Assistant Dean for External Relations, College of Engineering

Assistant Dean for External Relations, College of Engineering Category Job  Location Tracking Code

8/13/2026

Grade 50

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The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, training and internal pay comparison. The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Full-Time/Regular

The Assistant Dean for External Relations supports the Dean in advancing the College of Engineering’s visibility, reputation, and external relationships in support of its academic and research mission. Reporting directly to the Dean and serving as a member of the Dean’s leadership team, this position provides strategic leadership and coordinated oversight for four core external affairs pillars: brand and narrative (marketing, communications, and public relations) ;

student outcomes and pathways (career development) ; employer , industry , and civic partnerships ; and selected alumni activities . The College has approximately 150 faculty, 100 staff, and 3,000 students.

The position is results ‑ oriented , with clear accountability for measurable progress in the College’s visibility and brand, student internship and post ‑ graduation outcomes, and the depth and quality of key external relationships. The Assistant Dean leads the development and implementation of an integrated external affairs strategy, ensures that marketing and communications and career development functions operate as a coordinated system rather than separate units, and partners closely with academic and administrative leaders so that external efforts align with college priorities and resources.

This position requires an individual with strong leadership and management skills; exceptional judgment and diplomacy; and demonstrated strength in strategic thinking, project management, and building productive relationships with employers, alumni, and other external stakeholders. The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator, experienced using data to inform decisions, and adept at working collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and central University partners to design and deliver initiatives that enhance the College’s impact and reputation.

Leads the development and implementation of an integrated external affairs strategy that aligns marketing and communications, student career development, employer engagement, external partnerships, and selected alumni activities with the College’s mission and strategic priorities. Sets goals, priorities, and success measures for external affairs ; establishes operating rhythms such as regular external ‑ affairs reviews, key ‑ account reviews, and annual narrative refresh cycles ;

uses data to monitor progress ; and ensures that these functions work together as a coordinated system that delivers measurable improvements in visibility, student outcomes, and external engagement .

Provides strategic leadership for the College’s marketing , communications , and public relations efforts to strengthen visibility, reputation, and the distinctive brand of BU Engineering among prospective students, peer institutions, employers, alumni, and other external audiences. Oversees the Director of Marketing & Communications, who leads the College’s marketing and communications program and team, and sets direction, priorities, and expectations so that messaging, campaigns, media outreach, and communication plans that reinforce a coherent College narrative and support the College’s goals for reputation, recruitment, and stakeholder engagement .

Provides strategic direction and oversight for the College’s student career development efforts and employer engagement portfolio. Oversees the work of the Director of the Career Development Office , who leads the College’s career development programs, employer relations portfolio, and team, and establishes goals and expectations so that programs and…