Human Resources

Summary

INTERNAL SEARCH/POSTING (for current Michigan Technological Employees only)

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Michigan Technological University invites applications from current Michigan Tech employees for the position of Chair of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. The Chair will lead the department in our mission of excellence in education, research, and service. We seek an individual with the vision and experience to elevate our department's prominence in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering research, further our strong tradition of education excellence, and grow our B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. programs.

As the department's chief administrative officer, the Chair oversees administration, hiring, promotion, and budget management. The role also involves maintaining excellence and driving continuous improvement in teaching, research, and inclusivity. Acting as the primary liaison between the department and the College, the University, and external constituents, the Chair is also expected to foster internal and external collaborations to advance the department's mission.

Responsibilities 

Administrative Leadership
• Serve as the department's chief administrative officer, responsible for all aspects of the department's administrative, educational, research, and service activities.
• Manage the department's finances responsibly and strategically to achieve short- and long-term goals.
• Supervise department faculty and staff, conducting performance reviews and recommending reappointment, tenure, and promotion cases.
• Collaborate with the College of Engineering leadership to help execute the College's strategic plan.
• Engage in continuous improvement practices, applying strategies to achieve the department's strategic goals and enhancing leadership skills.
• Oversee and ensure the quality of ABET and university assessment activities.
Strategic Vision and Planning
• Provide strong leadership for excellence in teaching, research, and service while promoting a culture of safety, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Effectively engage the department and other stakeholders in executing the department's vision, mission, and strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the College and University.
• Collaborate with other academic units and research centers to create new initiatives that enhance the reputation of the College and University.
• Ensure the department stays at the forefront of emerging technologies in teaching, research, and administration, encouraging faculty adoption of tools that improve learning outcomes and research capabilities.
Academic and Research Excellence
• Advance academic and research excellence by supporting interdisciplinary teaching and research collaborations.
• Provide leadership to improve the quality of B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degree programs.
• Promote the professional development and success of graduate students by increasing funding opportunities, enhancing mentorship, and ensuring career placement success.
• Recruit, develop, and retain an outstanding and diverse faculty, supporting them in research and educational endeavors while mentoring junior faculty.
Diversity, Inclusion, and Safety
• Proactively promote activities that engage students, faculty, and staff from all backgrounds to cultivate and sustain an inclusive environment.
• Increase recruitment and retention of a diverse population of students and staff.
• Identify and promote safety-related knowledge, skills, abilities, and training needed for all department positions and encourage active participation in department and university safety initiatives.
• Promote a supportive work-life balance and well-being for faculty and staff, fostering an environment that enhances productivity and overall job satisfaction.
External Relations and Resource Generation
• Engage in generating resources through fundraising.
• Establish relationships with alumni, academic, industry, and government groups to promote the department's educational and research goals.
• Contribute to College and University advancement activities, including reaching out to prospective donors and leading stewardship efforts for current donors.
• Serve as department spokesperson and advocate within the university and with external constituents, actively promoting the success of the department's students, faculty, and staff.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field.

Required Experience

• Leadership experience in academic, government, or industrial settings, with a proven track record of success.
• A portfolio of scholarly work that meets the standards for a tenured appointment in engineering at Michigan Tech.
• Experience collaborating effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and fostering an inclusive environment.
• Background in working with university-level engineering programs, demonstrating a deep understanding of academic systems.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Strong ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships, effectively resolving conflicts and mediating disputes.
• Proven success in managing organizational change and fostering innovation within academic and research environments.
• A deep commitment to creating and sustaining an inclusive and welcoming work environment.
• Expertise in promoting and upholding a strong culture of safety within the department.
• Solid fiscal management skills with a track record of budgetary responsibility and resource allocation.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, written communication, and presentation skills tailored to diverse audiences.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

The work environment is typical of an office and/or classroom setting, and the noise level is usually low to moderate.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required trainings; the department may require additional training.

Required University Training:

• Employee Safety Overview

• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training

• Annual Data Security Training 

• Annual Title IX Training

Background Check:

Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

Other Conditions of Employment:

The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States on or before the effective date of the appointment. This is not an E-Verified Position.

1

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

11 months

Shift

Pay Rate/Salary

Title of Position Supervisor

College Dean

Posting Type

Dependent on Funding

Special Instructions to Applicants (if applicable)

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue through November 15 or until the position is filled. Applications should be submitted at http://www.employment.mtu.edu/cw/en-us/job/493741 

Any questions should be directed to the search chair, Dr. Gordon Parker, at ggparker@mtu.edu.

Interested individuals should submit:
1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Experience and Qualifications Statement consistent with those listed above
4. Future Direction of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Research and Education Statement
5. Leadership Approach Statement
6. The names and contact information of four references

Additional Information