Department Chair, Engineering Fundamentals

Job Description

The Opportunity

The Engineering Fundamentals Department in the College of Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, invites applications and nominations for the position of Department Chair. We seek a collaborative and proactive leader committed to fostering excellence in engineering education through evidence-based instruction and innovative research. The ideal applicant will be able to demonstrate the ability to build consensus, promote an inclusive departmental culture, and advance the Engineering Fundamentals Department's and the College of Engineering's mission and goals.

Department Chair Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic planning for the department.
• Foster and sustain a collaborative and inclusive culture that supports faculty development, teaching innovation, and student success.
• Oversee the academic operations of the department, including curriculum development, scheduling, faculty recruitment, and addressing student experiences and cases to ensure a supportive learning environment.
• Advocate for and establish the infrastructure and support systems needed to promote and sustain research in engineering education
• Work closely with other departments and university leadership to align departmental goals with the College of Engineering’s mission.
• Advocate for the department's needs while ensuring congruence with overall institutional goals.

About the Department
The Engineering Fundamentals Department provides foundational engineering education to all first-year students within the College of Engineering, facilitating a successful transition to university life and laying the groundwork for success in the engineering disciplines within the College of Engineering.

The College of Engineering includes five academic departments: Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering Fundamentals, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, with an enrollment of over 3,300 students across its programs.

The Engineering Fundamentals department is recognized for its innovative, evidence-based teaching and research in engineering education, demonstrating leadership in pedagogy. The department offers foundational courses like Introduction to Engineering, Engineering Graphics, and Computer Programming, while actively promoting initiatives that foster students' sense of belonging, academic success, and overall well-being.

About Embry-Riddle: A Global Leader in Aviation and Aerospace

With vibrant campuses in Daytona Beach, FL and Prescott, AZ, plus a Worldwide network across approximately 120 locations, Embry-Riddle stands as the world’s largest aviation and aerospace university. For over 95 years, we've been pioneering education in STEM fields, serving over 11,600 residential students and 19,200 globally in the 2023-24 academic year with cutting-edge programs in Applied Science, Aviation, Business, Technology, Engineering, Safety, Security, and Space.  

Perks Await You at Embry-Riddle!

• Tuition Coverage: Get 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree, and discounted rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26.  
• Retirement Contributions: ERAU contributes 6% of your base salary to your retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution – with no vesting period.
• Generous Time Off: Relax with 15 days of personal leave in your first year. Enjoy 9+ paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.

Qualifications

Required Education:

• Terminal degree in engineering education, engineering, or related disciplines, with a preference for candidates with expertise in engineering education.

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrate a track record of leadership in academic administration, research, or faculty development.
• Exhibit a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in engineering education.
• Possess excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
• Have a track record of obtaining external funding and publishing scholarly work in engineering education or a related discipline. Meet the qualifications for tenure and appointment at the rank of full professor.

Application process/requirements

Review of applications will begin February 15, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.

To submit your application for this opportunity, please visit the Embry-Riddle Career Site and search for requisition number R309039. Please attach all relevant materials to your application when you apply online. Complete submissions include the following:

• Cover letter detailing leadership experience, academic and administrative qualifications, and alignment with the department’s mission.
• Curriculum Vitae

Selected candidates must secure three professional references as part of the review process. Application materials should be submitted electronically through the Embry-Riddle Careers Website. Questions can be emailed to Dr. James Pembridge, Search Committee Chair, at [email protected].

Current Embry-Riddle employees: Please apply directly through the ERAU Employee Hub Central application within Workday.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University recognizes the value of diversity and is dedicated to fostering a positive climate in which all students, faculty, and staff are encouraged in their professional, social, and intellectual pursuits. Embry-Riddle is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and affirmative action for qualified individuals. The University does not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.