BRAE Department Head: Engineering Leadership & Impact

California Polytechnic State University; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) seeks a full-time, twelve-month Department Head for BioResource and Agricultural Engineering (BRAE) in San Luis Obispo. The head provides leadership for instruction, research, and industry engagement with a team of 11 tenure-line faculty, lecturers, and staff, serving ~340 undergraduates.

The appointment is tenure‑track for the instructional portion of the role, with rank and salary commensurate with qualifications.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in agricultural engineering or closely related field.
• Distinguished record for a tenured appointment at Full Professor rank.
• Experience with hands-on engineering education in a multidisciplinary setting.
• Strong leadership, management, and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to inclusive, nondiscriminatory environment and student success.
• Proven ability to lead institutional advancement and fundraising.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and potentially graduate courses in BRAE.
• Provide strategic leadership for BRAE in curriculum, ABET assessment, and planning.
• Oversee recruitment, evaluation, mentoring, and workload of faculty and staff.
• Engage in advancement activities, fundraising, and industry partnerships.
• Manage resources, budget, facilities, and departmental operations.
• Promote equity, inclusion, and student success across programs.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Strategic planning

Alumni engagement

Fundraising

Student mentorship

Education

Doctorate in agricultural engineering

Job description

California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) seeks a full-time, twelve-month Department Head for BioResource and Agricultural Engineering (BRAE) in San Luis Obispo. The head provides leadership for instruction, research, and industry engagement with a team of 11 tenure-line faculty, lecturers, and staff, serving ~340 undergraduates.

The appointment is tenure‑track for the instructional portion of the role, with rank and salary commensurate with qualifications.