Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology (ECET)

DEPARTMENT CHAIR
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Rochester Institute of Technology invites applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology (ECET). RIT seeks a dynamic, visionary leader who fosters innovation and collaboration in a shared governance environment to lead its vibrant educational, research, and service activities while ensuring efficient operations of administrative functions. Preferred candidates will have academic preparation and professional experience enabling them to support and grow the department's undergraduate and graduate programs both within RIT and in industry along with a documented record of teaching, research/scholarship, and service experience commensurate with the qualifications for tenure at the academic rank of full professor.

POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Dean of the College of Engineering Technology (CET) and interacting with leadership of other units on campus, the department chair serves as the principal representative of the ECET department with authority and responsibility for administrative decisions. The department chair is responsible for leading a growing department to support the academic missions of the university including developing new programs, strengthening existing programs, expanding the research profile of the department, growing collaborative relationships, student recruitment and retention initiatives, and nurturing programs and departmental faculty activity. The department chair leads the department faculty and staff with excellent strategic, organizational and communication skills capable of garnering support for a common vision. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence and collaborative leadership; expand faculty and student scholarship; and strengthen innovation and excellence in educational programming.

The department chair also oversees the department budget, coordinates teaching assignments, evaluates and mentors department faculty and staff, and ensures student engagement and success. The ideal department chair candidate will have a strong record of research and academic accomplishments, teaching excellence, and record of service commensurate with the rank of full professor. The department chair is expected to provide strategic vision and leadership to the academic department, including management of the academic program and research labs, continued development of faculty to expand rigorous research, educational, and interdisciplinary programs, and implement student success programs. This position is an 11-month academic
tenured appointment with administrative, teaching, research, and service responsibilities. The department chair will have dedicated time for administrative, educational, strategic and research initiatives. The successful candidate will have the ability and interest to contribute to a vibrant community committed to student success; professional development and scholarship; integrity and ethics; respect for RIT's core values; innovation and flexibility; teamwork and collaboration.

Follow the links to understand RIT's core values and honor code.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establishing and maintaining a welcoming, collaborative, engaging, creative, and productive work and learning environment based on continuous improvement and the vision, mission, goals and values of the university, college and the department
• Providing facilitative leadership to the department in all teaching, research, development, and outreach programs
• Providing strong, transparent, and regular communication to convey outstanding academic and scholarly vision, organizational management, mentorship, guidance, and fiscal prudence for the success of the department
• Promoting excellence in teaching, with a commitment to high quality, student-centered teaching, career oriented programs, and advanced education programs, with a balance between undergraduate and graduate programming
• Actively engaging in the recruitment of new faculty to support the growth and advancement of the department and the programs
• Creating a vision to promote scholarly initiatives and facilitating internal and external research and scholarly collaborations
• Collaborating with faculty, academic partners, industry, and alumni to identify existing and emerging global opportunities and developing strategic short- and long-term plans for the department's enhancement
• Providing leadership for world-class lab development, including nurturing industry relationships that may result in equipment and software donations
• Establishing strong relationships with regional and national industry associations and partners related to the areas of ECET
• Maintaining active and vibrant ECET Industry Advisory Boards (IAB)
• Implementing CET and RIT policies and strategic plan initiatives including but not limited to enrollment, persistence, on-time graduation, and inclusive excellence goals
• Developing and implementing outstanding student recruitment and retention strategies, identifying appropriate feeder channels and nurturing ongoing student admissions both at the undergraduate and graduate levels
• Recruiting, developing and retaining outstanding faculty and staff, assigning responsibilities, evaluating performance, and promoting faculty and staff development

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
RESEARCH ADVANCEMENT
The department chair supports the pursuit and advancement of world-class interdisciplinary research by assisting principal investigators and other faculty in efforts to secure grant funding. The chair enhances the undergraduate and graduate programs of the department and makes necessary changes to ensure excellence of graduate training and research in the college.

