Dean, College of Engineering and Computing

Buffkin / Baker•Miami, FL

About The Position

The FIU College of Engineering and Computing is committed to providing quality education, problem-solving research, and community engagement through local relevance, national visibility, and global exposure. As an educational leader in a changing economic, technological, and social environment, and as the research engine of the university, the college is proud of its growth and accomplishments in recent years. Our annual research expenditures have surpassed $64 million, nearly tripling since 2018, and the number of patents awarded to our faculty has increased almost 6-fold. Furthermore, our ASEE and NSF HERD rankings have seen significant improvements. Reporting to the Provost, the Dean of the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the college. The Dean will be a strategic, innovative, and collaborative leader, responsible for advancing FIU’s mission of excellence in teaching, research, and engagement. This is a pivotal opportunity to help propel FIU from a top 50 to a top 30 public university, in alignment with the university’s ambitious strategic plan. FIU’s commitment to becoming an “AI First University” requires leadership that prioritizes strategic, evidence-based integration of AI to advance research and student success. The next Dean will ensure AI adoption is purposeful, measurable, and aligned with FIU’s mission.

Requirements

Doctorate in engineering, computing, or a closely related discipline OR equivalent professional experience with significant research-related leadership.
Distinguished record of scholarly or professional achievement that demonstrates credibility to lead faculty and research programs.
Evidence of successful leadership in large-scale initiatives, such as: Doubling or significantly increasing research funding. Recruiting and retaining world-class talent. Securing major partnerships and investments from industry, government, or philanthropic sources. Building bench-to-market commercialization pipelines.
Proven successful fundraising ability
Demonstrated ability to define and execute a strategic vision aligned with institutional goals.
Strong administrative experience, including budget oversight, resource development, and personnel management.
Effective communication and relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders.
Evidence of ability to collaborate across disciplines, institutes, and centers.

Nice To Haves

Experience bridging academia and industry, fostering applied research and commercialization.
Track record of evidence-based decision-making and measurable impact on research productivity and student success.
Familiarity with emerging technologies and the ability to lead strategic digital transformation initiatives.
The highest standards of personal and academic integrity and ethical and professional conduct.
Strong personal, oral, and written communication skills, with a focus on openness and transparency.
Experience working within a multidisciplinary environment.
A builder with entrepreneurial drive and strong organizational skills.
Ability to foster a collegial and respectful work and educational environment.

Responsibilities

Develop and articulate a bold, inspirational, and transdisciplinary vision that positions the CEC as a national and global leader in transformational education and research.
Champion interdisciplinary collaboration, especially at the intersection of engineering, computing, sciences, health, and environmental sustainability to drive innovation and real-world impact.
Advance the college’s reputation and rankings through strategic storytelling, leveraging major research strengths, and fostering a culture of excellence.
Recruit, retain, and develop outstanding faculty, supporting their professional growth and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
Ensure transparent, effective processes for faculty evaluation, reappointment, tenure, and development.
Expand research capacity and external funding, building interdisciplinary centers that address critical challenges in AI, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, quantum computing, biomedical, and environmental engineering.
Modernize research infrastructure and support faculty in pursuing high-impact, externally funded research.
Work with Government Relations to expand non-traditional funding opportunities through strong communication strategies with policy and lawmakers.
Champion student success by advancing experiential, project-based learning and ensuring all students have access to exemplary career services, internships, and job placement.
Foster a holistic environment that promotes student well-being, belonging, and achievement.
Provide support and direction for continuing/enhancing quality graduate student recruitment and retention
Develop and implement an AI roadmap grounded in data and outcomes, focusing on initiatives that demonstrably improve research productivity, teaching effectiveness, and student learning.
Expand AI-related research and selectively integrate AI into curricula where it enhances workforce readiness and interdisciplinary innovation, ensuring investments yield measurable benefits.
Promote ethical, transparent, and scalable AI practices, balancing innovation with accountability and ensuring that AI adoption strengthens FIU’s reputation as a leader in higher education transformation.
Ensure a strong financial future for the College through revenue growth.
Manage the financial resources of the college through effective management of the annual operating budget, long-term financial planning, and exploitation of strategic opportunities for revenue growth.
Oversee college-wide resource acquisition and utilization.
Lead fundraising and external relations, securing transformational gifts and building a culture of philanthropy.
Play a central role in advancing the college’s strategic priorities by securing philanthropic investment, cultivating high-value relationships, and partnering closely with development leadership.
Articulate a compelling donor-ready vision for the college that aligns with the university-wide goals.
Cultivate and solicit individual donors, foundations, and corporations.
Demonstrate experience managing an advisory board with fundraising expectations.
Ensure effective management of college resources, budget, and infrastructure to support strategic priorities and minimize barriers to productivity.
Forge and strengthen partnerships with industry, government, and academic leaders, leveraging Miami’s status as a growing technology and innovation hub.
Enhance experiential learning and career opportunities for students through robust industry engagement and alumni networks.