Department Head; Faculty Rank

Overview

The Department of Aerospace Engineering & Mechanics (AEM) at the University of Minnesota is seeking a Department Head. The successful candidate will be an experienced and visionary leader with a deep commitment to research and academic excellence. The department currently has 20 full‑time faculty, about 240 undergraduate and 80 graduate students, and an annual research expenditure of $14 million.

The department seeks a Department Head who will further enhance its position as a leader in research and education. The candidate should possess strong leadership and management abilities, a deep commitment to promoting sponsored research programs, mentoring faculty, broadening engagements with local and national aerospace industries, and maintaining excellence in undergraduate and graduate education.

• Promote a vision and mission for the department in collaboration with faculty, aligning with departmental strengths and the college’s objectives.
• Maintain an equitable and inclusive work environment and support a culture that advances diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Monitor administrative, financial, and space management components.
• Enhance the department’s recognition on national and international stages.
• Oversee curriculum delivery and development and assess educational outcomes.
• Raise extramural funds to support teaching, research, and service.

• Support and promote the teaching, research, and service activities of faculty.
• Lead faculty recruitment efforts and identify current needs and future development areas.
• Facilitate recruitment, promotion, and tenure processes in coordination with college and university offices.

• Serve on the Dean’s Administrative Council with other department heads.
• Report directly to the Dean and work with Associate Deans and other heads to achieve collegiate goals.
• Participate in college, university, and external budget processes.
• Attend and participate in critical institutional activities identified by the Dean.

• Doctorate in Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• Outstanding record in research, teaching, and service commensurate with appointment as a tenured full professor in AEM.

• Ability to create, communicate, and implement a vision for the department’s future.
• Strong leadership, management, and communication abilities.
• Ability to maintain a collaborative and collegial culture.
• Willingness and ability to advocate for departmental needs.
• Interest in encouraging multidisciplinary collaborations.
• Deep commitment to undergraduate and graduate education.
• Ability to work with diverse groups of faculty, staff, students, administrators, alumni, and industry representatives.

AEM is part of the College of Science and Engineering, offering nationally recognized programs. It has 20 faculty and a strong interdisciplinary culture, actively mentoring early‑career faculty. The department grants approximately 85 bachelor’s degrees and supports about 80 graduate students, most of whom are Ph.D. candidates.

Pay Range: $175,000 – $230,000, depending on experience.
Time Appointment Category: 100% appointment.
Position Type: Faculty and P&A staff.

Benefits Package:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs.
• Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• University HSA contributions.
• Disability and employer‑paid life insurance.
• Employee wellbeing program.
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity.
• Financial counseling services.
• Employee Assistance Program with counseling.
• Employee transit pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon completion of a background check. The University presumes prospective employees are eligible to work here; criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists.

The University recognizes and values diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the university, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..