Director of the Department of Engineering

Job Overview

The University of Dubuque is a growing faith-based University that is seeking a Director of the Department of Engineering. 

Position Summary:

The Director will play a central role in launching the University's new undergraduate Engineering program, a strategic initiative to enhance the connection of UD to the regional economic and civic communities. This role offers a unique, career-defining opportunity to design, develop, and implement the entire engineering curriculum from the ground up.

The Engineering program will be housed in the new Chlapaty Center for Innovation, a state-of-the-art, 75,000-square-foot building complex that is scheduled to open in the fall of 2027. The facility will serve as an interdisciplinary learning hub for university students, supporting student learning and the development of their creative ideas. This space - designed to encourage interdisciplinary, hands-on, experiential learning - will benefit a variety of disciplines (e.g., engineering, health and medical sciences, business, communications, fine arts, digital art and design, computer science, and aviation). It will include engineering laboratories, collaborative makerspaces, innovation arenas, and flexible learning environments that place the student at the center of the learning experience where they will "learn by doing."

A critical responsibility will be the planning, specification, and outfitting of the dedicated engineering labs, collaborative makerspaces, and innovation arenas within this interdisciplinary hub, ensuring a modern, hands-on, experiential learning environment for students across campus and across the tri-state community.

The Director will drive the program through the final stages of internal and external approvals, with the goal of launching a general engineering degree (with tracks in mechanical, electrical, software, and civil) in the fall of 2027. This position requires an entrepreneurial leader eager to shape the future of engineering education at UD and serve as a catalyst for innovation in the tri-state area.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and implement the curriculum for the new undergraduate Engineering program, including developing all initial course offerings
• Visionary and entrepreneurial leadership skills with a proven track record of bringing projects from concept to completion
• Ability to develop, launch, and manage a new academic program
• Substantive experience in planning, equipping, and managing complex technical or engineering laboratory spaces
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear instruction, documentation, and interaction with students, staff, and external partners
• Commitment to student-centered, hands-on, and interdisciplinary experiential learning
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse university community and external stakeholders
• Lead the program through the necessary faculty and external accreditation (ABET) processes
• Plan, specify, and oversee the outfitting and equipping of all Engineering program laboratories, collaborative makerspaces, and flexible learning environments within the new Chlapaty Center for Innovation
• Recruit, mentor, and supervise faculty and staff as the program expands
• Teach courses within the Engineering discipline
• Manage the program budget, including equipment and resource allocation
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with industry and community partners for student internships, capstone projects, and career placement. Engage the stakeholders in the region and help position the University of Dubuque as a knowledge enterprise in the tri-state area
• Serve as the Engineering program's primary advocate, representative, and active recruiter of prospective students
• Assist fundraising efforts for the program by soliciting financial support through grant writing, private foundations, and other funding sources available through community stakeholders
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the University's Mission

Skills and Abilities:

• Visionary and entrepreneurial leadership skills with a proven track record of bringing projects from concept to completion
• Ability to develop, launch, and manage a new academic program
• Substantive experience in planning, equipping, and managing complex technical or engineering laboratory spaces
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear instruction, documentation, and interaction with students, staff, and external partners
• Commitment to student-centered, hands-on, and interdisciplinary experiential learning
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse university community and external stakeholders

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Engineering or a closely related field is required
• Prior experience in higher education, preferably in a program leadership or administrative role (e.g., Program Director, Department Head)
• Record of teaching excellence and scholarly activity commensurate with an appointment at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor rank
• Professional Engineering (PE) licensure is highly desirable

The position is open until filled, but an early start date is welcomed. We anticipate the successful candidate starting on or before June 1, 2026.

To apply with a growing faith-based University for the Director of the Department of Engineering position, please submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and UD employment application, located on our website, to HR@dbq.edu or to the Director of Human Resources, at the University of Dubuque, 2000 University Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001.

Affirmation Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For more information regarding the Jeanne Clery Act, please go to https://www.dbq.edu/SafetySecurity/JeanneCleryAct/