Department Chair - Computer Science Engineering

University of South Carolina

Columbia, SC

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Academic Research, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Best Practices, Communication Skills, Community Support, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Funding, Interpersonal Skills, Leadership, Strategic Planning, Team Player, Time Management, Training/Teaching Curriculum
LOCATION
Columbia, SC
POSTED
Today
Department Chair - Computer Science Engineering

Parker Executive Search is assisting the University of South Carolina in the search for the next Chair of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. The Search Committee invites letters of nomination, applications (letter of interest, full resume/CV, and contact information of at least five references), or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting the University. Review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made. It is preferred, however, that all nominations andapplications be submitted before March 24, 2026. Please submit applications directly to Parker Executive Search.

For additional information, please contact: Porsha Williams, Vice President Jacob Anderson, Senior Principal Julia Butler-Mayes, Ph.D., Associate Parker Executive Search Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 2875 Atlanta, GA 30328 (770) 804-1996 ext.: 111 janderson@parkersearch.com || jbutler-mayes@parkersearch.com

The Department Chair will serve as the academic and administrative leader of the department, providing strategic direction, fostering collaboration, and supporting a vibrant community of scholars, educators, and students. The Chair will guide the department in defining and expanding areas of core strengths, promoting interdisciplinary sponsored research, and ensuring the highest standards of academic excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide visionary leadership that inspires faculty, staff, and students in a shared mission of academic and research excellence, fostering a culture of collaboration, mutual support, and continuous growth.
  • Lead the department in recruiting and retaining high-impact faculty, including four additional tenured positions in strategically defined focus area(s).
  • Lead modernization of curricula and create timely courses (in collaboration with other units) that draw students from the whole university and beyond.
  • Champion innovative, multidisciplinary research initiatives that leverage faculty strengths and attract substantial federal, state, and industry funding.
  • Support and leverage the university-wide AI initiative by actively promoting multidisciplinary collaboration across the campus and throughout South Carolina to grow research and broaden the impact of the CSE department.
  • Serve as a proactive advocate for the department within the university and the broader academic and industrial communities.
  • Facilitate effective communication among faculty, students, and university leadership, complementing and advancing the broader mission of the College of Engineering and Computing through departmental initiatives.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Proven leadership experience in an academic or research setting, with a track record of building collaborative, high-performing teams.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
  • Experience with best practices in developing undergraduate and graduate curricula.
  • Experience in securing multidisciplinary, federally, and industry-funded research projects.
  • A doctorate in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field is required.

Required Education and Experience:

A doctorate in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field is required. With proven leadership experience in an academic or research setting, with a track record of building collaborative, high-performing teams.

Required Documents:

  1. Cover Letter
  2. Curriculum Vitae
  3. List of References and Contact Information

EEO Statement: The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

About the Company

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University of South Carolina