Director, External Faculty Recognition

The Director of External Faculty Recognition provides leadership and high-level administrative support to advance Purdue College of Engineering’s efforts to increase the number of faculty members who receive prestigious national and international recognitions for their achievements in research, teaching, and service. As part of the College of Engineering’s Office of Academic Affairs and reporting to the Associate Dean of Faculty, the Director will lead the External Recognition Program in the timely identification and dissemination of recognition opportunities, communicate requirements of recognition granting organizations, and implement processes to support faculty nominations at scale. An excellent writer with extensive experience in communications, proposal development, or technical writing, the Director will edit, help write, and submit faculty nomination packages, as well as provide mentorship and oversight for three or more direct reports. The Director will also draw from various data sources to support outcomes-based program evaluation and institutional benchmarking.

The College of Engineering at Purdue University is among the best and largest Engineering schools in the world. With nearly 16,000 engineering students and more than 500 tenure track faculty in the college, this position has ample opportunity to have an impact at one of the world’s most influential universities.

For more information about our department, please visit:

• College of Engineering, Purdue University   https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr
• External Recognitions Program    https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr/People/Awards
• College of Engineering's Social Media   https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr/AboutUs/social

• Lead External Recognition Program staff in the development and implementation of faculty award nomination procedures.
• Collaborate with the College of Engineering leadership and faculty members to develop plans for faculty external recognitions.
• Oversee processes for the collection and communication of information about faculty recognition opportunities.
• Utilize various data sources to support College of Engineering leadership decision-making regarding nominations.
• Provide administrative support to the Dean’s Awards Committee and coordinate with the Provost’s Office’s External Recognition Program.
• Ensure timely submission of highly compelling faculty award nominations. Collect, review, edit, and revise nomination materials such as nomination statements, letters of support, publication bibliographies, curriculum vitae, etc.
• Write and edit non-technical sections of award nomination packages.
• Mentor External Recognition Program staff writers.
• Develop and implement evaluation plans for the External Recognition Program.
• Analyze internal processes and implement improvements and controls. Use various data sources to support institutional benchmarking.
• Train school administrative staff to coordinate school-led faculty nominations for external awards.
• Maintain regular communication with external granting organizations to keep abreast of changes and ensure compliance with nomination and application procedures.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, science, engineering, or related field
• Six (6) or more years of experience working closely with university faculty in a strategic or operations leadership role (for example, as operations/program manager, managing director, etc.), or in other similar roles in industry or non-profit organizations
• Six (6) or more years of general writing experience, including a strong portfolio of writing and editing for both scientific and lay audiences 
• Experience with program evaluation
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered
• Demonstrated ability to lead, implement and evaluate strategic and results-driven programs or initiatives 
• Strong supervisory and performance management skills
• Proven skills in writing and editing for both scientific and lay audiences
• Demonstrated success in grant-writing/proposal development or relevant associated skills
• High-level interpersonal skills in building alliances and maintaining relationships, and comfort interacting with faculty and upper-level administrators
• Excellent organizational and customer service skills
• Ability to navigate complex issues with diplomacy and discretion
• Ability to manage interruptions, and balance multiple and varied tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with computer and common business software
   

Preferred:

• Master’s degree
• Six (6) or more years of experience in higher education
• Experience in science/engineering/technology fields
• Experience in managing/overseeing honorary awards programs

Additional Information

• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility:  Defined Contributions Immediately 
• Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply
• Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days