Director, School of Computing

Boise State, known for its Blue Turf thinking, is reimaging how research and education can be done to meet the needs of Idaho and beyond. As such, the School of Computing (SC) was formed. The School meets several goals of the University’s Blueprint for Success (web) namely: Improve Educational Access and Student Success, Innovation for Institutional Impact, Advance Research and Creativity, and Trailblaze Programs and Partnerships. Computing is ubiquitous across fields and the SC attempt to magnify the important of this interdisciplinary nature as it relates to the three key pillars: Computing in Society; Computing in the Disciplines; and, Fundamental Computing.

As the inaugural leader of the School of Computing, the Director provides leadership for the School and exercises responsibility for its academic and administrative operation, including budget, personnel, programs, and physical facilities. The Director will plan an instrumental role in bringing together faculty, students, and staff across campus to advance computing, identify opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations, recruit exceptional faculty, and further enhance the University’s commitment to student access and success. The Director reports to the Dean of the College of Engineering. 

This position is a 12-month, professional staff position with or without faculty status. Details related to rank and home department will be determined based on the individual’s qualifications

Leadership:

● Develop, communicate, and strengthen the strategic directions and interdisciplinary identify of the School as a distinctive leader in computing.
● Lead and coordinate university strategic planning around Computing.
● Oversee the administrative and budget aspects of the School of Computing.
● Define areas of impact and catalyze research and extramural funding opportunities.
● Leverage existing and develop new infrastructure for the School of Computing - budget, faculty, administrative support, grant support.
● Represent the three pillars of the school and ensure that all three are well-represented, heard, and successful.

Student Support and Faculty Success:

● Create an inclusive culture and expand student access, retention, and success
● Strengthen faculty scholarship and research
● Coordinate recruitment and student advising for Computing related programs

Program Development/Implementation/Collaboration:

● Maintains academic standards for Computing-related programs.
● Develop and implement both face-to-face and online Computing degree programs
● Coordinate and assist with academic programs that deal with computing across the university
● Increase efficiencies, reduce overlap, and improve complementary elements
● Work across existing colleges and schools across campus to bring together diverse faculty from across colleges and programs to work on and achieve the aims of the School.
● Build an inclusive environment for innovative research and education.
External Advocacy:

● Collaborates with external stakeholders in the private and public sectors to increase funds, resources, student opportunities, and industry collaborations.
● Serves as a central, single point of contact for external organizations to engage with the university on Computing issues, obtain input on their needs, and connect them with students in desired disciplines.
● Align university resources with the Computing needs of industry and government agencies for the greatest impact.
● Work with the Computing Industrial Advisory board
● Promote strong relationships with industry and other external stakeholders
● Partner with industry and other external stakeholders on important initiatives on research and workforce development 

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to establish collaborative partnerships across diverse academic disciplines to fuel innovation through our teaching, research, and service
• Ability to effectively advocate for the mission and work of an organization.
• Ability to manage complex budgets, including prioritizing resources in alignment with strategic goals.
• Ability and commitment to represent and serve diverse populations.
• Demonstrated ability to close equity gaps in educational attainment and student success.
• Able to innovate solutions to hard problems
• Knowledge of curricular issues or considerations related to computing programs
• Demonstrated experience working in or with higher education, including having knowledge of faculty culture and responsibilities.
• Experience leading teams and developing and pursuing a vision
• R&D experience with projects between academic institutions and industry/public sector
• Experience in leading the development and implementation of a strategic plan • Proven award record of federally-funded sponsored projects and their implementation
• Proven record of success as an effective, transparent, and participatory administrative leader with responsibility for decision making
• Demonstrated ability to grow programs and obtain more resources for program growth while maintaining relationships between stakeholders. Emphasis on success in computing, engineering and technical domains (e.g., Cybersecurity, Data Science, Computational Math, Computer Science, Simulation Science). Growing business units or divisions in industry is applicable as well.

● Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or Business or discipline-related field or equivalent.
● Six years of progressively responsible experience at a senior leadership level in academia or industry.
● Experience working, teaching, researching, or leading in a computing field.

Preferred Qualifications:

Salary range $185,016 - $230,000/year; commensurate with experience. Boise State University is committed to offering a benefits package that provides health and financial protection plans as well as resources to promote health and well-being. Our program provides flexibility so you can choose the benefits that are right for you and your family. Learn more about our benefit options at https://www.boisestate.edu/hrs/benefits/ .

• Cover letter indicating your interest and qualifications;
• CV or resume that includes details of your academic and experience-based credentials;
• A one to two-page statement that describes your vision for building a School of Computing as an Inaugural Director, and how your previous experience enables you to achieve that vision;
• Three professional references with contact information.

Open until filled with review of applications beginning December 1, 2023.