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Director of the Department of Engineering
- Access Dubuque (Dubuque, IA)
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Director of the Department of Engineering
University of Dubuque
1 Positions
ID: YkdOQ3N6ZURweXdRY2RG
Posted On 10/31/2025
Job Overview
The University of Dubuque is a growing faith-based University that is seeking a **Director of the Department of Engineering** .
Position Summary:
The Director will play a central role in launching the University's new undergraduate Engineering program, a strategic initiative to enhance the connection of UD to the regional economic and civic communities. This role offers a unique, career-defining opportunity to design, develop, and implement the entire engineering curriculum from the ground up.
The Engineering program will be housed in the new Chlapaty Center for Innovation, a state-of-the-art, 75,000-square-foot building complex that is scheduled to open in the fall of 2027. The facility will serve as an interdisciplinary learning hub for university students, supporting student learning and the development of their creative ideas. This space - designed to encourage interdisciplinary, hands-on, experiential learning - will benefit a variety of disciplines (e.g., engineering, health and medical sciences, business, communications, fine arts, digital art and design, computer science, and aviation). It will include engineering laboratories, collaborative makerspaces, innovation arenas, and flexible learning environments that place the student at the center of the learning experience where they will "learn by doing."
A critical responsibility will be the planning, specification, and outfitting of the dedicated engineering labs, collaborative makerspaces, and innovation arenas within this interdisciplinary hub, ensuring a modern, hands-on, experiential learning environment for students across campus and across the tri-state community.
The Director will drive the program through the final stages of internal and external approvals, with the goal of launching a general engineering degree (with tracks in mechanical, electrical, software, and civil) in the fall of 2027. This position requires an entrepreneurial leader eager to shape the future of engineering education at UD and serve as a catalyst for innovation in the tri-state area.
Primary Responsibilities:
+ Design, develop, and implement the curriculum for the new undergraduate Engineering program, including developing all initial course offerings
+ Visionary and entrepreneurial leadership skills with a proven track record of bringing projects from concept to completion
+ Ability to develop, launch, and manage a new academic program
+ Substantive experience in planning, equipping, and managing complex technical or engineering laboratory spaces
+ Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear instruction, documentation, and interaction with students, staff, and external partners
+ Commitment to student-centered, hands-on, and interdisciplinary experiential learning
+ Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse university community and external stakeholders
+ Lead the program through the necessary faculty and external accreditation (ABET) processes
+ Plan, specify, and oversee the outfitting and equipping of all Engineering program laboratories, collaborative makerspaces, and flexible learning environments within the new Chlapaty Center for Innovation
+ Recruit, mentor, and supervise faculty and staff as the program expands
+ Teach courses within the Engineering discipline
+ Manage the program budget, including equipment and resource allocation
+ Develop and maintain strong working relationships with industry and community partners for student internships, capstone projects, and career placement. Engage the stakeholders in the region and help position the University of Dubuque as a knowledge enterprise in the tri-state area
+ Serve as the Engineering program's primary advocate, representative, and active recruiter of prospective students
+ Assist fundraising efforts for the program by soliciting financial support through grant writing, private foundations, and other funding sources available through community stakeholders
+ Perform other duties as assigned in support of the University's _Mission_
Skills and Abilities:
+ Visionary and entrepreneurial leadership skills with a proven track record of bringing projects from concept to completion
+ Ability to develop, launch, and manage a new academic program
+ Substantive experience in planning, equipping, and managing complex technical or engineering laboratory spaces
+ Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear instruction, documentation, and interaction with students, staff, and external partners
+ Commitment to student-centered, hands-on, and interdisciplinary experiential learning
+ Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse university community and external stakeholders
Qualifications:
+ Ph.D. in Engineering or a closely related field is required
+ Prior experience in higher education, preferably in a program leadership or administrative role (e.g., Program Director, Department Head)
+ Record of teaching excellence and scholarly activity commensurate with an appointment at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor rank
+ Professional Engineering (PE) licensure is highly desirable
The position is open until filled, but an early start date is welcomed. We anticipate the successful candidate starting on or before June 1, 2026.
To apply with a growing faith-based University for the **Director of the Department of Engineering** position, please submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and UD employment application, located on our website, to [email protected] or to the Director of Human Resources, at the University of Dubuque, 2000 University Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001.
Affirmation Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For more information regarding the Jeanne Clery Act, please go to https://www.dbq.edu/SafetySecurity/JeanneCleryAct/
Primary Contact
12298
Human Resources -University of Dubuque
, HR
563-589-3364
Phone
Phone
Phone
563-589-3682
Fax
Email
True
True
True
Job Details
Categories
Architecture/Engineering/Drafting
Arts and Entertainment
Education
Location
Dubuque, IA
Job Type
Employee
Full/Part
Company ID
1313
Job REQ #
YkdOQ3N6ZURweXdRY2RGQkI1eHQwSWdqOVZaK0FCajF3UjJKYXJaaDRKS3pndU9jT1haVzdtZmZlWmVwREZOMg==
\# Positions
1
Start Date
20251031
End Date
20251201
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University of Dubuque
About the Company
About the University of Dubuque
The University of Dubuque is a private, Presbyterian, coeducational, professional university with a foundation in the liberal arts. Our commitment is to nurturing the mind, body, and spirit as well as encouraging students to explore their fullest potential, is part of a rich Christian identity that dates back to the University's founding in 1852. Our welcoming interfaith community of 2000 students attracts young men and women from across the country and around the globe who seek the knowledge and the skills to make a difference in our ever-changing world. Within a values and faith base, we offer you an array of perspectives and broad exposure to our truly global society. The University comprises the undergraduate college, the graduate school, and the theological seminary.
Mission and Vision
The University of Dubuque is a private university offering undergraduate, graduate, and theological seminary degrees, and other educational opportunities with the intention of educating and forming the whole person. The University is comprised of individuals from the region, our nation, and the world.
As a community, the University practices its Christian commitments by educating students, pursuing excellence in scholarship, challenging students to live lives of worth and purpose, and preparing students for service to the church and the world.
Therefore, the University of Dubuque is committed to:
+ A hospitable Christian environment which respects other faith traditions;
+ Relationships which encourage intellectual, spiritual, and moral development;
+ Excellence in academic inquiry and professional preparation;
+ A diverse and equitable community where Christian love is practiced;
+ Stewardship of all God’s human and natural resources;
+ Zeal for life-long learning and service.
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