Dean, Francis College of Engineering

UMass Boston; Lowell (MA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Dean for its prestigious College of Engineering. This role demands a visionary leader who can foster collaboration and drive innovations in engineering education. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a commitment to integrity, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. With a focus on enhancing research collaborations and student engagement, this position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of engineering education in a rapidly growing university environment. Join a community that values excellence and is poised for significant advancements in research and education.

Qualifications

• Experience in senior administrative roles and familiarity with accrediting bodies.
• Ability to manage complex operations, teams, and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Francis College of Engineering with vision and collaboration.
• Align college priorities with broader campus goals and innovations.

Skills

Strong listening and communication skills

Collaboration

Leadership

Adaptability and flexibility

Education

Earned doctorate or equivalent terminal degree

Job description

General Summary of Position:

The University of Massachusetts Lowell (“UMass Lowell”) seeks a visionary, collaborative, and inspirational leader for the position of Dean of the Francis College of Engineering (“FCOE” or “the College”). As one of the top 100 public universities in the country with deep and mutually reinforcing ties to the technological and cultural nexus of Greater Boston, UMass Lowell has enjoyed dramatic growth in student applications, research funding, and private giving over the past eight years.

It is a propitious time to join the UMass Lowell community. For nearly two decades, the University has steadily increased its research collaborations with industry, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. With a research enterprise now approaching $120 million annually, the University is poised to achieve Research 1 (R1) status by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, further cementing UMass Lowell’s reputation as one of the nation’s top research universities.

The Dean will be a collaborative leader with experience working in complex, multidisciplinary environments. They will be a visionary, institutional thinker who understands the importance of delivering a high-quality engineering education to the students UMass Lowell serves. They will use their professional and administrative expertise to identify and pursue innovations in teaching, research, and application, and ensure that FCOE’s priorities align with the goals of the broader campus.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

The Dean will exemplify the qualities and characteristics expected of a highly visible leader and respected educator. The ideal candidate should have a record that includes experience in senior administrative roles. The candidate will ideally have familiarity working with accrediting bodies, including ABET. The candidate must have experience managing complex operations, teams, and budgets. In addition, the incoming Dean will also display the following qualities and characteristics:

1. Strong listening and communication skills: The candidate must demonstrate an ability to understand and engage various stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, prospective students, alumni, and upper administration.
2. Ability to work well with others: The candidate should be highly collaborative and should excel at engaging in teamwork, working with diverse groups, and fostering a sense of community.
3. Leadership: The candidate must have the ability to exercise strong leadership and data-informed decisions in different situations.
4. Honesty and integrity: The candidate must have an honest character, which is vital for establishing trust and transparency.
5. Adaptability and flexibility: The candidate must demonstrate an ability to adjust to changing circumstances and new ideas in both engineering and higher education.
6. An earned doctorate or equivalent terminal degree: A record of scholarship, research, and teaching suitable for appointment as a full professor is strongly preferred.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

The University of Massachusetts Lowell has engaged Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist with this search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed in confidence to the firm using the following link: Application Link