Professor of the Practice

Northeastern University; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 127,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeastern University is seeking a Professor of the Practice and Director to lead the new Engineering Design program on the Oakland campus. The role requires building a first-of-its-kind undergraduate engineering program focused on AI fluency, human-centered design, and interdisciplinary systems thinking.

The candidate will develop partnerships, design curricula, and oversee co-op experiences within a self-sustaining model while collaborating with campus leadership to scale the program

Qualifications

• PhD in engineering or closely related field required.
• Demonstrated experience designing, launching, or reforming engineering education programs with experiential or AI-integrated learning.
• Minimum 5 years in academic program leadership, industry partnership management, or workforce development.

Responsibilities

• Develop annual strategic plans for the BS in Engineering Design program.
• Build and manage industry partnerships across project sponsorship, curriculum co-development, and co-op integration.
• Oversee co-op placements and experiential learning initiatives to ensure outcomes.

Skills

AI in education

Interdisciplinary leadership

Engineering pedagogy

Coop/experiential learning

Stakeholder management

Education

PhD in engineering

Experience launching engineering education programs

Tools

CRM systems

Co-op platforms

Learning management systems

Job description

Professor of the Practice & Director - Engineering DesignProgram

Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and aworld leader in experiential learning. The same commitment toconnecting with the world drives our use-inspired researchenterprise. The university offers a comprehensive range ofundergraduate and graduate programs leading to degrees through thedoctorate in nine colleges and schools. Our campuses across NorthAmerica and in the UK are platforms for undergraduate and graduatelearning and collaborative research. Northeastern's signaturecooperative education model integrates rigorous academic study withprofessional experience, producing graduates who are career-readyfrom day one.

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Dean of Engineering and in close collaborationwith the Dean of the Oakland campus, the role provides strategicand visionary leadership and administrative oversight for the BS inEngineering Design program at the Oakland campus. This is afounding leadership role responsible for launching, building, andscaling a first-of-its-kind undergraduate engineering programdesigned to produce AI-fluent, human-centered, interdisciplinaryengineers who are ready to contribute from day one inindustry.

The ideal candidate is an innovative engineering educator whobrings both deep technical expertise and a track record ofreimagining how engineering is taught. This leader understands thatthe next generation of engineers must be more than technicallyproficient - they must be AI-fluent, entrepreneurially minded, andequipped to solve complex, human-centered problems acrossdisciplinary boundaries. They are excited by the opportunity tobuild a program from the ground up that challenges traditionalengineering education models and sets a new standard for what anundergraduate engineering degree can be.

The role is responsible for creating, expanding, and managing adiverse portfolio of industry partnerships, curriculum developmentinitiatives, and experiential learning opportunities - includingco-op placements and industry-sponsored capstone projects - thatbring the program's vision to life. This role operates within aself-supporting financial model and requires demonstrated abilityto develop revenue-generating partnerships at multiple levels,ranging from project sponsorships and curriculum co-development tofully integrated talent pipeline and co-locationarrangements.

Working collaboratively across engineering faculty, academicadministrators, and external industry partners, the Director buildsa unified, high-impact program that integrates technicalengineering fundamentals with AI fluency, human-centered design,entrepreneurial thinking, and multidisciplinary systems thinking. The Director develops and promotes marketing initiatives throughstrategic public relations and community outreach, and works inconcert with campus leadership to strategize on program growthacross the Bay Area.

The position demands exceptional ability to lead interdisciplinarygroups, convene diverse stakeholders, and build consensus acrossdepartments and industries to achieve the program's mission ofproducing engineers of the future who can not only build what istechnically possible, but imagine, design, and bring to market whatis genuinely needed.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• PhD in engineering or a closely related field required
• Demonstrated experience designing, launching, or significantlyreforming engineering education programs, with a focus onexperiential, interdisciplinary, or AI-integrated learningmodels
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience inacademic program leadership, industry partnership management, orworkforce development within an engineering or technical highereducation setting
• Experience in a co-op-based or experiential learningenvironment strongly preferred
• Record of scholarly or applied work in engineering education,curriculum innovation, or related fields is a plus

Technical Knowledge & Skills

• Deep understanding of engineering education pedagogy,competency frameworks, and industry workforce trends, with a particular emphasis on next-generation and AI-integrated curriculumdesign
• Familiarity with the application of AI tools - includingmachine learning, simulation, and data analysis - in engineeringpractice and education
• Broad knowledge across multidisciplinary engineering domainsincluding mechanical, thermal, electrical, and data systems,sufficient to credibly lead a cross-disciplinary program
• Experience with learning management systems, co-op orexperiential learning platforms, and CRM systems
• Understanding of industry accreditation standards relevant toundergraduate engineering programs (e.g., ABET)

