Asst. Dean of Engineering, Open Rank NTT Prof

Position Overview:

Merrimack College seeks an innovative and student-centered leader to serve as the Assistant Dean of Student Recruitment and Retention in the School of Engineering and Computational Sciences (ECS). This 12-month administrative appointment plays a pivotal role in advancing student recruitment, engagement, and retention across all ECS programs and will serve as Director of the Innovation through Engineering and Computing (iTEC) Scholars Program—a flagship initiative supporting success for students pursuing degrees in engineering, computing, and related fields.

This position includes a faculty appointment as an Instructional Professor within ECS. Rank (Assistant, Associate, or Full Instructional Professor) will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and experience. The Assistant Dean will lead efforts to attract, support, and retain diverse and talented students, strengthen partnerships with local schools, and create meaningful engagement opportunities that connect students to faculty, peers, and career pathways. The position includes teaching one course per semester aligned with the candidate's background and expertise.

Key Responsibilities:

The Assistant Dean will lead efforts to enhance recruitment, engagement, and student success across the School of Engineering and Computational Sciences. Primary areas of responsibility include:

Leadership and Program Direction

• Provide vision and strategic oversight for the iTEC Scholars Program, including recruitment, community-building, and academic success initiatives.

• Coordinate mentoring, advising, and professional development opportunities that foster belonging and student persistence.

Recruitment and Outreach

• Develop and implement strategies to recruit prospective engineering and computing students, with a focus on building relationships with local high schools, community colleges, and STEM organizations.

• Organize outreach events, summer camps, and pre-college experiences that highlight the value and rigor of ECS programs.

• Partner with the Admissions and Marketing teams to promote ECS programs through targeted communications and campus visits.

Student Engagement and Retention

• Collaborate with faculty and staff to strengthen the student experience from first-year onboarding through graduation.

• Design and support initiatives that enhance student connection, academic success, and professional readiness.

• Work closely with the Office of Student Success to track progress, identify at-risk students, and implement proactive retention strategies.

Instruction and Collaboration

• Teach one Engineering course per semester in the candidate's area of expertise.

• Serve as a bridge between academic and student support units, aligning curricular and co-curricular opportunities to support student growth.

• Contribute to data collection, assessment, and reporting related to recruitment and retention outcomes.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Master's degree in engineering or a closely related field. 

A PhD in engineering or a related discipline is preferred but not required; candidates with a master's degree and relevant experience will receive full consideration.

• At least three years of experience in higher education, STEM education, or student success programming.

• Demonstrated success in student recruitment, engagement, or retention initiatives.

• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.

• Commitment to fostering belonging and inclusion in STEM.

Preferred:

• PhD or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant field.

• Experience developing or managing educational outreach or pre-college programs.

• Background in teaching or mentoring students in engineering, computing, or related disciplines.

Application Materials Should Include:

• Cover letter describing qualifications, leadership experience, and commitment to student success and Merrimack's mission.

• Curriculum vitae or résumé.

• Teaching and Mentoring Statement

• Names and contact information for three professional references.

Compensation: 

The expected 9-month base salary range (paid over 12 months) for the Assistant Instructional Professor position is $78,000-$90,000; for the Associate instructional Professor is $90,000-$110,000. The actual pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, candidate qualifications and prior experience, scope of responsibilities, internal equity, and market considerations.

Statement on Our Mission

Merrimack College is a Catholic Augustinian institution of higher education committed to building an accepting and respectful community. Our mission is to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives and is inspired by our Catholic faith and the Augustinian tradition of seeking truth through inquiry and dialogue.  

Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect, and can contribute to Merrimack's Catholic and Augustinian mission. All candidates should describe in their application how they will foster a culture that supports our mission.

About Merrimack College

The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, coeducational institution with more than 4,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students from 46 states and 45 countries. The College features more than 160 career-focused academic programs in science, engineering, business, nursing, health sciences, education, social sciences and humanities across undergraduate, professional and graduate programs, all taught by exceptional faculty who are passionate about their subject and student success. The College has six schools: arts and sciences, engineering and computational sciences, nursing and health sciences, education and social policy, the Girard school of business, and the Graduate School of counseling and social work. The College's suburban 220-acre campus is just north of Boston in North Andover, Massachusetts. Merrimack is a Professions-focused, Undergraduate/Graduate-Master's Large/Medium institution in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Merrimack is one of the fastest-growing educational institutions in the country and has steadily climbed up in the U.S. News & World Report's ranking of Best Colleges, ranking 37th in the Regional Universities North category in 2025. Merrimack is a NCAA Division I athletic institution.

Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.