Open Rank Professor and Director of the MS in Cybersecurity

Pacific Lutheran University Inc; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Pacific Lutheran University seeks a Program Director to lead and teach in the new M.S. degree in Cybersecurity, starting Spring or Summer 2027.

The role may be tenure-track or renewable fixed-term, with responsibilities including course design, faculty hiring, marketing the program, and student recruitment for Fall 2027. The successful candidate will guide the program's design and implementation and align credentials with industry standards, contributing to PLU's growth and graduate education

Qualifications

• PhD in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field.
• Evidence of teaching excellence and a demonstrated concern for improving teaching quality.
• Ability to design courses and lead curriculum development for a new MS in Cybersecurity.
• Experience in recruiting students and faculty, and in program administration.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Director for the MS in Cybersecurity program: design courses; recruit and support faculty and students; manage day-to-day operations including budgeting and scheduling.
• Develop and teach multiple graduate courses in the first year; plan teaching load for subsequent years.
• Lead curriculum design, implementation, and ongoing improvement to align with industry standards and trends.
• Engage in advising, committees, and service within the department and university.
• Provide visionary leadership to advance the MS program and its reputation.

Skills

Graduate teaching

Curriculum design

Leadership

Recruitment

Collaboration

Inclusive pedagogy

Communication

Industry trends awareness

Education

PhD in Cybersecurity, CS, IT or related field

Job description

The Department of Computer Science at Pacific Lutheran University seeks a Program Director who will lead and teach in our new M.S. degree in Cybersecurity, with the position beginning in Spring or Summer 2027. This position may be tenure-track (hiring at the level of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor, based upon qualifications) or offered as a renewable fixed-term contract (visiting or resident). We are seeking a passionate, driven, motivated leader to take a pivotal role in shaping this program, including designing courses and aiding in recruiting students to launch the program in Fall 2027. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the design, implementation and continuous improvement of the program, ensuring alignment with industry standards and emerging trends. The selected applicant will join and lead an exciting new graduate degree, building upon PLU's existing Computer Science baccalaureate program. Applicants should be able to assume the responsibilities of teaching graduate-level courses in the program, further refining the curriculum, hiring faculty, marketing the program, and recruiting students.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Serve as Director for the M.S. in Cybersecurity program: design courses for the program; recruit and support faculty and students; manage the day-to-day operations in the program including budgeting, scheduling and resource allocation.
• Develop and teach 4 classes during the first academic year (September 2027 - May 2028), and teach 3 classes in subsequent years, depending on the needs of the program.
• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the MS in Cybersecurity curriculum, ensuring alignment with industry standards and emerging trends.
• Serve in the Computer Science Department and contribute to the larger life of the University through advising, committee work, and other service activities.
• Provide inspiring and visionary leadership to advance the M.S. in Cybersecurity program at PLU.
• Communicate effectively; collaborate effectively and constructively with colleagues within the Computer Science Department and across disciplines.
• Be committed to graduate teaching in a university that blends undergraduate liberal arts and graduate professional education.
• Have a clearly defined scholarship agenda relevant to cybersecurity (for tenure-track candidates).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong background in computer science and cybersecurity.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive and anti-racist pedagogical practices.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for teaching at the graduate level within a liberal arts setting.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with others.
• Strong understanding of current cybersecurity challenges and trends.

• PhD in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field.
• Evidence of teaching excellence and a demonstrated concern for improving the quality of their teaching.
• Demonstrated competence in scholarship, along with the potential for continued scholarly achievement (for tenure-track candidates).
• Applicant must be legally eligible to work in the United States on hire date AND legally authorized to work in the United States for Pacific Lutheran University without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous teaching experience at the graduate level in cybersecurity.
• Previous leadership experience in a university or other professional setting.
• Active involvement in professional organizations related to cybersecurity.
• Experience in online or hybrid course delivery.