Founding Director and Associate Professor/Professor of Applied Computing

Roosevelt University

College of Science, Health, and Pharmacy

Founding Director and Associate Professor/Professor of Applied Computing

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Roosevelt University (RU) in its search for an Associate Professor/Professor of Computer Science and Founding Director of Applied Computing, College of Science, Health, and Pharmacy.

For full consideration, please apply by April 11, 2025.

Roosevelt University (RU) invites applications for the position of Founding Director of Applied Computing, an exceptional opportunity for an established academic leader to launch and shape a pioneering department at a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution, nationally recognized for its dedication to advancing STEM education. This role is ideal for a visionary scholar-practitioner eager to design cutting-edge programs, recruit top faculty, and position Roosevelt University as a leader in interdisciplinary computing education.

With a student body that includes 42% first-generation students and a strong commitment to serving underrepresented populations in STEM, RU is ranked among the Top 20 Best Colleges for Women in STEM. The university seeks a leader who will build a forward-thinking, student-centered program that prepares graduates for the evolving landscape of computing and technology.

The Founding Director will develop and launch a new Department of Applied Computing, including an M.S. and the university's first Ph.D. in Computational Science. They will shape faculty recruitment, program accreditation, research initiatives, and curriculum development, creating a vertically integrated research ecosystem that supports students from entry through doctoral completion.

The successful candidate will be an integral part of RU's growth and innovation under its "Producing Research and Innovation through a Mentoring Ecosystem" (RU PRIME) initiative as funded by the U.S. Department of Education under a highly selective, multi-year grant award. RU PRIME reflects the university's commitment to invest in a set of self-sustained and integrated graduate degree programs supporting underrepresented STEM students from entry into RU through graduation. This role requires a dynamic leader who can foster a student-centered environment while ensuring the RU PRIME initiative's goals are met and sustained.

This position reports to the Chair of the Computer Science Department and is a 12-month, full-time exempt faculty position with occasional evening and weekend work required. The primary location for this position will be at the Schaumburg campus. Due to the nature of the funding for this position, sponsorship will not be possible.

This is an on-campus role. However, the College offers a flexible schedule during the summer months.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Program Development and Departmental Leadership (50%):
  • Build a new department, including recruiting and hiring new faculty and provide mentoring to support faculty success in teaching, research, and service
  • Engage market and trends data to create, and guide through internal governance and accreditation, new technological degree programs - e.g., M.S. Data Science
  • Develop cohorted 30-hour degree paths for both MS programs using existing catalog offerings and additional new courses
  • Create and manage course schedules to be student-centric in flexibility and convenience
  • Deploy universal design, Quality Matters (or similar), and experiential learning solutions to continually improve curricula
  • Teach a reduced course load of core and/or elective courses in Applied Computing/Data Science each year
• Research and faculty mentorship (25%):
  • Continue an active agenda of research that will broaden the discipline and reflect the future of the field
  • Continue to seek and acquire external funding
  • Guide and mentor junior faculty in the development of active, grant-funded research agendas
  • Guide and mentor graduate students who are candidates for advanced degrees
  • Direct student research towards advanced degrees
• Program Administration (25%):
  • Serve as part of the Schaumburg Campus leadership team by being an active participant in campus events as well as in the broader academic, business, and governmental communities
  • Lead recruitment, hiring and development of college faculty (full-time and adjunct) and staff
  • Promote excellence in recruiting and retaining faculty and staff with diverse experiences
  • Build, mentor, and empower a faculty body of full-time and adjunct instructors, both nearby Chicagoland and potentially operating remotely
  • Collaborate with Roosevelt University's Student Success and Student Affairs teams toward continually improving support, retention, graduation rate, and professional prospects for RU students
  • Collaborate with Enrollment and Marketing team toward growing both domestic and international student bodies for the specified degree programs
  • Manage program budget, monitoring and assuring alignment of expenditures with college and university strategic plan, as well as fiscal responsibility and accountability
  • Work with admissions staff in marketing and recruitment of students
  • Meet with admissions staff as needed to explain programs and career opportunities related to those programs