Leadership & Management

• Proven track record of successful program development andrevenue generation within a self-supporting business model
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain partnerships withengineering firms, technology companies, and industryorganizations, spanning project sponsorship, curriculumco-development, and deep talent pipeline integration
• Experience leading interdisciplinary teams and managingcomplex, multi-stakeholder initiatives
• Track record of innovation in program delivery, industryengagement, and business model development
• Budget management experience and financial acumen
• Established relationships with engineering and technologyorganizations in the Bay Area or comparable markets
• Ability to develop and lead strategic initiatives and followthrough to completion; excellent management, organizational,interpersonal, and communication skills
• A high degree of self-motivation and self-direction, coupledwith a proven track record of collaborative work and demonstratedsuccess in partnership development and relationship management
• Ability to work in a matrixed environment to deliver againstshared goals
• Effective communicator and collaborator with the ability tomotivate others toward shared goals
• Ability to track activity and report results; ability tocollaborate with faculty and staff across programs, schools,colleges, and departments including Deans, Associate Deans, ProgramDirectors, and other academic administrators
• Organizational tact and diplomacy; superb interpersonal skillsrequired to develop close relationships with external partners andkey influencers across the university and the broader Bay Areacommunity
• Demonstrated ability to build internal and externalcollaborations, finding solutions benefiting all parties, andfocusing on long-term success over short-term results; ability toserve as an ambassador for the university in the region
• Demonstrated commitment to belonging efforts and building aninclusive engineering pipeline
• Flexibility for travel within the region and as needed

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Strategic Planning & Innovative Program Development(25%)

Develop and execute annual strategic plans for the BS inEngineering Design program that align with Northeastern's missionand respond to engineering workforce trends. Champion andoperationalize the program's innovative educational model -integrating AI-native instruction, human-centered design, andinterdisciplinary project-based learning across all four years ofthe curriculum. Oversee the program launch in Fall 2027 andimplement long-term plans to ensure growth, continuous curriculuminnovation, and academic excellence. Identify and pursueopportunities to expand the program's reach and reputation withinthe Bay Area and beyond. Work closely with faculty to embed AItools, real-world industry projects, and entrepreneurial frameworksthroughout the student experience.

Industry Partnership Development & Business Growth(25%)

Establish and maintain a structured portfolio of industrypartnerships at three levels of engagement: (1) Project and ProblemSponsors, who contribute real-world design challenges for studentteams and participate in project reviews and mentorship; (2)Curriculum Partners, who co-develop course content, embed tools andcase studies, and help shape the technical and professionalcompetencies built into the degree; and (3) Integrated Partners,who employ students during co-ops, co-fund faculty roles, and mayco-locate on the Oakland campus to build a sustained talentpipeline. Generate business contracts totaling established annualrevenue goals through direct outreach and partnership development.Coordinate communication and provide consultation to stakeholdersacross engineering, technology, and business sectors.

Co-op & Experiential Learning Oversight(20%)

Oversee the development and management of co-op placements for tworequired co-ops per student, typically at the end of Year 2 andYear 4. Ensure all students have access to meaningful,industry-embedded experiences that align with program competenciesand the goal of producing day-one-ready engineers. Developprocesses for co-op employer onboarding, student preparation, andpost-placement evaluation. Monitor co-op quality and employersatisfaction to maintain program standards and studentoutcomes.

Program Operations & Supervision (15%)

Direct day-to-day operations of the Engineering Design program,ensuring policies, procedures, and academic standards are upheld.Oversee scheduling, enrollment, and delivery of program components,achieving enrollment targets and maintaining quality. Analyzeenrollment and performance data quarterly to inform programadjustments and resource allocation. Implement and maintaintechnology systems that support efficient program operations,industry project management, and student tracking.

Financial Management & Resource Development(10%)

Achieve annual revenue targets within a self-supporting businessmodel. Develop and manage the annual operating budget, overseeprogram expenditures, and maintain fiscal responsibility achievingbreak-even or surplus. Identify and pursue external fundingopportunities including grants, corporate sponsorships, andphilanthropic support. Prepare and submit all required budget andperformance reports on schedule. Maintain accurate financialtracking and reporting systems.

Marketing, Outreach & Team Leadership (5%)

Lead marketing efforts to promote the program to prospectivestudents, industry partners, and the broader Bay Area engineeringcommunity, positioning it as a national model for innovativeengineering education. Supervise, evaluate, and develop directreports, conducting annual performance reviews and providingongoing coaching. Recruit, train, and retain qualified instructorsand industry-based faculty to deliver high-quality educationalprogramming. Lead interdisciplinary planning committees and workinggroups to achieve collaborative program development goals. Foster ateam culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuousimprovement.

Position Type

Academic

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate workexperience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefiteligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paidtime off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- aswell as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ formore information.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receiveconsideration for employment without regard to race, religion,color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disabilitystatus, or any other characteristic protected by applicablelaw.

Pay Range:

Professor of the Practice: $127,000.00 - $250,000.00 | Professor ofthe Practice: $127,000.00 - $250,000.00

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will dependon several factors, which may include your education, experience,location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a paycomparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role.Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subjecttochange.