Department Head, Engineering

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is a dynamic, mid‑sized public university redefining higher education. The university offers more than 70 academic programs, including certificates, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. It is committed to building a diverse community and providing transformative, hands‑on learning experiences for students of all backgrounds. Location Fort Smith, Arkansas – Nestled along the Arkansas River, the city offers history, culture, and natural beauty. The university’s campus provides an ideal setting for academic and professional growth. Chair – 12‑month Faculty/Administration Position This 12‑month position is both faculty and administration. Administrative responsibilities include leading and managing full‑time and part‑time engineering and industry faculty, facilitating class scheduling, coordinating assessment and accreditation of programs, and engaging with advisory boards and the manufacturing community. Faculty responsibilities include teaching 15 hours of undergraduate engineering courses annually, maintaining an active research agenda, and sustaining interaction with the engineering profession. Other duties involve collaboration across departments, assessment of instruction, career advising, recruitment, retention, and participation in college and university committees. The position reports to the dean of the College of Business and Industry. Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities Develop, implement, and assess effectiveness of curriculum. Provide classroom instruction and career advising. Coordinate recruiting, hiring, and retention of qualified faculty and staff. Complete annual faculty evaluations. Manage departmental meetings, course scheduling, faculty workload adjustments, and textbook adoption approvals. Manage departmental budget, faculty travel, purchases of departmental materials, and other expenses. Assess and monitor departmental equipment, lab, and safety needs. Work collaboratively with academic advising team in assessing and monitoring student progression and completion. Maintain scholarly activity and/or professional development sufficient for faculty appointment. Engage with advisory boards. Other Job Duties and Responsibilities Manage program assessment and accreditation activities. Participate in and support departmental fundraising efforts as needed. Support student recruitment, retention, and yield activities. Participate in service at the department, college, university, community, and/or professional levels as appropriate. Attend and participate in all faculty and administrative meetings, Student Research Symposium, commencement ceremonies, and other meetings/events as required. Qualifications Required Education and/or Work Experience: Ph.D. in Engineering from an accredited institution and four years of teaching or industry experience. Preferred Education and/or Work Experience: Record of professional accomplishments and scholarship that meets the qualifications for appointment to the rank of associate professor or professor; leadership experience, professional experience as an engineer in an advanced manufacturing setting; experience in developing and implementing new curriculum; experience with student recruitment and/or advising. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to effectively lead and work with a diverse body of students, faculty, and staff. Commitment to excellence in teaching, including the utilization of technology. Maintenance of an active applied research agenda. Willingness to engage with external stakeholders. Well‑developed communication and teamwork skills. Strong organization and prioritization skills. Additional Information Working Relationships: Student, Faculty, Administration, Staff, and External Stakeholders. List Employees Supervised: Engineering and industry faculty and staff. Special Job Dimensions: Work performed primarily in an office/classroom setting. Occasional travel and extended hours required. Requires walking, standing, and sitting for extended periods; visual demands include close, detailed vision when focusing on a computer screen; occasional lifting of items up to 10 pounds. Routine work schedule Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with occasional overtime and travel. Background Check Requirements: Criminal Background Check and Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) Check. Salary Information: Minimum salary of $125,000. Final salary and faculty rank commensurate with education and experience. Required Documents to Apply: Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Curriculum Vitae, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Unofficial/Official Transcript(s). Recruitment Contact Information: HR – View phone number on click.appcast.io. Pre-employment Screening Requirements: Criminal Background Check; this position may also be subject to a sex offender registry check, financial history background check, and/or drug screening. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law. The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its educational programs or activities (including admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about Title IX may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. #J-18808-Ljbffr