Department Chair - Computer Science Engineering

University of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of South Carolina invites applications for the position of Department Chair in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. This leadership role seeks a vision for the future of CS and CE education and research, with a deep commitment to faculty development and student success.

The chair will lead faculty recruitment, curriculum modernization, and cross-department collaborations, and will champion AI initiatives while engaging with state and industry partners.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in CS/CE required.
• Proven leadership in academic or research setting.
• Experience in developing undergraduate and graduate curricula.
• Experience securing multidisciplinary, federally- or industry-funded research projects.
• Ability to engage diverse internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership for academic and research excellence across the department.
• Lead faculty recruitment and retention in defined focus areas.
• Oversee modernization of curricula and cross-unit course development.
• Champion multidisciplinary research initiatives with substantial funding.
• Support the university-wide AI initiative and promote collaboration across campus and state.
• Advocate for the department within university and external communities.
• Foster clear communication among faculty, students, and university leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Curriculum design

Stakeholder engagement

Research funding

Education

PhD in CS/CE

Job description

Position Summary

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) at the University of South Carolina invites applications for the position of Department Chair. This is a leadership role for an individual with a strong vision for the future of computer science and engineering education and research, as well as a deep commitment to faculty development and student success.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership that inspires faculty, staff, and students in a shared mission of academic and research excellence, fostering a culture of collaboration, mutual support, and continuous growth.
• Lead the department in recruiting and retaining high‑impact faculty, including four additional tenured positions in strategically defined focus areas.
• Lead modernization of curricula and create timely courses (in collaboration with other units) that attract students from the whole university and beyond.
• Champion innovative, multidisciplinary research initiatives that leverage faculty strengths and attract substantial federal, state, and industry funding.
• Support and leverage the university‑wide AI initiative by actively promoting multidisciplinary collaboration across the campus and throughout South Carolina to grow research and broaden the impact of the CSE department.
• Serve as a proactive advocate for the department within the university and the broader academic and industrial communities.
• Facilitate effective communication among faculty, students, and university leadership, complementing and advancing the broader mission of the College of Engineering and Computing through departmental initiatives.

Desired Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in an academic or research setting, with a track record of building collaborative, high‑performing teams.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience with best practices in developing undergraduate and graduate curricula.
• Experience in securing multidisciplinary, federally, and industry‑funded research projects.
• A doctorate in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field is required.

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.