Job Title:

Director, School

Physical Location:

 Kent Campus - Kent, OH 

Salary:

 

Basic Function:

To provide academic and administrative leadership for an academic school.

Additional Basic Function – if applicable:

 Kent State University invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of the School of Engineering in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering (CAE). This is a full-time, twelve-month, tenured faculty position at the rank of Professor, with a renewable -five-year- administrative appointment. The preferred start date is January 2026, though a later start date will be considered

Examples of Duties:

Duties/essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following: 

Develop, update, implement, and coordinate teaching, research, and service missions of the school.

Oversee budgetary, personnel, and program activities of the school; coordinate faculty promotion, tenure, and reappointment reviews and make recommendations to College Dean.

Oversee development, implementation, and revision of new and existing academic programs; oversee curriculum development; coordinate faculty workloads; develop course schedule.

Represent and promote school within the University and external community.

Oversee student advising; may advise graduate and undergraduate students.

May oversee internship, scholarship, or grant programs.

May serve as building curator.

Serve on department, division, and University committees.

Provide leadership and oversight of a large/complex department (e.g., department with multiple units).


Perform related duties as assigned.

Additional Examples of Duties – if applicable:

 

The Director will provide dynamic and forward-looking leadership to advance the School of Engineering’s strategic priorities. This includes guiding continued growth in undergraduate and graduate education, building research capacity- and scholarly productivity across multiple engineering disciplines, expanding engagement with industry and government partners, and strengthening the School’s national and international visibility. The School is home to growing research centers focused on cybersecurity and digital engineering, which the Director will be expected to support, expand, and elevate in distinction.

In collaboration with the Dean, the Director will also contribute to philanthropic efforts, external outreach, and the strengthening of alumni networks. This includes participating in visits with corporate, governmental, and legislative stakeholders, and representing the School in advancing the College’s strategic goals throughout the state and beyond.

The Director will work closely with the incoming Director of the School of Aeronautics to promote interdisciplinary collaboration, operational synergy, and a unified vision for innovation across the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.

The Director is expected to:

· Develop and execute a strategic vision for the School of Engineering that aligns with the mission of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.

· Support and mentor faculty in teaching, research, and service while fostering an environment of intellectual curiosity, mutual respect, and academic freedom.

· Promote student success and expand enrollment through innovative curriculum development and experiential learning opportunities.

· Strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration within CAE and across the university.

· Grow externally funded research and center based- initiatives, particularly in digital engineering, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and smart mobility.

· Support program accreditation and continuous improvement processes in alignment with university, state, and national standards.

· Build strong partnerships with industry, government, and alumni, and contribute to the growth of international collaborations through the College’s global engagement strategy.

· Collaborate with the Dean on philanthropic outreach and alumni engagement efforts.

· Manage budgets, personnel, program accreditation, and internal operations effectively and transparently.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

Terminal degree in one of the disciplines of the school and experience generally commensurate to the rank of full professor.

OR

Significant academic or equivalent professional experience generally commensurate to the rank of full professor.

· An earned doctorate in engineering or a closely related field.

· A record of excellence in scholarship and funded research, teaching, and service that merits appointment as a tenured professor at an R1 institution.

· Demonstrated leadership experience, which may include service as a department chair, associate chair, or director of undergraduate or graduate programs, or other academic administrative roles.

· Commitment to fostering a collaborative and welcoming academic environment that encourages diversity of thought and constructive dialogue.

· Evidence of strategic vision, team-building skills, and the ability to foster a supportive academic culture.

License/Certification:

 

Knowledge Of:

Academic programs; budgeting; personnel matters to include faculty relations and university governance; personal computer applications

Skill In:

Written and interpersonal communication

Ability To:

Provide leadership and direction; analyze situations and develop effective solutions

Preferred Qualifications – if applicable:

Qualifications should be commensurate to be appointed at the rank of full professor within the school.

· Academic background in a discipline that aligns with one or more of the School’s existing programs.

· Experience with ABET accreditation and program assessment.

· Success in developing industry partnerships and externally funded research initiatives.

· Experience mentoring faculty, leading interdisciplinary efforts, and managing academic budgets.

· Engagement in both institutional and professional service, including leadership roles in national or international engineering organizations.

Assessments:

Asterisk (*) indicates knowledge, skills, abilities which require assessments

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

 

Working Schedule:

 

Additional Information:

 

To be guaranteed consideration, candidates should apply by Friday, September 5th. Applications will be reviewed beginning on this date and will continue until the position is filled.

Preferred start date: January 2026

Applicants should submit the following materials in PDF format:

1. Curriculum Vitae

2. Cover Letter summarizing leadership qualifications, academic accomplishments, and interest in the position

3. Leadership Statement addressing the candidate’s leadership philosophy, teaching and research philosophies, and vision for the School of Engineering

4. Names and contact information for five references

Disclaimer:

The intent of this description is to illustrate the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and should not be interpreted to describe all the specific duties and responsibilities that may be required in any particular position. Directly related experience/education beyond the minimum stated may be substituted where appropriate at the discretion of the Appointing Authority. Kent State University reserves the right to revise or change job duties, job hours, and responsibilities.