Director - Engineering Design Program

About the OpportunityFounded in 1898, Northeastern University is a global research university and the recognized leader in experiential learning. Through its distinctive integration of rigorous academics, research, and real-world experience, Northeastern prepares graduates to lead and innovate in an increasingly technology-driven world.As our global university system continues to expand, Northeastern remains committed to advancing education through interdisciplinary collaboration, industry partnerships, and experiential learning across campuses throughout North America and the United Kingdom.Director of the Engineering Design ProgramReporting to the Dean of Engineering and working closely with the Dean of the Oakland campus, the Director of the Engineering Design Program provides strategic leadership, academic vision, and operational oversight for Northeastern's Bachelor of Science in Engineering Design.This is a founding leadership opportunity to launch and build a first-of-its-kind undergraduate engineering program that prepares graduates to become AI-fluent, human-centered, interdisciplinary engineers equipped to contribute immediately in industry.The Director will help redefine engineering education by integrating technical excellence with artificial intelligence, human-centered design, entrepreneurial thinking, systems thinking, and experiential learning. Working collaboratively with faculty, university leadership, and external partners, the Director will establish a nationally recognized program that connects classroom learning with meaningful industry engagement.Beyond academic leadership, this position serves as the architect of an integrated ecosystem connecting students, faculty, employers, and the Bay Area innovation community. The Director will cultivate strategic partnerships, expand experiential learning opportunities, oversee program growth, and ensure graduates develop the technical and professional competencies required to lead the future of engineering.This role is ideal for an innovative academic leader who is energized by creating new programs, building high-performing teams, establishing meaningful industry partnerships, and transforming undergraduate engineering education.Qualifications:Education & Experience:PhD in Engineering or a closely related discipline required.Demonstrated success designing, launching, or significantly transforming engineering education programs emphasizing experiential, interdisciplinary, or AI integrated learning.Minimum of five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in academic administration, engineering education, industry partnership development, workforce development, or a comparable higher education environment.Experience within a cooperative education or experiential learning institution strongly preferred.Record of scholarly achievement, applied research, curriculum innovation, or engineering education leadership preferred.Technical Knowledge & Skills:The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of both contemporary engineering education and the rapidly evolving technologies shaping the profession. This includes:Engineering pedagogy, competency based education, and future workforce trends.Artificial intelligence applications including machine learning, simulation, automation, modeling, and data driven engineering.Broad knowledge of multidisciplinary engineering including mechanical, electrical, thermal, systems, and data engineering.Undergraduate engineering accreditation standards, including ABET.Learning management systems, experiential learning platforms, CRM technologies, and related academic systems.Leadership & Management:Successful candidates will demonstrate:Proven success developing innovative academic programs and sustainable business models.Experience building strategic partnerships with engineering firms, technology companies, startups, research organizations, and industry leaders.Ability to lead complex interdisciplinary initiatives while building consensus across diverse stakeholder groups.Financial acumen, including budgeting, resource planning, and long term fiscal management.Strategic thinking with demonstrated success executing complex initiatives.Outstanding communication, organizational, relationship management, and interpersonal skills.Ability to thrive within a collaborative, matrixed university environment.Commitment to inclusive excellence and expanding opportunities for diverse student populations.Ability to serve as an ambassador for Northeastern University throughout the Bay Area innovation ecosystem.Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities: Strategic Planning & Innovative Program Development (25%)Provide strategic leadership for the Engineering Design program by developing and executing plans aligned with Northeastern's mission and emerging engineering workforce needs. Lead the successful launch of the program in Fall 2027 while establishing a long term roadmap for growth, innovation, and academic excellence. Champion AI integrated instruction, interdisciplinary project based learning, entrepreneurial thinking, and human centered design throughout the curriculum. Collaborate closely with faculty to continuously evolve curriculum and prepare graduates for future engineering careers.Industry Partnership Development & Business Growth (25%)Build and maintain a robust portfolio of strategic industry partnerships that serve as the foundation of the program's experiential learning model. Develop relationships across three levels of engagement. Develop and manage a robust portfolio of strategic industry partnerships that forms the foundation of the program's experiential learning model. Build relationships with organizations that provide authentic engineering projects, curriculum collaboration, cooperative education opportunities, sponsored research, faculty engagement, and long-term talent pipelines. Generate sustainable revenue through partnership development while strengthening Northeastern's presence throughout the Bay Area engineering and technology community.Co-op & Experiential Learning Oversight (20%)Lead the development and continuous improvement of the program's required cooperative education experiences. Establish comprehensive processes for employer engagement, student preparation, placement, mentoring, assessment, and program evaluation. Ensure every student participates in meaningful industry experiences that reinforce academic learning while strengthening employer relationships and graduate outcomes.Program Operations & Supervision (15%)Provide leadership for all aspects of program operations, including enrollment management, scheduling, policy implementation, academic quality, and student success. Utilize performance metrics to guide continuous improvement while implementing technologies and operational systems that support students, faculty, and industry partners.Financial Management & Resource Development (10%)Lead the program within a self-supporting financial model by managing the annual operating budget, achieving revenue objectives, and ensuring sound fiscal stewardship. Pursue grants, corporate sponsorships, philanthropic support, and other external funding opportunities that strengthen the program's long-term sustainability.Marketing, Outreach & Team Leadership (5%)Promote the Engineering Design program as a national model for innovative undergraduate engineering education. Develop strategic outreach initiatives that engage prospective students, faculty, alumni, employers, and industry partners. Recruit, mentor, and develop outstanding faculty and staff while fostering a collaborative culture focused on innovation, continuous improvement, and student success.Additional Information:Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education & skills when extending an offer. Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit-eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement, as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply & will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.Expected Hiring Range:$96,565.00 - $136,397.50With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge & expertise, & skills, as well as a pay comparison to similarly situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges arereviewed regularly & are subject to change.