Department Head - Civil, Environmental, and, Geo- Engineering

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 165,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Generous time off

Continuous learning opportunities

Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans

Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is looking for a Department Head for its Civil, Environmental, and Geo‑Engineering (CEGE) department. This role requires expertise in leadership, a commitment to education, and experience in scholarship and research.

The ideal candidate will have a Doctorate in a relevant engineering discipline and an outstanding track record in teaching and research. This position provides the opportunity to develop a vision for the department while fostering collaboration and inclusivity.

Qualifications

• Distinguished record of scholarship and research.
• Outstanding record in research, teaching, and service commensurate with appointment as a tenured full professor.

Responsibilities

• Promote a vision and mission for the department in collaboration with faculty.
• Maintain an equitable and inclusive work environment.
• Monitor administrative and financial components of the department.
• Enhance recognition of the department nationally and internationally.
• Raise funds in support of the department’s missions.

Skills

Leadership and management abilities

Commitment to education

Mentoring faculty

Promoting diversity

Collaboration

Education

Doctorate in engineering or relevant scientific discipline

Job description

About the Job

The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo‑Engineering (CEGE) at the University of Minnesota seeks applicants for the position of Department Head. The candidate should possess a distinguished record of scholarship and research, strong leadership and management abilities, an interest in promoting sponsored research programs and mentoring faculty, and a deep commitment to undergraduate and graduate education. The candidate should be able to work with diverse groups of faculty, staff, students, administrators, alumni, and industry representatives.

The head of the department reports directly to the Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, Andrew G. Alleyne. One term is nominally 5 years with the possibility of renewal. The College is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute through their research, teaching, and/or service to the diversity and excellence of the academic community and who will build collaborative ties with other departments within the College and the University.

Responsibilities

Departmental Leadership

• In collaboration with department faculty, promote a vision and mission for the department consistent with current and future needs, strengths, and talents of departmental personnel and with the vision and mission of the College and University
• Maintain an equitable and inclusive work environment for CEGE faculty and staff and support a culture that fosters a community of inclusion and excellence for all
• Monitor the administrative, financial, and space management components of the department
• Enhance recognition of the department on national and international stages
• Raise funds from alumni and external partners in support of the department’s missions of teaching, research, and service
• Understand the financial needs and stability of the department and work with the departmental leadership on related matters

Faculty Oversight, Recruitment, and Development

• Support, provide oversight, and promote the teaching, research, and service activities of the department’s faculty members
• Lead faculty recruitment efforts and, in conjunction with departmental faculty, identify areas of current need and future development for the department
• Partner with College and University offices, facilitate and oversee recruitment, promotion, and tenure processes
• Interface frequently with departmental faculty, providing mentoring, guidance, and effort redirection (when appropriate)

Educational Direction and Outreach

• Together with departmental faculty, oversee curriculum delivery and development, and assess educational outcomes
• Oversee the undergraduate program to ensure academic excellence, an enriching student experience, and strong career outcomes
• Provide stewardship to the graduate program, engage with faculty on requirements, advising, and growth

College and University Leadership

• Serve on the Dean’s Administrative Council with other department heads and collegiate leadership
• Report directly to the Dean and work with other college leadership to achieve collegiate goals
• Participate in collegiate and university-level budget processes
• Attend and participate in college, university, and external activities identified by the Dean as critical to the mission of the institution

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Doctorate in engineering or a scientific discipline of relevance to the broad research areas of the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo‑Engineering
• An outstanding record in research, teaching, and service commensurate with appointment as a tenured full professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo‑Engineering at the University of Minnesota

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to create, communicate, and implement, in collaboration with department faculty, a vision for the department’s future that builds upon and accentuates the department’s strengths
• Strong leadership, management, and communication abilities
• Ability to maintain and nurture the department’s culture of collaboration and collegiality
• Ability to recognize and promote a diversity of strengths and expressions of excellence among the faculty
• A willingness and ability to advocate for the needs of the department
• Interest in encouraging and supporting multi-disciplinary collaborations
• Deep commitment to undergraduate and graduate education
• Ability to work with diverse groups of faculty, staff, students, administrators, alumni, and industry representatives

About the Department

The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo‑Engineering (CEGE) at the University of Minnesota is a mid‑sized department dedicated to conducting cutting‑edge theoretical, computational, and experimental research in all areas related to Civil, Environmental, and Geo‑Engineering, with noted excellence in water resources and environmental engineering, geomechanics, transportation systems, structural engineering, and advanced materials. The department features state‑of‑the‑art experimental facilities, including multiple excellent core facilities (imaging, genomics, research computing, etc.), the Lacabanne Rock Mechanics Laboratory, the Waves and Imaging Laboratory, the Pavement Mechanics Laboratory, and the Galambos Structural Engineering Laboratory. CEGE also manages the Multi‑Axial Subassemblage Testing (MAST) Lab, and several faculty are affiliated with the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, a unique and globally recognized facility for pioneering research in experimental and computational fluid mechanics, hydrology, geophysics, and (micro)biology.

CEGE is one of twelve departments within the College of Science and Engineering, which offers outstanding opportunities for interdisciplinary research due to the unique combination of mathematics, physical sciences, and engineering in one college. The College has a strong Data Science Initiative and provides state‑of‑the‑art computational facilities through the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute.

About the College of Science and Engineering: Created in 1935, the College of Science and Engineering (formerly known as the Institute of Technology) brought together the University’s programs in engineering, mining, architecture, and chemistry. Today, the College is ranked among the top engineering and science academic programs in the country. The College includes 12 academic departments offering a wide range of degree programs at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $165,000 - $220,000 annually (depending on education/qualifications/experience)

Time Appointment: 100% A Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer‑paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through Interfolio. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.

Applications should include:

• CV / Resume
• A letter of interest that explains how you would lead the department and addresses the themes in this profile.
• Vision statement
• List of at least 3 professional references (name, contact info)

Application review will begin on September 13, 2026. This position will remain open until filled.

Questions regarding the search can be directed to Char Psihos ([e-mail]), CEGE Departmental Administrator.