Apply now Job no: 527682
Work type: Regular Full-time (Benefits eligible)
Location: Tuscaloosa
Categories: Faculty Administrative Positions
Department
College of Engineering Dean's Office
Position Summary
The University of Alabama invites applications for the position of Executive Director of the UA College of Engineering's Engineering Management Program. This is a leadership role within the UA College of Engineering that will be responsible for developing, supporting, teaching within, and evolving educational activities and degree programs for undergraduate and graduate students in the UA College of Engineering related to a range of related topical areas including engineering management, project management, and product management
Detailed Position Information
The College of Engineering (CoE: ) at The University of Alabama (UA: ) invites applications for the position of Executive Director of the UA College of Engineering's Engineering Management Program. This is a leadership role within the UA College of Engineering that will be responsible for developing, supporting, teaching within, and evolving educational activities and degree programs for undergraduate and graduate students in the UA College of Engineering related to a range of related topical areas including engineering management, project management, and product management.
This position will work closely with the Dean of the UA College of Engineering and other stakeholders to develop and execute strategies to facilitate student learning and skill building with respect to engineering program and product management through the creation of innovative educational programs and activities.
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in engineering or computer science and in project and/or product management. The near term goals of the Executive Director will be to develop coursework and programming for students to allow them to complete an engineering project and/or product management educational experience while a student at UA at one of three levels: (1) a lean and streamlined course-based experience that can be taken by undergraduate and graduate students as an elective concentration through as few as three courses (e.g. typically nine credit hours of formal coursework), (2) a certificate/minor program involving more in-depth coursework and experiential learning experience in engineering management, and (3) a Masters level degree program in Engineering Project Management. In addition, the Executive Director in the near term will also be expected to develop distance/remote learning options for these types of programs and trainings to allow working professionals to also obtain education, certifications, and degrees through the program.
Responsibilities of the position will include:
• Lead the planning, design, and implementation of new coursework, training and credentialing programs, and degree programs in Engineering Program Management, Engineering Product Management, and Engineering Management.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and industry partners to develop curricula that align with national best practices and workforce needs.
• Recruit, mentor, and supervise faculty, staff, and industry partners to support the delivery of these programs.
• Oversee academic operations of the programs including curriculum development, course scheduling, student advising, program assessment, and accreditation activities.
• Build partnerships with industry, government, and alumni to enhance program relevance, experiential learning opportunities, and career placement for students.
• Collaborate with other academic units at The University of Alabama to identify opportunities for interdisciplinary programming.
• Manage program budgets, resources, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Serve as the public face of the programs, representing them to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Continuously assess and improve program quality, outcomes, and national visibility.
The Executive Director of the Engineering Management Program will be a key member of the College of Engineering team, contributing to the college's mission of preparing students for leadership roles in a rapidly changing world. They will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the College and its students, faculty, and staff, while working in a dynamic and innovative environment.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a closely related field combined with a Master's degree in engineering, computer science, engineering management, business administration, or a closely related field.
- Significant professional experience in engineering management, program management, or product management.
- Demonstrated leadership experience in academic, industry, or government settings.
- Knowledge of industry trends and best practices in areas related to engineering management.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
- Strong communication, organizational, and project management skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
- Doctoral degree in engineering, engineering management, business administration, or a related discipline.
- Academic experience including teaching, curriculum development, and program assessment.
- Experience in building or leading new academic programs.
- Strong record of engagement with industry and professional organizations.
- Proven ability to secure external funding, partnerships, or grants to support academic programs.
- Experience with ABET accreditation or similar program evaluation frameworks.
Instructions and Required Materials for Application
Applicants should include: (1) a cover letter including a statement explaining their background and experience with respect to engineering entrepreneurship, and in particular with respect to university level programs and educational activities focused on engineering entrepreneurship, and how that experience and background has prepared them to lead the development of such a program here at UA, (2) a full curriculum vitae (CV), and (3) a list of the names of at least four professional references including email and phone contact information for each reference.
Review of applications will begin immediately. Applications are preferred on or before October 20, 2025 to receive fullest consideration, but the search will continue until the positions are filled. A position start date of August 16, 2026 would be typical, but flexibility with respect to start date is possible.
About the College of Engineering
As the premier flagship university for the state of Alabama and as one of the first five universities in the nation to offer engineering instruction, The University of Alabama (UA) has more than 175 years of proud engineering history. UA's College of Engineering is committed to conducting cutting-edge research that advances the frontiers of science and engineering, translating such fundamental advancements and knowledge through applied research and technology commercialization into impactful solutions which improve the human condition and address the challenges facing humankind, and using that immersive research environment to provide unparalleled educational experiences and opportunities for our students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. As a College, we pride ourselves on educating and preparing the next generation of engineering and computer science scholars and professionals who will positively shape the future around us. Through our educational, research, and service activities that support our overall vision to be one of the most impactful engineering programs in the nation, our College continues to provide leadership in the many professional disciplines represented by our College and to the community, state, and nation as we advance our professions, the economy, and the lives of all those whom we serve.
The UA College of Engineering is comprised of seven departments: Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Metallurgical and Materials Engineering. These departments currently deliver 13 different undergraduate and 15 different graduate degree programs. Overall, the College enrolls approximately 6,000 students, making it one of the largest colleges out of the more than 40,000 students on UA's campus.
While the university has been on a constant mission to advance in every aspect of its operations since its inception, UA has in particular seen transformative growth in its research enterprise and impact over the past decade. Through the efforts of The University, UA Office of Research and Economic Development (ORED), College of Engineering and its' centers, departments, and faculty, UA's research enterprise has surged dramatically higher in the last five to ten years. This recent and continuing steep growth rate of research has positioned UA as one of the fastest growing research institutions in the nation. More specifically, the UA College of Engineering has seen annual research awards and expenditures grow at an average of more than 25% per year for more than the last 5 years, now surpassing $100 million annually in new research awards. By more than doubling research over the past 5 to 7 years . click apply for full job details