Department Head, Engineering

University of Arkansas System • Fort Smith, AR

1d • $125,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is a dynamic, mid-sized public university that’s redefining higher education. We’re on a mission to provide transformative, hands-on learning experiences for students of all backgrounds and aspirations. Our multi-faceted approach to education offers a wealth of opportunities, with over 70 academic programs, including certificates, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. We’re committed to building a diverse community that mirrors Arkansas’s rich tapestry, reflecting our dedication to serving the state’s varied population while enhancing the quality of our institution. As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10 percent of employee salary.

This 12-month position is both faculty and administration. Administrative responsibilities include leading and managing full-time and part-time engineering and industry faculty, facilitating class scheduling, coordinating assessment and accreditation of programs, and engaging with advisory boards and the manufacturing community. Faculty responsibilities include teaching 15 hours of undergraduate engineering courses annually, maintaining an active research agenda, and sustaining interaction with the engineering profession. Other duties will include collaboration with departments across the university; assessment/evaluation of instruction; career advisement, recruitment, and retention activities; and participation in college and University committees. The position reports to the dean of the College of Business and Industry.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Engineering from an accredited institution and four years of teaching or industry experience.
• Ability to effectively lead and work with a diverse body of students, faculty, and staff
• Commitment to excellence in teaching, including the utilization of technology
• Maintenance of an active applied research agenda
• Willingness to engage with external stakeholders
• Well-developed communication and teamwork skills
• Strong organization and prioritization skills

Nice To Haves

• Record of professional accomplishments and scholarship that meets the qualifications for appointment to the rank of associate professor or professor
• leadership experience
• professional experience as an engineer in an advanced manufacturing setting
• experience in developing and implementing new curriculum
• experience with student recruitment and/or advising.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and assess effectiveness of curriculum.
• Provide classroom instruction and career advising.
• Coordinate recruiting, hiring, and retention of qualified faculty and staff.
• Complete annual faculty evaluations.
• Manage departmental meetings, course scheduling, faculty workload adjustments, and textbook adoption approvals.
• Manage departmental budget, faculty travel, purchases of departmental materials, and other expenses.
• Assess and monitor departmental equipment, lab, and safety needs.
• Work collaboratively with academic advising team in assessing and monitoring student progression and completion.
• Maintain scholarly activity and/or professional development sufficient for faculty appointment.
• Engage with advisory boards
• Manage program assessment and accreditation activities.
• Participate in and support departmental fundraising efforts as needed.
• Support student recruitment, retention, and yield activities.
• Participate in service at the department, college, university, community, and/or professional levels as appropriate.
• Attend and participate in all faculty and administrative meetings, Student Research Symposium, commencement ceremonies, and other meetings/events as required.
• Responsible for maintaining a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner to foster teamwork and by providing leadership to subordinates.
• Requires consistent on-time attendance.

Benefits

• university contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance
• tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• immediate leave accrual
• a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10 percent of employee salary

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree