Department Head of Electrial Engineering and Computer Science

South Dakota State University; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement plan

Paid holidays and vacation leave

Relocation benefits

Job summary

South Dakota State University seeks a dynamic Department Head for the McComish Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) in Brookings. The 12‑month, full‑time, benefits‑eligible role reports to the Dean of JJLCOE and aims to expand federally funded research and graduate programs as part of SDSU’s R1 ambitions.

The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership, foster cross‑disciplinary collaboration, manage budgets and personnel, and support local industry and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in EE/CS/CE or closely related field by date of application.
• Distinguished record of teaching, research, and service eligible for tenure as Professor at SDSU in EECS.
• Evidence of effective leadership and administrative skills in academia.
• Experience securing nationally competitive research grants from federal, industry, or corporate sources.
• Understanding of the land‑grant mission.
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Familiarity with ABET accreditation processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the EECS Department in alignment with SDSU's strategic plan and Pathway to Premier 2030.
• Provide organizational and administrative leadership for teaching and research initiatives.
• Foster collaboration with internal departments and external partners; advocate for the department.

Skills

Leadership,

Strategic planning

Budget management

Communication

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field

Job description

The McComish Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) at South Dakota State University (SDSU) is seeking dynamic and collaborative leader to serve as the Department Head at the rank of Professor. Depending on the selected candidate’s area of expertise, faculty endowment may also be available. We are looking for a leader who is committed to providing a rigorous and practical educational experience with an emphasis on expanding federally funded research and graduate programs to support South Dakota State University’s R1 Our Way mission, as well as establishing and providing scientific support to local industry and government. This position is 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position, located in Brookings SD and reports to the Dean of the Jerome J. Johr College of Engineering (JJLCOE). Anticipated start of January 2027.

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities. The McComish Department of EECS offers BS, MS, and Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence Engineering, Computer Science; and Electrical Engineering; Specialization in Power Systems Engineering; and minors in Informatics, Computer Engineering, and Software Engineering. Currently, the department has over 250 undergraduate students, over 50 graduate students, and a vibrant graduate program with external annual funding of approximately $2.5M. The BS program in Computer Science is accredited by the CAC of ABET under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Computer Science and Similarly Named Computing Programs and the BS program in Electrical Engineering is accredited by the EAC of ABET, under the General Criteria and Program Criteria for Electrical, Computer, Communications, Telecommunication(s) and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

The department, college, and University provide excellent facilities for cutting-edge research. Several faculty members in the college, including faculty members in the EECS department, have received NSF-CAREER or equivalent awards. Currently, the EECS Department has three endowed faculty positions. The department is committed to providing a rigorous and practical educational experience, with an emphasis on design and problem-solving, conducting world-class research relevant to the region, and providing technical assistance to existing and emerging businesses, industries, and government.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Department Head will work closely with the Dean and the leadership team of the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering (JJLCOE) to promote the land-grant mission and an ambitious agenda to address the world’s grand challenges in the areas ofcomputer science, computer engineering, artificial intelligence, and electrical engineering. The selected candidate is expected to lead the EECS Department in identifying future areas of growth and investment while providing organizational and administrative expertise to the Department and the JJLCOE. The candidate is expected to steer the growth of the department consistent with SDSU’s refreshed strategic plan titled “Pathway to Premier 2030”. The strategic plan includes a goal to elevate SDSU as a research university and pursue a pathway to achieve designation as an R1 Research University by Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

It is imperative that this position maintains an understanding of current and emerging issues in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Electrical Engineering as defined by rapidlychanging workforce needs as well as applied and fundamental research needs in varied yet integrated areas related to cloud computing, machine learning, materials and sensor development, IOT, embedded software, high-performance computing, and the power industry. This knowledge will guide both research and teaching initiatives within the department. It is the Department Head's responsibility to lead the faculty in their efforts to provide high-quality service courses at all levels, engage with client departments to determine their course needs, monitor trends in general education and service courses, and implement high-impact teaching and learning strategies. Along with leadership, the Department Head is an advocate for the McComish Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science both within and outside the University, fostering a commitment to interdisciplinary and interagency collaboration.

BENEFITS:

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a closely related field by date of application.
• A distinguished record of teaching, research, scholarship, and service consistent with being eligible for tenure and rank of Professor at SDSU in EECS. Standards documents are available upon request.
• Evidence of effective leadership and administrative skills including management of academic and research programs, managing complex budgets, fiscal matters, and/or personnel within an academic setting.
• Experience securing nationally competitive grants for research from federal, industry, and/or corporate sources.
• An understanding of the land-grant mission.
• Effective written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Familiarity with ABET accreditation processes and procedures, or experience as an ABET Program Evaluator/Team Chair.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience mentoring faculty in developing strategies for pursuing external funding and in creating strong research programs.
• Experience in academic administration, including the development, evaluation and oversight of undergraduate academic programs, curricula and/or instructional operations.
• Active engagement in technical societies such as the IEEE and ACM.
• Experience with collaboration across disciplines and/or with multiple stakeholders
• Experience withrecruitment, retention, and success of faculty, staff and students from a variety of backgrounds.
• Experience with successfully leading a department through an ABET accreditation visit.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Position is open until filled with a full consideration date of September 7, 2026.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

For questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Yucheng Liu at [e-mail].

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing [e-mail]. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: [phone].