Dean, School of Engineering

UC Irvine; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 450,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Irvine seeks a Dean to lead the Henry Samueli School of Engineering as chief academic and administrative officer. The Dean will manage a substantial budget and a large faculty and staff, guiding strategic vision and inclusive excellence.

The role requires a PhD and a record of world-class research, with strong financial acumen and the ability to build cross‑disciplinary collaboration across departments and centers.

Qualifications

• A PhD (or international equivalent) and hold the rank of associate or full professor, or equivalent rank in industry.
• Commitment to advancing world-class research and shared governance.
• Ability to build external relationships and secure resources.
• Dedication to inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic vision and leadership for teaching, research and service.
• Oversee budgetary and operational management for sustainable growth.
• Foster interdisciplinary partnerships and engagement with industry and philanthropy.
• Enhance recruitment, retention and development of faculty and staff.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial management

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Inclusive excellence

Communication

Education

PhD or international equivalent

Job description

Position Overview

Salary range: $450,000-550,000

Review timeline: Open recruitment from May to July. For best consideration, apply by August 1, 2026.

Application Window

Open date: May 4, 2026

Most recent review date: Thursday, Aug 6, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Thursday, Oct 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Position Description

Dean of the Henry Samueli School of Engineering

Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor, the Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the Samueli School of Engineering. The Dean will oversee a budget of over $150 million, 154 faculty, 142 staff, and a leadership team including six department chairs, four associate deans, and an assistant dean/chief of staff.

The Dean of the Henry Samueli School of Engineering serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the School, providing strategic vision, leadership, and oversight for its four departments and affiliated research centers. The Dean is responsible for advancing excellence in teaching, research, and service; supporting faculty recruitment, retention, and development; and ensuring a dynamic and inclusive learning environment for students. In collaboration with campus leadership, the Dean will foster interdisciplinary partnerships, champion inclusive excellence, and strengthen connections with industry, alumni, and philanthropic partners. The Dean also oversees budgetary and operational management, guiding the School toward sustainable growth and national leadership in discovery and innovation.

Required Qualifications

• A PhD (or international equivalent) and hold the rank of associate or full professor, or equivalent rank in industry;
• A record of and commitment to advancing world-class research;
• A desire to support a culture of excellence and integrity;
• The ability to identify and cultivate critical relationships and external resources;
• A commitment to creating an inclusive environment for the student body, faculty, and staff;
• A proven, demonstrated commitment to shared governance, and an openness to collaborative relationships with campus units;
• Excellent financial strategy and financial management skills, and demonstrated experience working with complex budgeting models;
• An ability to think and build frameworks in an interdisciplinary way and experience facilitating collaboration across disciplines;
• The ability to communicate effectively with staff, faculty, students, and others, and to build cohesiveness and community among constituents; a commitment to transparent communication that builds trust across the school;
• Support of entrepreneurship and close relationships with industry;
• An articulate vision for the future of engineering schools;
• Demonstrated ability to understand and react to current complexities, including the political, financial, technological, and global challenges that public universities face today;
• An ability to inspire.

Compensation And Benefits

UC Irvine is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including, but not limited to, experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The full annual salary range for the Dean of the Henry Samueli School of Engineering is $450,000 to $550,000. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers will be commensurate with a final candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Contact

The Isaacson, Miller search team is David Bellshaw, Rafa Escobedo, and Salem Adisu. This team is supporting the recruiting efforts of the Search Advisory Committee and the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor.

All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

A PhD (or international equivalent) and hold the rank of associate or full professor, or equivalent rank in industry.

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter

Reference Requirements

Once campus visit finalists are selected, the search firm asks for 5 references, has phone calls with the references, and shares the reference check report with the Provost (hiring manager) after campus visits.

About UC Irvine

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy .

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affrimative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment .

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location

Irvine, CA