Department Chair, Mechanical and Civil Engineering

Job Summary

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) seeks an experienced and enthusiastic academic leader to serve as the Chair of the Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering within the School of Engineering with an expected start date of July 1, 2022. The Chair is expected to provide a contemporary vision and leadership and will play a key role in expanding and strengthening the growing programs in the unit.

The Department Chair is the Chief Administrative Officer of the department, reporting directly to the Director of the School. The individual in this position serves as a leader and facilitator, a vital role for the success and well-being of the academic unit as well as the faculty and staff. The chair is responsible for directing and overseeing all matters related to the academic unit with the input and support of all members of the department. The chair is expected to foster an environment conducive to faculty productivity and student achievement and promote an atmosphere of mutual respect, equity, and collegiality among faculty and students.

Requirements

• An earned doctorate in a discipline appropriate to the department;
• Academic qualifications for appointment at the rank of Professor, with tenure, in the department;
• An understanding of and experience with the ABET accreditation process.
• Administrative experience in the areas of budgets, promoting professional development of faculty and staff, scheduling, academic program and curriculum development, and assessing academic programs.
• Experience in personnel supervision, establishing interdepartmental and interdisciplinary collaborations, and facilitating the department’s contributions and outcomes consistent with the university’s strategic goals.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and relationship building skills;
• Excellent and proven leadership skills, with experience directing and managing faculty and staff in a collaborative and transparent manner;
• A record of enhancing the teaching and learning mission of an academic program;
• A vision for promoting students’ success including the improvement of existing undergraduate and graduate programs;
• A clear vision for promoting excellence in teaching, research, and service and enhancing faculty development;
• Demonstrated experience enhancing research and scholarly productivity among faculty;
• An ability to effectively represent the MCE department and build relationships with other colleges and departments within PNW and outside;
• A broad understanding of engineering, science, and technology to be able to attract new funding and enable investments that advance education, infrastructure, and research.

About Purdue University Northwest

 Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a premier metropolitan university dedicated to empowering transformational change in our students and in our community. PNW serves students across two campuses, offering more than 70 areas of study at the baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral levels. Located in Northwest Indiana, near Chicago, PNW values academic excellence, supports growth, and celebrates diversity.

The School of Engineering

PNW’s School of Engineering is part of the College of Engineering and Sciences (CES) at Purdue Northwest. The School of Engineering currently comprises three departments: Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Computer Science. Closely affiliated with the School are two distinguished and award-winning research centers, the Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation (CIVS) and the  Purdue University Northwest Water Institute (PWI).

The department chair is expected to work closely with the Director of the School of Engineering and the Dean of the College of Engineering and Science to raise the profile of PNW’s engineering programs. The School’s programs were ranked by US News & World Report in their category of Best Engineering Programs at engineering schools whose highest degree is a bachelor’s or a master’s degree. All of PNW’s engineering programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

The Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering

The Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering (MCE) is a multi-disciplinary unit currently serving about 340 undergraduate majors and 50 graduate students. The department includes 14 tenured and tenure-track faculty members, two visiting faculty members, and two staff members. The unit offers bachelor’s degrees in Mechanical and Civil Engineering, as well as master’s degrees in Mechanical and Interdisciplinary Engineering with concentration in Civil Engineering.

The MCE department takes pride in their students regularly participating in a host of engineering competitions and technical conferences. Faculty are actively involved in research and have garnered externally funded grants, awards, and patents for their work.

How to Apply

Review of applications will begin January 10, 2022, and will continue to accept nominations and applications until the position is filled. PNW is committed to advancing diversity in all areas of faculty effort, including scholarship, instruction, and engagement. Candidates should address at least one of these areas in their cover letter, indicating their experiences, current interests, or activities, and/or future goals to promote a climate that values diversity and inclusion. A complete application packet will include: 1) a letter of interest in the position, 2) current curriculum vitae, 3) a statement on diversity, equity, and inclusion; and 4) contact information for at least five professional references.

All inquiries, nominations, and applications will remain confidential; references will not be contacted without notice.  Employment is contingent upon completion of successful background check.

Purdue University is an EEO/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. https://www.pnw.edu/equity-diversity-inclusion/policies/

Applications must be submitted electronically at:

https://careers.purdue.edu/job-invite/17436/