Associate Dean, School of Computer Science and Engineering

Associate Dean, School of Computer Science and Engineering

About Sacred Heart University:

As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 80 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has satellites in Connecticut, Luxembourg and Ireland and offers online programs. More than 9,000 students attend the University's eight colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; the Dr. Susan L. Davis & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing; and St. Vincent's College. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change-in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 385 Colleges-2020 Edition, "Best in the Northeast" and Best 252 Business Schools-2019 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theater.
www.sacredheart.edu

About the Welch College of Business and Technology

SHU's Jack Welch College of Business & Technology (WCBT) is AACSB-accredited and enrolls some 2,000 students. It is housed on Sacred Heart University's west campus, approximately one kilometer from main campus. Opened in Fall 2019, in the former world headquarters of General Electric, the west campus is focused on digital innovation and how it is transforming business in the 21st century.  The campus includes state-of-the art labs, equipment, and studios to support research on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, financial computation, machine learning, augmented reality/virtual reality, and e-game design.

The Jack Welch College of Business and Technology (WCBT) offers undergraduate degrees in Accounting, Management, Economics, Finance, Hospitality Management, Marketing, Sports Management and Fashion Marketing & Merchandising. The School of Computer Science and Engineering (which is part of the WCBT) offers undergraduate degrees in Computer Science, Information Technology, Game Design and Development, Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering. The WCBT offers eight Master's programs: MS in Computer Science, MS Information Technology, MS Cybersecurity, MS Business Analytics, Masters in Business Administration, MS in Accounting, MS Finance and Investment Management, MS Human Resource Management, MS Digital Marketing, and the Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA-Finance).

Nearly sixty full-time faculty and four staff members bring an impressive range of expertise to the WCBT with terminal degrees and advanced training from leading universities. The WCBT is committed to enhancing its reputation and its engagement with the business community while raising its scholarly profile, and supporting faculty research and development.

 
Job Description:

Sacred Heart University's WCBT seeks a new Associate Dean to provide oversight and leadership of its School of Computer Science and Engineering (SCSE).  Reporting to the Dean of the WCBT, the Associate Dean will be an active participant of the WCBT's senior management team, with principle responsibility for the development and oversight of the School of Computer Science and Engineering.  The Associate Dean will set the vision and identify opportunities for the school.  The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall direction, administration and coordination of assigned programs within the SCSE. 

Key development priorities within SCSE include scaling young degree programs in electrical engineering and cybersecurity, and potentially developing new programs, such as in mechanical engineering and technology management. First-hand knowledge of corporate R&D decision-making, budgeting, and partnership processes is essential, as a major development priority is to form links and sponsorship arrangements with key corporate partners. Corporate sponsorship of academic programs, events, endowed funds and academic chairs, is to be developed, in support of the majors and minors supported by the faculty in the SCSE.

Additionally, the successful candidate will be expected to:

• Participate in strategic planning for the SCSE, the WCBT and the University.
• Address student issues in coordination with the WCBT Associate Dean of undergraduate programs.
• Liaise across Colleges regarding academic issues, and collaborate with chairs and program directors on faculty curricular issues (e.g.: course coordination, learning objective development, new program development, and assessment of the viability of existing programs).
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities within the School in accordance with University policies.
• Carry out annual performance evaluations, supervise faculty and staff in assigned departments and programs, and organize and host regular SCSE faculty meetings.
• Ensure faculty recruitment and mentoring at SCSE.
• Oversee interviewing, hiring, and training staff; planning, assigning, and directing work; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Manage the SCSE budget in coordination with the WCBT Dean, Associate Deans and Program Directors.
• Assure initial accreditation with the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) for various Computer Science and Engineering programs.
• Assist with student recruitment, marketing and promotional efforts for all programs within the SCSE, in coordination with other University offices and divisions.
• Participate in fundraising efforts for the WCBT, in coordination with the University's Advancement Office.
• Develop strategic partnerships with corporations and other partners, for program sponsorship, student internships, faculty development and specific SCSE events.
• Teach technology management courses. Potential courses include product development, technological innovation and operations, and data-driven management decision-making.
• Work with a diverse mix of individuals, programs, departments, and industry professionals.

Requirements:

A terminal degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a physical science, or a closely related field from an accredited program is required. A demonstrated record of applied research and development, technological innovation, and at least some experience of commercialization is required. The ideal candidate will have a team-based approach to problem solving and the demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and effectively with diverse stakeholders, influencing faculty, professional staff, and the administration, as well as corporate R&D personnel and business leaders. A demonstrated capability in time management, organizational skills, and budgeting experience is a plus.

The successful candidate will combine a confirmed record of leadership and management of highly diverse teams of experts, working in a setting where ideas and theories are converted into technological innovation and proof-of-concept and business creation, with a continuous involvement in academia.Candidates with strong records of teaching in higher education are strongly preferred, and experience in curriculum development and assessment will be a plus. The strongest candidates will possess superb interpersonal and communication skills and have a good knowledge of higher education issues at the national and global level. This position requires a flexible work schedule including evenings and weekends for meetings and events, as well as a commitment to diversity, equity and fairness that is rooted in the university mission

Additional Information:

Review of applications will begin in December 2020 and will continue until the position is filled. Application materials must be submitted by November 30, 2020 for full consideration.

Application Instructions:

Candidates must provide a curriculum vitae, a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements of the position, and the names and contact information of three references.  Application materials must be submitted using Sacred Heart University's online application process in order to be considered. Questions and nominations may be addressed to the search chair, Dr. Khawaja Mamun  (mamunk@sacredheart.edu)

Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live are encouraged.