Electrical and Computer Engineering - Department Chair

About the role

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECpE), in the College of Engineering at Iowa State University (ISU), invites applications for the Palmer Department Chair position. The endowed department chair will be responsible for the scope and effectiveness of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department's teaching, research, and outreach efforts. Candidates are expected to have an exemplary record of achievement in teaching, research, and service at a level sufficient to qualify for appointment as a tenured Professor.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department in achieving academic excellence, fostering a collegial environment, and motivating others toward a shared vision.
• Develop and implement a strategic plan for the department, focusing on research, teaching, and outreach.
• Manage the department's budget and personnel effectively, and engage in fundraising and donor cultivation activities.
• Direct successful interdisciplinary programs in education and research, and foster partnerships with industry and external stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with university policies and regulations, and promote ethical behavior among faculty and staff.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or equivalent qualifications in Electrical or Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Exemplary record of achievement in research, teaching, and service in a university, national laboratory, or industry at a level sufficient to qualify for appointment as a tenured Full Professor.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to lead others to execute a shared vision.
• Budget and personnel management experience.
• Experience in fundraising, donor cultivation, and stewardship.
• Experience directing successful interdisciplinary programs in education and research.

Qualifications

• An appreciation for university-industry collaborations, technology transfer, and intellectual property management is an asset.
• A bold vision for the future of Electrical and Computer Engineering is sought.

Benefits

The College of Engineering is committed to sustaining a collegial, positive, and productive environment for each individual and for the collective benefit of all. All faculty members are expected to exhibit and convey good citizenship within department, college, and university activities, interact collegially, and maintain the highest integrity and ethical behavior standards.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $100,000 - $150,000 per year, depending on qualifications and experience.

Schedule

The position is a full-time, 9-month appointment starting July 1, 2027.

Contact Information

To apply, please submit the following documents in PDF format:

• A letter of application that briefly discusses how you meet each of the preferred qualifications.
• Your curriculum vitae.
• A statement of leadership philosophy that includes your vision for the future of the department.
• Contact information for at least three references, including name, current title and affiliation, mailing address, email address and phone number.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications should be received by August 15, 2026 with a priority consideration of September 1, 2026.

Martin M. Baker, Managing Partner and Chelsie Whitelock, Associate Partner, Buffkin / Baker can be reached at isuecechair@buffkinbaker.com.

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, creed, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.