Department Head; Faculty Rank

The Department of Aerospace Engineering & Mechanics (AEM) at the University of Minnesota seeks applicants for the position of Department Head.

The successful candidate should be an experienced and visionary leader with a deep commitment to both research and academic excellence to serve as the next Department Head. The department currently has 20 full-time faculty members with approximately 240 undergraduate and 80 graduate students. The department maintains a vigorous and diverse research portfolio with an annual research expenditure of $14M.

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

This candidate will be able to work with diverse groups of faculty, staff, students, administrators, alumni, and industry representatives.

The head of the department reports directly to the Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, Andrew G. Alleyne. One term is nominally 5 years with the possibility of renewal. The College is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community and who will build collaborative ties with other departments within the College and the University.

• In collaboration with department faculty, promote a vision and mission for the department consistent with current and future needs, strengths and talents of departmental personnel and with the vision and mission of the College and University
• Maintain an equitable and inclusive work environment for Aerospace Engineering & Mechanics faculty and staff and support a culture that advances diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Monitor the administrative, financial, and space management components of the department
• Enhance recognition of the department on national and international stages
• Together with departmental faculty, oversee curriculum delivery and development and assess educational outcomes
• Raise extramural funds in support of the department’s missions of teaching, research, and service

• Support and promote the teaching, research, and service activities of the department’s faculty members
• Lead faculty recruitment efforts and, in conjunction with departmental faculty, identify areas of current need and future development for the department
• In conjunction with college and university offices, facilitate and oversee processes related to recruitment, promotion, and tenure

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

• Doctorate in Aerospace Engineering or related field
• An outstanding record in research, teaching, and service commensurate with appointment as a tenured full professor in the Aerospace Engineering & Mechanics Department at University of Minnesota

• Ability to create, communicate, and implement, in collaboration with department faculty, a vision for the department’s future that builds upon and accentuates the department’s strengths
• Strong leadership, management, and communication abilities
• Ability to maintain and nurture the department’s culture of collaboration and collegiality
• A willingness and ability to advocate for the needs of the department
• Interest in encouraging and supporting multi-disciplinary collaborations
• Deep commitment to undergraduate and graduate education
• Ability to work with diverse groups of faculty, staff,…