Assistant Dean of Engineering, Student Recruitment and Retention

Merrimack College; Andover, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Merrimack College seeks an innovative, student-centered leader to serve as Assistant Dean of Engineering, focused on recruitment and retention in the School of Engineering and Computational Sciences. This 12-month role includes directing the iTEC Scholars Program and teaching one course per semester.

The ideal candidate will enhance outreach to high schools, guide student success initiatives, and collaborate with faculty to improve persistence and outcomes for ECS students.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering or a closely related field.
• At least three years of experience in higher education, STEM education, or student success programming.
• Demonstrated success in student recruitment, engagement, or retention initiatives.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision and strategic oversight for the iTEC Scholars Program, including recruitment, community-building, and academic success initiatives.
• Coordinate mentoring, advising, and professional development opportunities that foster belonging and student persistence.
• Develop and implement strategies to recruit prospective engineering and computing students, with a focus on local high schools, community colleges, and STEM organizations.
• Organize outreach events, summer camps, and pre-college experiences that highlight the value and rigor of ECS programs.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to strengthen the student experience from onboarding through graduation.
• Teach one Engineering course per semester and align curricular offerings to support student growth.
• Contribute to data collection, assessment, and reporting related to recruitment and retention outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Student engagement

Education

Master’s degree in engineering

PhD (preferred)

Job description

Assistant Dean of Engineering, Student Recruitment and Retention

Assistant Dean of Engineering, Student Recruitment and Retention

Posted: September 30, 2026

Position Code: 2032

Position Overview:
Merrimack College seeks an innovative and student-centered leader to serve as the Assistant Dean of Engineering, focused on student recruitment and retention in the School of Engineering and Computational Sciences (ECS). This 12-month administrative appointment plays a pivotal role in advancing student recruitment, engagement, and retention across all ECS programs and will serve as Director of the Innovation through Engineering and Computing (iTEC) Scholars Program—a flagship initiative supporting success for students pursuing degrees in engineering, computing, and related fields.

The Assistant Dean will lead efforts to attract, support, and retain diverse and talented students, strengthen partnerships with local schools, and create meaningful engagement opportunities that connect students to faculty, peers, and career pathways. The position includes teaching one course per semester aligned with the candidate’s background and expertise.

Primary Responsibilities
The Assistant Dean will lead efforts to enhance recruitment, engagement, and student success across the School of Engineering and Computational Sciences. Primary areas of responsibility include:

Leadership and Program Direction

• Provide vision and strategic oversight for the iTEC Scholars Program, including recruitment, community-building, and academic success initiatives.
• Coordinate mentoring, advising, and professional development opportunities that foster belonging and student persistence.

Recruitment and Outreach

• Develop and implement strategies to recruit prospective engineering and computing students, with a focus on building relationships with local high schools, community colleges, and STEM organizations.
• Organize outreach events, summer camps, and pre-college experiences that highlight the value and rigor of ECS programs.
• Partner with the Admissions and Marketing teams to promote ECS programs through targeted communications and campus visits.

Student Engagement and Retention

• Collaborate with faculty and staff to strengthen the student experience from first-year onboarding through graduation.
• Design and support initiatives that enhance student connection, academic success, and professional readiness.
• Work closely with the Office of Student Success to track progress, identify at-risk students, and implement proactive retention strategies.

Instruction and Collaboration

• Teach one Engineering course per semester in the candidate’s area of expertise.
• Serve as a bridge between academic and student support units, aligning curricular and co-curricular opportunities to support student growth.
• Contribute to data collection, assessment, and reporting related to recruitment and retention outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering or a closely related field.
• At least three years of experience in higher education, STEM education, or student success programming.
• Demonstrated success in student recruitment, engagement, or retention initiatives.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant field.
• Experience developing or managing educational outreach or pre-college programs.
• Background in teaching or mentoring students in engineering, computing, or related disciplines.

Application Materials Should Include:

• Resume or CV
• Cover letter stating motivation and interest in the position, citing experience relevant to the qualifications and including experience with, and commitment to, our Catholic Augustinian mission and our values.
• Teaching Statement
• Contact information for three professional references

Work Location
This is an on-campus position as employees are essential in order to provide a fully on-campus, residential college experience for our students and the community.

This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Statement on Our Mission
Merrimack College is a Catholic Augustinian institution of higher education committed to building an accepting and respectful community. Our mission is to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives and is inspired by our Catholic faith and the Augustinian tradition of seeking truth through inquiry and dialogue.

Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect, and can contribute to Merrimack’s Catholic and Augustinian mission. All candidates should describe in their application how they will foster a culture that supports our mission.

About Merrimack College
The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, coeducational institution with more than 4,100 undergraduate, 2,500 graduate students and 50 doctoral students from 48 states and 63 countries. The College features more than 160 career-focused undergraduate, professional and graduate programs, all taught by exceptional faculty who are passionate about their subject and student success. The College has six schools: arts and sciences, engineering and computational sciences, nursing and health sciences, education and social policy, the Girard school of business and the graduate school of counseling and social work. The College’s suburban 220-acre campus is just north of Boston in North Andover, Massachusetts. Merrimack is a Master’s Colleges and Universities/Larger Programs (M1) institution in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Merrimack is one of the fastest growing educational institutions in the country and has steadily climbed up in the U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Best Colleges, ranking 38th in the Regional Universities North category in 2026. Merrimack is a NCAA Division I athletic institution.

Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.