Chair, Department of Computer Science, College of Engineering

Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) College of Engineering, located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, invites applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Computer Science (CS). Reporting to the Dean, Azim Eskandarian, D.Sc., the Chair serves as a key member of the Dean’s leadership team, overseeing one of five academic units in the College. The next Chair will have the unique opportunity to collaborate closely with the Dean on increasing the Department’s research profile, reputation, and visibility. The position is a 12-month appointment, and the Chair is expected to teach one course per year.

The Department of Computer Science (CS) covers core areas of the discipline with a focus on data science, AI, software engineering, and cybersecurity. Departmental research expenditures have increased five-fold over the past seven years and the CS Department has the highest enrollment in VCU’s College of Engineering. The next CS Chair will provide leadership to departmental faculty, champion student success, manage the Department’s fiscal resources, and promote inclusive excellence. Along with the Dean, the Chair is responsible for promoting the Department’s research profile, faculty recruitment, the mentorship of early and mid-career faculty, the professional development of faculty and staff, and strengthening the academic program.

Candidate Qualifications:  The Chair will be a tenurable faculty member at the rank of full professor, committed to the highest standards of research, service, and teaching. Successful candidates should bring with them a robust research agenda and a history of external funding. The Chair should have excellent communication and people skills and will serve as a strong advocate for the Department. Successful candidates will have a record of engaging in transparent decision making, respecting shared governance, and nurturing a culture of consensus and collaboration. Candidates must hold a doctoral degree in an academic discipline related to or encompassed within the CS curriculum. A demonstrated commitment to promoting inclusive excellence throughout their career is essential. Other important qualifications include:

•          A strong record of outstanding teaching and junior faculty mentoring experience;

•          Demonstrated administrative ability to manage personnel, finances, and strategic growth;

•          Good people skills, effective communication, the ability to work cooperatively and congenially within a diverse faculty;

•          Outstanding organizational skills and a strong record of interdisciplinary collaboration;

•          A strong work ethic, an ability to multi-task, determine and set clear priorities, and meet deadlines;

•          Unquestioned, unassailable personal and academic integrity; and

•          Recent experience in academic leadership and/or administrative role.

The full Position Profile can be found at link.

Nomination and Application Process:  By November 18, 2024, interested candidates should submit confidentially, in electronic form (Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF files preferred), a curriculum vitae and letter of interest to vcu.cschair@russellreynolds.com. The letter of interest should include details on the interested candidate’s career aspirations as well as their contributions toward promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Position Type: Teaching & Research Faculty
Full time equivalent:
Tenure: Tenure Track
Rank: Professor
Months: 12
Department: Computer Science- College of Engineering

Salary: Commensurate

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Chair of the Search Committee
Contact Email: vcu.cschair@russellreynolds.com
Contact Phone: