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Department Head of Electrial Engineering and Computer Science

South Dakota State University · Brookings, SD · 2 wk ago
On-siteFull-time

South Dakota State University’s McComish Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) invites applications for the position of Department Head at the rank of Professor. Depending on the selected candidate’s expertise, a faculty endowment may also be available. This is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position located in Brookings, SD, reporting to the Dean of the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering (JJLCOE), with an anticipated start date of January 2027.

About the Department

The McComish Department of EECS offers BS, MS, and Ph.D. programs in Artificial Intelligence Engineering, Computer Science, and Electrical Engineering, along with a specialization in Power Systems Engineering and minors in Informatics, Computer Engineering, and Software Engineering. The department is home to over 250 undergraduate and 50 graduate students, with a vibrant graduate program supported by approximately $2.5M in annual external funding. The BS programs in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering are ABET-accredited. The department, college, and university provide cutting-edge research facilities, and several faculty members have received NSF-CAREER or equivalent awards. The department currently has three endowed faculty positions.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with the Dean and leadership team of the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering to advance SDSU’s land-grant mission and address grand challenges in computer science, computer engineering, artificial intelligence, and electrical engineering.
  • Lead the EECS Department in identifying future growth areas and investments while providing administrative expertise to support the department and college.
  • Steer departmental growth in alignment with SDSU’s strategic plan, Pathway to Premier 2030, which aims to elevate SDSU as an R1 Research University.
  • Maintain awareness of emerging trends in AI, computer science, computer engineering, and electrical engineering to guide research and teaching initiatives, particularly in areas such as cloud computing, machine learning, IoT, embedded software, high-performance computing, and power systems.
  • Lead faculty efforts to deliver high-quality service courses, engage with client departments to assess course needs, monitor trends in general education, and implement high-impact teaching strategies.
  • Serve as an advocate for the department within and outside the university, fostering interdisciplinary and interagency collaboration.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field by the date of application.
  • A distinguished record of teaching, research, scholarship, and service consistent with eligibility for tenure and the rank of Professor at SDSU.
  • Evidence of effective leadership and administrative skills, including management of academic and research programs, budgets, and personnel.
  • Experience securing nationally competitive grants from federal, industry, or corporate sources.
  • Understanding of the land-grant mission.
  • Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Familiarity with ABET accreditation processes or experience as an ABET Program Evaluator/Team Chair.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience mentoring faculty in developing strategies for external funding and building strong research programs.
  • Experience in academic administration, including oversight of undergraduate programs, curricula, and instructional operations.
  • Active engagement in technical societies such as IEEE and ACM.
  • Experience collaborating across disciplines and with multiple stakeholders.
  • Experience in recruiting, retaining, and supporting faculty, staff, and students from diverse backgrounds.
  • Experience leading a department through an ABET accreditation visit.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and flexible benefits.
  • Retirement plan with a 6% employer match.
  • 10 hours of annual leave and 9.34 hours of sick leave per month.
  • Eleven paid holidays per year.
  • Access to internal and state-sponsored training programs.
  • Reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all South Dakota academic institutions.
  • Relocation benefits available per university guidelines.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

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