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Job Description
Chair of the Engineering Department Position Description:
The School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics (SECM) at the College of Charleston invites applications for a tenured position as Chair of the Department of Engineering at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor, with an anticipated start date of January 2026. Appointment rank and tenure status will be based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.
The successful candidate will provide visionary leadership to guide the department’s continued growth in academic programs, student enrollment, and national reputation. Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, high-quality teaching, and maintaining an active, productive research agenda.
Established in 2023, the Department of Engineering currently offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering and Systems Engineering. A new interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Integrated Engineering and Business is in development, and a Biomedical Engineering program is currently in the early planning stages. This position presents a unique opportunity for an innovative leader to shape a young and evolving department during an exciting period of strategic expansion.
SECM offers a friendly, dynamic, and collaborative environment, with ample opportunities for interdisciplinary partnerships across the university’s ten schools, including the Schools of Business, Education, Natural & Environmental Sciences, and the newly formed School of Health Sciences. The university is located just blocks from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), providing opportunities for collaboration in medical and health-related education and research. Additionally, South Carolina is home to a growing industrial base, including leading manufacturers and a vibrant medical device and healthcare industry.
Major Responsibilities
Provide effective, cohesive, and collaborative leadership for a multi-disciplinary department, prioritizing strategies for student success and academic distinction
Develop strategic vision and planning for the department, supporting the university’s goal to become a transformative national university that redefines liberal arts education through innovation
Develop and maintain the enrollment and student success goals for each program
Develop and oversee the department budget
Manage course schedules and instructor assignments
Foster professional growth and development of faculty and staff members within the department
Oversee curriculum development and revisions for the department
Assess academic programs offered by the department, ensuring the academic quality and rigor of the programs are maintained and continuously improved
Attain and maintain professional accreditation where appropriate
Foster cooperative and collaborative relationships and activities with other departments and units in the university
Create and maintain collaborations with industry and other external partners
Oversee an effective industrial advisory board
Required Qualifications
Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent in engineering. Priority will be given to candidates with expertise in systems engineering, mechanical engineering, robotics, mechatronics, or a related field. Candidates must be eligible for appointment with tenure at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor
A strong commitment to undergraduate education
A record of scholarship commensurate with rank sought
At least 7 years of experience in an academic setting
Prior experience in academic leadership roles, such as department chair or director of a program
Knowledge and appreciation of a variety of engineering disciplines, as well as disciplines across the academy
Experience with ABET accreditation
Curriculum and lab development experience
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Preferred Qualifications
Interdisciplinary experience inside and outside of engineering disciplines
Program development experience
Experience working with industry and external partners
About the College of Charleston and the School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics:
Founded in 1770, the College of Charleston is a public university grounded in the principles of the liberal arts and committed to developing intellectually versatile and globally fluent citizens who create innovative solutions to social, economic, and technological challenges. A primarily undergraduate institution with strong graduate degree programs, the university prides itself on excellence in education. The university enrolls over 10,000 undergraduate and 1000 graduate students.
In its 2025 edition, U.S. News & World Report ranks the College as the No. 4 top public university in the south, the No. 5 ranked college for veterans among southern institutions, the No. 9 most innovative school in the region, and the No. 3 best college for undergraduate teaching in the south and a best value regional college. The College is in the heart of beautiful Charleston. Visit the College’s website at https://www.cofc.edu. Visit the School’s website at https://charleston.edu/school-engineering-computing-mathematics/.
EEO Statement:
The College of Charleston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of sex, gender (including gender identity and/or expression), pregnancy, race, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, and other classifications protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information, please visit eop.cofc.edu.
