Dean of Natural Sciences and Engineering

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategic Planning

• Provide administrative and strategic leadership to department chairs, faculty, and staff in short- and long-term planning, program development, and academic initiatives.
• Ensure the academic quality, rigor, and relevance of programs within the natural sciences and engineering disciplines.
• Oversee curriculum development, program review, and assessment to ensure alignment with disciplinary standards, transfer expectations, and institutional priorities.
• Promote innovative teaching and learning approaches, including laboratory-based instruction, inquiry-driven learning, and undergraduate research opportunities.
• Lead strategic planning for emerging academic directions and new program development in science and engineering fields.
• Ensure that laboratories, equipment, and instructional facilities effectively support teaching and student learning.
• Maintain alignment of programs with transfer institutions and evolving expectations within scientific and engineering disciplines.

Faculty & Staff Support

• Recruit, mentor, support, and evaluate full-time faculty, department chairs, and staff.
• Encourage ongoing professional development, scholarly engagement, and instructional innovation.
• Support faculty participation in research initiatives, grants, and collaborative academic projects.
• Foster a collegial, inclusive environment that values shared governance and faculty leadership.
• Ensure compliance with applicable collective bargaining agreements and institutional policies.

Student Success & Academic Pathways

• Promote student engagement, retention, and completion within natural sciences and engineering programs.
• Support academic pathways that facilitate transfer to four-year institutions and preparation for careers in scientific and engineering fields.
• Encourage student involvement in undergraduate research, experiential learning, internships, and applied learning experiences.
• Collaborate with advising, academic support services, and student affairs to strengthen coordinated student success initiatives.
• Advance inclusive practices that support the success of a diverse student population in science and engineering.

Budget & Resource Management

• Develop and administer the annual budget for the unit, ensuring effective and equitable allocation of resources.
• Authorize and monitor expenditures to ensure responsible stewardship of institutional and external funds.
• Collaborate with Academic Affairs leadership to pursue external funding through grants, contracts, and partnerships.
• Support strategic planning for laboratory infrastructure, instructional technology, and equipment investments.

External Relations & Partnerships

• Serve as a liaison with universities, research institutions, government agencies, and industry partners to strengthen transfer pathways and collaborative opportunities.
• Support partnerships that enhance student learning through research experiences, internships, and experiential opportunities.
• Represent the natural sciences and engineering disciplines in institutional initiatives and community outreach.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to promote the visibility and impact of the units programs and initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Masters degree in a natural science or engineering discipline, or a closely related field; doctorate or terminal degree preferred.
• Five (5) years of higher education leadership experience or equivalent managerial or leadership experience in a scientific or engineering discipline.
• Teaching experience in a natural science or engineering discipline at the post-secondary level.
• The equivalent combination of education, training, certification, and/or experience that provides the required knowledge and expertise to perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.
• Eligible applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States and not require employer visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting laboratory-based instruction, scientific program development, or transfer pathways is preferred.

Key Competencies

• Demonstrated commitment to equity, and inclusion in science and engineering education.
• Student-centered leadership and commitment to academic excellence.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a broad range of stakeholders across disciplines and departments.
• Knowledge of disciplinary standards and trends within natural sciences and engineering education.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data-informed decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to guide innovation and anticipate emerging opportunities and challenges.

Application Process:

• Online applications must be received by April 27, 2026. Applications will be considered as received.
• For consideration, you must submit a resume/CV and cover letter. Include dates of employment in your application or attachment.

For degrees earned outside of the U.S., a copy of your education equivalency, conducted by a nationally recognized evaluation service, must be included in your application.

As a condition of employment, the following are required at the time of hire:

• Successful completion of a background check and degree verification (if applicable).
• Participation in a Maryland State Retirement System plan (Pension or Optional Retirement Plan, depending on the position). If you are already retired from the Maryland State Retirement System, you may not enroll in a Maryland State Retirement System plan at Montgomery College and may have earn​ings restrictions, per state law.

Our benefits package includes: generous paid vacation, sick, paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, group legal benefits, professional development, retirement plan, educational assistance, tuition waiver for employee and dependents, wellness programming including onsite gyms, pools and classes.

*If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management at 240-567-5353 or HRSTM@montgomerycollege.edu. We require at least two weeks advance notice to enable us to provide the requested accommodation.*

*Montgomery College is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting and fostering diversity among its student body, faculty, and staff.*

*Montgomery College is a tobacco-free and smoke-free workplace.*

Closing Date

Monday, April 27, 2026

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