FISCAL OVERSIGHT AND COMPLIANCE
The department chair leads the financing and budgeting processes for the department, incorporating views on financial decisions into consideration while effectively managing and leveraging allocated resources ensuring that applicable policy, procedures, regulations, and laws are followed.

PHILANTHROPY
The department chair works with fellow institutional leaders to facilitate advancement programs and presents the department and college's case for major financial support from potential donors.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Earned Ph.D. in a field of engineering/engineering technology, or related field; or an earned doctorate in STEM education with a master's degree in engineering/engineering technology, or related field
• Approximately ten years of professional experience related to engineering/engineering technology/STEM education teaching and scholarly pursuits
• Demonstrated track record of sustained scholarly activity through publications and funded research which is aligned with and enhances the department and college's research interests
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching and/or training in the department's fields of expertise
• Demonstrated administrative and management experience leading and managing an organizational unit including budget oversight, and human resource problem-solving
• Experience with management of personnel-related activities, such as recruitment, new hire recommendations, and performance evaluations, and overseeing departmental financial processes
• Demonstrated relevant industry involvement such as association leadership, standards committees, and/or conference participation

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Democratic and collaborative style of leadership; someone who leads with high levels of transparency and strong listening ability; the candidate can foster a culture of inclusion and belonging for faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners
• Distinguished record as a scholar commensurate with an appointment at the rank of full professor
• Demonstrated commitment to student centeredness and optimization of student learning reflected by active and visible engagement in student activities, initiatives, and programs
• Previous higher education administrative experience as a leader/chair of an academic department and/or academic program
• Ability to represent and advocate for the department within the school and university, and to external partners
• Demonstrated record of success in recruiting and developing high-caliber faculty
• Appreciation of new teaching methods and educational technology
• Ability to mentor early career faculty, especially those who are under-represented minorities (especially in supporting career faculty to succeed in promotion and tenure)
• Experience recruiting, retaining, and graduating students (undergraduate, and graduate levels)
• Ability to lead the department toward enhanced sponsored research

ABOUT THE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY AND DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
The College of Engineering Technology (CET) is home to nine undergraduate and six graduate programs. It is one of RIT's nine colleges and enrolls approximately 12% percent of the university's students. CET prides itself on its constant evolution, innovation, and global outreach via online learning, corporate education, and international programs. CET is known throughout the RIT, national, and international communities as an excellent choice for an education that embraces the integration of "hands-on-minds-on learning" and application-based instruction grounded in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) (www.rit.edu/cet). CET supports all students in an inclusive learning environment and welcomes a student body where first generation and AALANA (African American, Latin American and Native American) represent greater than 20% of our undergraduate population.

More information on the College of Engineering Technology may be found here: www.rit.edu/cet.

The Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology (ECET) department's student focused faculty engage students in a blend of project-based and research-oriented educational activities in one master of science degree and two bachelor of science degree programs. ECET's 400 full-time students benefit from the department's flexible and innovative instructional delivery that features world-class laboratories, cross-disciplinary education, collaborative activities, and a year of industrial experience through a required cooperative education program. The ECET department features state-of-the-art laboratories in photonics and fiber optics, wireless communications, next generation telecom network development, applied acoustics and audio, smart and autonomous applications, embedded systems, electronics, and power and energy.

More information on the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology may be found here: www.rit.edu/ecet.

ABOUT ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Founded in 1829, RIT is a collaborative community of engaged, socially conscious, and intellectually curious minds. Through creativity and innovation, and an intentional blending of technology, the arts and design, RIT provides exceptional individuals with a wide range of academic opportunities, including a leading research program and an internationally recognized education for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The university provides unparalleled access and support services for more than 900 deaf and hard-of-hearing students who live, study, and work with hearing students on the RIT campus.

Beyond the main campus in Rochester, New York, RIT has international campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo. RIT has more than 19,000 students and more than 135,000 graduates from 50 states and more than 100 nations. RIT has more than 17,000 students enrolled on the main campus, including about 2,000 international students. With an additional 4,000 students enrolled at RIT's global campuses, RIT is driving progress in industries and communities around the world.