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated experience in program development, faculty mentoring, and academic leadership at a senior level
• Excellent communication skills and outstanding teaching experience
• Comprehensive technical knowledge in applied computing
• Strong publication history supported by external funding, reflecting a high level of research productivity and impact
• Demonstrated record of creating a climate of support and respect for all students and colleagues
• Ability to reflect the innovation and entrepreneurship incumbent to STEM fields, especially those with a technological bent, that can evolve current degree programs and update current programs to reflect technological innovations including AI
• Understanding of how a backward-mapped pedagogical approach creates a positive learning experience
• Experience with the design and implementation of curriculum and assessment, through relevant college service, or as course instructor

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• D. in computer science or related field
• At least seven years' experience in academia, including at least five years in academic leadership role(s), such as department chair or other relevant academic leadership experience
• Eligible for appointment at rank of associate or full professor based on a strong record of effective instruction and high-quality scholarship

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Five years of experience serving students and understanding and fulfilling their sometimes unique academic and complementary needs and aims
• Prior service and mentorship of doctoral candidates' research
• Earned accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, or another regional accreditor, for new, graduate degree programs
• Demonstrated excitement and intrigue for the innovative fields within the technology and be eager to dream, create, and develop best practices focused on students' academic endeavors

About the Institution

Roosevelt University is a private university located in the heart of Chicago, Illinois, known for its commitment to academic excellence and social justice. Founded in 1945, Roosevelt was established to provide equitable access to quality education for students of all backgrounds. The university's mission continues to emphasize community engagement, and academic innovation, making it a standout institution in the Midwest. With a student body representing over 40 countries, Roosevelt offers a truly global campus environment.

Roosevelt University has two campuses: the main campus in downtown Chicago and a suburban campus in Schaumburg, Illinois. The Chicago campus is located in the bustling Loop, offering students access to cultural, professional, and networking opportunities, while the Schaumburg campus provides a more traditional suburban setting with modern facilities and a focus on community engagement.

The university features more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs across fields like business, education, arts and sciences, and performing arts. From cutting-edge facilities like the LEED-certified Wabash Building to a plethora of cultural and professional opportunities, Roosevelt University equips its students with the skills and experiences needed to thrive in their careers and contribute meaningfully to society.

Living in the Area

Living in the Chicago metro area offers a unique combination of vibrant urban living, cultural richness, and professional opportunities. As the third-largest metropolitan area in the United States, Chicago boasts a dynamic mix of neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm. Residents have access to world-class museums, theaters, and music venues, as well as iconic landmarks like Millennium Park, the Chicago Riverwalk, and Navy Pier. The city's thriving food scene ranges from deep-dish pizza to Michelin-starred restaurants, reflecting its multicultural heritage.

Living in Schaumburg offers a quieter, suburban alternative to Chicago while still providing access to excellent amenities and a strong sense of community. Known for its spacious homes, excellent schools, and expansive parks, Schaumburg is ideal for families and those seeking a slower pace of life. The suburb boasts the Woodfield Mall, one of the largest shopping destinations in the country, and is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment options. Its proximity to major highways and public transit makes commuting to Chicago convenient, though Schaumburg itself offers plenty to keep residents engaged. It s a great mix of suburban comfort and metropolitan accessibility.

The Chicago metro area is also a hub for career opportunities, with industries such as finance, healthcare, technology, education, and the arts thriving in the region. Its robust public transportation system, including the "L" trains and Metra commuter rail, makes it easy to navigate both the city and the suburbs. Additionally, the area s housing options, ranging from downtown high-rises to quiet suburban homes, offer something for everyone. With its vibrant energy, professional prospects, and endless entertainment, the Chicago metro area is an exciting and fulfilling place to live.

To Apply

For full consideration, please apply by April 11, 2025.

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to

Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee's name, title, and contact information if available to

Institution's EEO Statement

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy: Roosevelt University requires all new hires to be compliant with our COVID-19 vaccination policy, found at the COVID-19 website. Documentation will be required should an offer of employment be made.

Title IX Contact Information: Federal Title IX policy requires that all colleges and universities make known the contact information for the person responsible for coordinating its efforts to comply with Title IX regulations. At Roosevelt University, the Title IX Coordinator is Natasha Robinson. Her office is located in the Auditorium Building of the Chicago campus, 430 S. Michigan Avenue. She can be reached at or