Department Chair - Mathematics

We seek an accomplished and visionary leader to serve as Chair of the Department of Mathematics in the College of Arts and Sciences. The Department of Mathematics comprises 23 full-time tenured or tenure-track faculty, 6 teaching faculty, and 3 full-time staff members. The chair will build on Syracuse University's prominence in mathematics research, support the education of students in its undergraduate and graduate programs, and continue to strengthen teaching and learning for students from across the University who take mathematics courses. The new department chair will lead the faculty in setting the department's agenda to address the opportunities and challenges facing mathematics and higher education today. We invite applications from and nominations of scholars in any field of mathematics.

The department's research strengths include algebra, analysis, applied mathematics, geometry and topology, mathematics education, and probability, with support by the National Science Foundation and the Simons Foundation. Our six assistant professors hold a total of $1.2M in external grants and include two NSF CAREER awardees; mentoring new faculty is a priority for the next chair. Enrollments in Department of Mathematics courses number approximately 5,500 each year. We support 42 graduate students through teaching assistantships and employ 4 postdoctoral researchers.

The successful candidate will possess the qualities necessary to support both instruction and the growth and continued success of our research faculty within the context of the University's R1 status. The successful candidate will:

• Bring demonstrated academic leadership experience;
• Lead continuing strategic planning to sustain academic excellence;
• Foster faculty research and ensure strong research mentoring;
• Maintain a collaborative environment within the Department for faculty, staff, and students;
• Represent the Department across the University; and
• Work with the faculty and associate chairs to ensure effective program development and inspire innovation in teaching, mentoring, and graduate training.

The expected start date for this position is July 1, 2027. Inquiries about the position and nominations should be addressed to mathchairsearch@syr.edu. Applications must be submitted via the Syracuse University Human Resources Job Portal.

Posted pay range is for 8.5-month faculty appointment. Department chair responsibilities, including summer work, are compensated separately.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in mathematics or a closely related field.
• Candidates must be tenured full professors, or tenured associate professors whose records qualify them for promotion to full professorship. The appointment will be at the rank of tenured full professor.

Job Specific Qualifications

Competitive candidates will have:

• A distinguished research record commensurate with appointment as a tenured full professor of mathematics at Syracuse University and with leading an R1 research department.
• Demonstrated leadership and administrative abilities within an academic setting.
• A demonstrated commitment to teaching mathematics and student mentoring/advising.
• Excellent communication skills for multiple audiences.
• Experience in working effectively with diverse constituencies, the ability to listen, and the capacity to inspire others to achieve the Department's mission.
• The ability to lead decisions on finance, space, the hiring of faculty and staff, and staff supervision.

Responsibilities

The Chair will be responsible for the Department's academic and strategic leadership and will provide advocacy for the Department at the college, University, regional, and national levels; provide guidance to a leadership team comprised of associate chairs and course coordinators; oversee and delegate responsibilities to departmental committees.

The Chair will oversee a department housed in an R1 research university that offers undergraduate B.A. and B.S. programs in Mathematics and a Ph.D. in Mathematics. The Chair will report to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

The Chair will maintain regular meeting schedules with faculty, staff, and graduate students; maintain availability for faculty/staff/student support and assistance; support recruitment efforts at the undergraduate and graduate levels; oversee the promotion and tenure processes for the Department as well as faculty and staff annual reviews; support the development of tenure-track and non-tenure-track faculty members; oversee curriculum design, advising, operations, budget, and day-to-day management; and foster alumni relations.

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

Application Instructions

In addition to completing an online application, please attach the following:

• Letter of interest describing the following: (1) leadership experience and accomplishments, (2) anticipated vision for leading a Department of Mathematics, (3) research program (including a history of external research funding), and (4) teaching/mentoring philosophy and experience.
• Curriculum Vitae
• Name and contact information for a minimum of three (3) references. References will be contacted for top applicants only, with the candidate's consent. References will be provided instructions for uploading reference letters.