RIT is internationally recognized and ranked for academic leadership in business, computing, engineering, imaging science, liberal arts, sustainability, and fine and applied arts. In 2019, RIT moved into the high research activity institution or R2 category under the updated Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning, ranking it among the top six percent of colleges and universities in the nation for research activity.

Excelling in research and teaching, faculty are passionate about their disciplines and their role in both the lab and the classroom. They are innovative and resourceful. They engage students in the process of discovery and the contribution of new knowledge to their fields. Enthusiasm and commitment to teaching are undeniable characteristics of RIT's faculty. From graphic artists and engineers to scientists and management specialists, they spark curiosity, challenge students to grow, and inspire them to achieve their dreams.

More information may be found here: www.RIT.edu.

ABOUT ROCHESTER, NEW YORK
Rochester combines small-town accessibility with big-city services. Amidst some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States, residents enjoy a housing market known for great bargains, short commute times, world-class cultural and entertainment offerings and a fast-growing innovation economy poised to thrive in the 21st century.

A GREAT PLACE TO WORK
Rochester's economy benefits from many advantages, including an ample supply of fresh water from Lake Ontario and the pristine Finger Lakes, a central location among the population centers of the Northeastern United States and the innovative foundations laid by such firms as Kodak, Xerox and Bausch and Lomb. A host of colleges and universities, including Rochester Institute of Technology, produce an educated workforce and generate cutting-edge research that drives the city's innovation and technology sectors. Rochester is emerging as the imaging, optics and photonics capital of the world. Other growing industries include food-and-beverage manufacturing, biotechnology and green innovation.

A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE
A unique blend of natural and man-made resources and amenities give Rochester a quality of life that is second to none. Straddling the Genesee River between the Erie Canal and Lake Ontario, Rochester offers a natural beauty that is easily accessible by a network of parks, trails, boat launches and scenic overlooks. The city is divided into dozens of distinct neighborhoods and urban villages supported by an eclectic mix of stores and restaurants. Quality housing available at reasonable prices, well-paying jobs and a transportation system that minimizes traffic congestion combined with a wide variety of cultural institutions and entertainment options to make Rochester an easy place to enjoy a comfortable work-life balance. The city's central location in Western New York provides residents a short drive to such destinations as the Niagara Falls, the Finger Lakes region and the Adirondack Mountains. Big cities, including New York, Toronto and Boston are also within a day's drive.

A GREAT PLACE TO VISIT
Rochester offers a host of attractions and events for just about every interest and pastime, including classical music, professional sports and music and arts festivals. The city's rich history as a center for civil rights and social justice remains an important element of Rochester's legacy and continues to draw visitors to such places as the Mount Hope Cemetery, the final resting place of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre hosts the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and the headline acts during the annual Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival. The Strong National Museum of PlayLilac Festival harkens Rochester's early history as the Flower City. Rochester is also home to many professional minor-league sports teams including the Americans (ice hockey) and Red Wings (baseball).

More information may be found here: City of Rochester; Visit Rochester.

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY
Applications and nominations will be accepted until the position is filled. Confidential review of materials
and screening of candidates will begin immediately. Harris Search Associates is assisting RIT for this
search. Applications should include a letter of interest and curriculum vitae. Please send application
materials to one of the emails below or contact for further search details.

Jeffrey Harris, Managing Partner | O: 614-798-8500 | M: 614-354-2100 | jeff@HarrisSearch.com
Peter Rosenthal, Senior Consultant | O: 614-798-8500 | M: 585-406-4199 | peter@HarrisSearch.com

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

SALARY RANGE OR PAY GRADE (Employer Provided)
Estimated target compensation of $125,000-$170,000

In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above.

Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check.

Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request to hr@rit.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

When inquiring or applying for positions at the Rochester Institute of Technology, please also reference AcademicCareers.com

Applicants with dual-career considerations can find university jobs such as professor jobs, dean jobs, chair / department head jobs, and other faculty jobs and professional and administrative staff employment opportunities at the Rochester Institute of Technology and at other institutions of higher education in the region on www.AcademicCareers.com

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