Dean of Natural Sciences and Engineering

Job Description

Montgomery College invites qualified applicants to apply for the Dean position in the Natural Sciences and Engineering department. The Dean of Natural Sciences and Engineering provides visionary academic, administrative, and strategic leadership for programs within the natural sciences and engineering disciplines. Reporting to senior academic leadership, the Dean ensures the quality, rigor, and integrity of academic programs; fosters faculty and staff excellence; and advances student success through coherent academic pathways, innovative teaching and learning practices, and strong internal and external partnerships.

Working collaboratively with faculty, staff, and college leadership, the Dean promotes academic excellence, strengthens transfer preparation, supports high-quality laboratory-based instruction, and ensures that programs remain responsive to evolving developments in science, engineering, and related fields.

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 unit's programs and initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's 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.

Hiring Range: $114,539 - $157,505 annually. Initial salary placement for new hires falls between the minimum and midpoint of the range and is based on relevant candidate experience and internal equity. The maximum salary for this position is $200,472 annually.

Requirements for the application:

• Online applications must be received by April 27, 2026. Applications will be considered as received.
• Submission of CV/resume and a cover letter is required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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 earnings restrictions, per state law.