Chair of the Engineering Department

Job description

Chair of the Engineering Department

Review of applications will begin on August 20 and will continue until the position is filled.

Posting Details

Internal Title - Chair of the Engineering Department

Position Type - Tenure-track

School/Area - School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics

Department - Engineering

Position Description - The School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics (SECM) at the College of Charleston invites applications for a tenured position as Chair of the Department of Engineering at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor, with an anticipated start date of January 2026. Appointment rank and tenure status will be based on the candidate's qualifications and experience. The successful candidate will provide visionary leadership to guide the department's continued growth in academic programs, student enrollment, and national reputation. Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, high-quality teaching, and maintaining an active, productive research agenda. Established in 2023, the Department of Engineering currently offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering and Systems Engineering. A new interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Integrated Engineering and Business is in development, and a Biomedical Engineering program is currently in the early planning stages. This position presents a unique opportunity for an innovative leader to shape a young and evolving department during an exciting period of strategic expansion. SECM offers a friendly, dynamic, and collaborative environment, with ample opportunities for interdisciplinary partnerships across the university's ten schools, including the Schools of Business, Education, Natural & Environmental Sciences, and the newly formed School of Health Sciences. The university is located just blocks from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), providing opportunities for collaboration in medical and health-related education and research. Additionally, South Carolina is home to a growing industrial base, including leading manufacturers and a vibrant medical device and healthcare industry.

Major Responsibilities

Provide effective, cohesive, and collaborative leadership for a multi-disciplinary department, prioritizing strategies for student success and academic distinction

Develop strategic vision and planning for the department, supporting the university's goal to become a transformative national university that redefines liberal arts education through innovation

Develop and maintain the enrollment and student success goals for each program

Develop and oversee the department budget

Manage course schedules and instructor assignments

Foster professional growth and development of faculty and staff members within the department

Oversee curriculum development and revisions for the department

Assess academic programs offered by the department, ensuring the academic quality and rigor of the programs are maintained and continuously improved

Attain and maintain professional accreditation where appropriate

Foster cooperative and collaborative relationships and activities with other departments and units in the university

Create and maintain collaborations with industry and other external partners

Oversee an effective industrial advisory board

Required Qualifications

Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent in engineering. Priority will be given to candidates with expertise in systems engineering, mechanical engineering, robotics, mechatronics, or a related field.

Candidates must be eligible for appointment with tenure at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor.

A strong commitment to undergraduate education.

A record of scholarship commensurate with rank sought.

At least 7 years of experience in an academic setting.

Prior experience in academic leadership roles, such as department chair or director of a program.

Knowledge and appreciation of a variety of engineering disciplines, as well as disciplines across the academy.

Experience with ABET accreditation.

Curriculum and lab development experience.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Interdisciplinary experience inside and outside of engineering disciplines.

Program development experience.

Experience working with industry and external partners.

Application Instructions

Qualified candidates should submit their application package at the College of Charleston, including:

Letter of application addressing your fit with the position and the College of Charleston

Curriculum vitae

Statements of teaching, research, and leadership philosophies

Names and contact information for three references

For more information, contact Dr. Tom Kunkle, Chair of the Search Committee, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics, 66 George Street, Charleston, SC , Email:

About the College of Charleston and the School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics

Founded in 1770, the College of Charleston is a public university grounded in the principles of the liberal arts and committed to developing intellectually versatile and globally fluent citizens who create innovative solutions to social, economic, and technological challenges. A primarily undergraduate institution with strong graduate degree programs, the university prides itself on excellence in education. The university enrolls over 10,000 undergraduate and 1000 graduate students. In its 2025 edition, U.S. News & World Report ranks the College as the No. 4 top public university in the south, the No. 5 ranked college for veterans among southern institutions, the No. 9 most innovative school in the region, and the No. 3 best college for undergraduate teaching in the south and a best value regional college. The College is in the heart of beautiful Charleston. Visit the College's website at Visit the School's website at

Worksite address

charleston, SC, 29408, US

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.