Director, Engineering Design Program — AI-Driven Innovation

Northeastern University; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeastern University in Oakland seeks a visionary Director to establish and scale the BS in Engineering Design. Reporting to the Dean of Engineering, this founding role blends AI-fluent, human-centered pedagogy with strong industry partnerships, co-op, and experiential learning to prepare engineers ready for day one in industry.

You will build partnerships, secure funding, and lead curriculum development, operations, and outcomes in a self-supporting Bay Area setting.

Qualifications

• PhD in engineering or closely related field required.
• Experience designing, launching, or reforming engineering education programs with experiential/interdisciplinary/AI-integrated learning.
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible academic program leadership and industry partnership management.
• Experience with co-op-based or experiential learning environments preferred.
• Strong track record in program development and partnerships in higher education.

Responsibilities

• Strategic planning and development of the BS in Engineering Design to align with workforce trends and AI-native instruction.
• Build and manage industry partnerships across project sponsors, curriculum partners, and integrated employers.
• Oversee co-op placements and experiential learning to ensure student readiness.
• Direct program operations, enrollment, and academic standards.
• Manage finances, budgets, and external funding opportunities.
• Lead marketing, outreach, and recruitment to grow the program and team.

Skills

Strategic planning

Leadership

Partnership management

Academic leadership

Interdisciplinary teamwork

AI integration

Fundraising & revenue

Stakeholder management

Program development

Education

PhD in engineering

Tools

CRM systems

Learning management systems

Job description

Northeastern University in Oakland seeks a visionary Director to establish and scale the BS in Engineering Design. Reporting to the Dean of Engineering, this founding role blends AI-fluent, human-centered pedagogy with strong industry partnerships, co-op, and experiential learning to prepare engineers ready for day one in industry.

You will build partnerships, secure funding, and lead curriculum development, operations, and outcomes in a self-supporting Bay Area setting.