Dean - College of Science

Northeastern University•Boston, MA

12d

About The Position

THE SEARCH Northeastern University – renowned for its innovative and entrepreneurial model of education and research – welcomes applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the College of Science. Northeastern’s unique value proposition is grounded in several key tenets: an experiential education that prepares graduates to thrive in a technology-driven world; a global network of campuses and partners for students and faculty to leverage for learning and research; a deep investment in lifelong and experiential learning; a premium placed on pedagogical innovation; and a highly collaborative, partner-fueled research enterprise focused on high-impact solutions. Northeastern has embarked on a new academic plan, Beyond 2025 , that presents a unique vision of the future of education rooted in experience, emphasizing impact through education and research, and promoting deeply held values of service and respect. The Dean of the College of Science will lead the college’s efforts to rethink the way education is delivered, with a greater focus on technology, personalization, and lifelong learning. They will build productive and creative partnerships across the whole of the university, including its global network, to leverage the strengths and experience of other academic units. As the college continues to grow, the dean will recruit and retain the best faculty and students, expanding the breadth of academic offerings and increasing the research productivity. The dean will engage outside partners—one of the hallmarks of the Northeastern model—to identify ways the college can coalesce academia and industry around greater societal challenges. Finally, the dean will strengthen Northeastern’s position as a truly global university, shaping its activities and fostering integrated education and research enterprise systems across all campuses around the world. Northeastern has experienced unprecedented growth over the last 20 years. Annual external research funding has increased dramatically, fueled by its highly collaborative, interdisciplinary institutes and centers and the hiring of more than 1,000 tenured and tenure-track faculty. Northeastern’s experiential model, with its signature co-op program, has expanded to include a vast array of real-world projects and experiences that attract top students at all stages of learning from around the world. Over the past decade, Northeastern has also established 12 campuses outside Boston, across North America and in the U.K., that offer diverse opportunities in undergraduate and graduate learning, research, and entrepreneurship. This global network provides faculty and students a myriad of ways to learn and discover in new contexts, enriching education and maximizing the ability to make an impact. Northeastern is deeply committed to expanding global education, partnerships, and research, enabling learners to become leaders equipped to navigate and influence an interconnected world. Northeastern has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this search. All applications, inquiries, and nominations, which will remain confidential, should be directed to the search firm as indicated at the end of this document.

Requirements

A deep appreciation for Northeastern University’s mission, and for a liberal arts education that includes core technological, data, and human literacies.
A proven record of strategic and effective leadership and project management in a complex, decentralized environment with confidence and diplomacy, preferably at a major research institution; a demonstrated ability to execute ambitious, fiscally responsible, entrepreneurial initiatives.
A distinguished record of credentials and achievements that demonstrate scholarly and research excellence.
Clear capacity for strategic visioning; a track record of innovation, imaginative problem-solving, and impeccable judgment.
A commitment to the success of bold initiatives set forward in the Academic Plan, including the expansion of the global university system.
An entrepreneurial spirit to realize the ambitions of the university.
A commitment to global education and to fostering a sense of belonging among students, faculty, and staff.
An effective change agent, with the ability to think strategically and translate ideas into action, a calculated risk-taker comfortable working with ambiguity.
A self-assured problem solver who can anticipate challenges and obstacles and has the intelligence, creativity, and tenacity to provide and execute strategic and effective solutions.
Outstanding oral and written communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills.
Unimpeachable character and personal integrity.
Politically adept and experienced in negotiation, with well-honed problem-solving skills and experience navigating a large organization.
An earned terminal degree in a field represented within the college and a record of scholarly and research achievement appropriate for appointment as a tenured full professor.

Responsibilities

Define a pioneering strategy for the college in alignment with Northeastern’s ambitious vision.
Cultivate strong relationships and leverage the power of the global network.
Improve operational excellence and sustainability in response to rapid growth.
Strengthen and expand partnerships with a range of external stakeholders.
Champion Northeastern’s vision and advocate for the College of Science.

Benefits

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation.

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