or related fieldBachelor's or master's in urban planning, architecture, or related field; certifications may vary
Work EnvironmentAcademic settings, universities, research institutionsConsulting firms, government agencies, private sector projects
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, research organizationsUrban planning firms, government departments, private developers
Common Search & ComparisonUrban Design Professor vs Urban Planning Consultant

While both roles focus on urban development, an Urban Design Professor primarily works in academia, teaching and researching urban design principles. In contrast, an Urban Planning Consultant applies planning strategies in real-world projects for clients or government agencies. The roles differ in work environment, responsibilities, and career focus, but both require a strong understanding of urban environments and design principles.

What are Urban Design Professors?

Urban Design Professors are academic professionals who teach, research, and contribute to the field of urban design at universities and colleges. They educate students about the principles, history, and practices of urban design, and may also conduct research on topics such as city planning, sustainable development, and urban policy. In addition to teaching, they often advise students, publish scholarly work, and collaborate with communities or government agencies on urban design projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Urban Design Professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Urban Design Professor, you need advanced knowledge in urban planning, architecture, and design theory, typically backed by a relevant graduate degree (such as a PhD or Master's) and academic or professional experience. Familiarity with design software (like AutoCAD, GIS, and SketchUp), research methodologies, and academic publishing platforms is often required. Strong communication, mentorship, and critical thinking skills help foster student development and interdisciplinary collaboration. These competencies enable effective teaching, impactful research, and the advancement of innovative urban design solutions in academic environments.
More about Urban Design Professor jobs
What states have the most Urban Design Professor jobs? States with the most job openings for Urban Design Professor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Urban Design Professor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Urban Design Professor jobs are:
Urban Design Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Urban Design Professor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% Full Time, 67% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,445 per year, or $34.8 per hour.
Professor of Urban Design

Professor of Urban Design

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$185K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Harvard University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 538 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position
Details
Title
Professor of Urban Design
School
Harvard Graduate School of Design
Department/Area
Urban Planning and Design
Position Description
The Department of Urban Planning and Design at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design (GSD) invites applications for a faculty position at the rank of Professor of Urban Design with tenure from distinguished scholars and practitioners. We seek candidates whose record of research, scholarship, and/or professional practice is recognized by peers as constituting exemplary, innovative approaches that critically engage with key challenges facing cities, including sustainable spatial patterns, conflicts facing the public realm, transformations of work and living environments, and growing economic and social inequalities while integrating these challenges within an epistemology of urban-architectural design.
In addressing these challenges, we are interested in candidates who are committed to interdisciplinary engagement in a school that hosts the fields of urban planning, landscape architecture, architecture, and real estate, as well as with schools within Harvard University at large. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to engage with a full range of urban design methods such as the deployment of digital platforms, new technologies including AI, and the latest innovations in spatial analysis and representation. Applicants should have a forward-looking agenda combining design research with studio and/or classroom pedagogy.
Basic Qualifications
Applicants must have an advanced terminal degree in urban design, architecture, or a related design field focused on cities.
The school aims to attract and retain individuals who possess a quality of mind demonstrating high levels of intelligence, clarity of expression, analytical ability, critical judgment, creativity, and initiative. We also value individuals who support free inquiry and expression by others and constructive, collegial collaborations with faculty, staff, and students. In the school's evaluation of candidates, desirable individual qualities and high potential are not substitutes for a record of academic and creative achievement. Accomplished contributions to the field through scholarship and/or design are essential to effective teaching over time. Continued study and investigation with public exposition of research and professional accomplishments are normal obligations for Harvard faculty members.
The position of tenured professor is intended for individuals pursuing full-time academic careers who are highly effective teachers and whose creative work in scholarship, design research/work, professional practice, or a combination thereof, is recognized by peers as a preeminent and enduring intellectual contribution to their field. Individuals in this position will employ their time teaching, conducting creative work in scholarship or design research/work, and fulfilling their responsibilities for academic service. Appointments are made with tenure on a full-time basis. The appointment for a full-time position requires residency in Cambridge/Boston, MA.
Additional Qualifications
Special Instructions
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in August 2026.
Applicants should submit:
  • A cover letter
  • A Curriculum Vitae
  • Design and research work samples - selected material from your portfolio, including publications, research statement, design work (up to 15 mb).

Subsequent Submission: Candidates advancing in the selection process will be asked to provide additional material later.
If visa sponsorship is needed, Harvard retains the discretion to determine which visa status is appropriate and whether a visa sponsorship application will ultimately be submitted, including payment of any applicable fees.
Contact Information
Emmy Ly, Senior Coordinator, Faculty Affairs
Contact Email
ely@gsd.harvard.edu
Salary Range
Professor (full-time, tenured) hiring range: $185,000+
Minimum Number of References Required
Maximum Number of References Allowed
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