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Chair, Department of Civil Engineering, Associate or Full Professor, Tenured

Chair, Department of Civil Engineering, Associate or Full Professor, Tenured

  • 497680
  • Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States
  • Full-time Faculty
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Salary/Position Classification

  • $100,000+ commensurate with rank and experience, 9-month faculty position with 12-month administration assignment and stipend, Exempt
  • 40 hours per week
  • This position will work onsite at UND Grand Forks, ND campus

Purpose of Position

The Department of Civil Engineering is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the Chair. The position is at the rank of Associate or Full Professor, with an offer of tenure may be made based on a candidate's documented record of achievement, and subject to approval from the department, the University, and the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education. An appointment will be made at a rank and salary consistent with experience and qualifications.
The Department Chair serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the Department of Civil Engineering. The Chair is responsible for providing leadership in the areas of academic program development, faculty and student success, research growth, accreditation, and external partnerships. The Chair works closely with the Dean of the College of Engineering & Mines to advance the department’s mission and align with the college’s strategic priorities.

About the Department 
The Department of Civil Engineering at UND offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. programs in Civil Engineering with specializations in structural, environmental, transportation, geotechnical, and water resources engineering. The department emphasizes hands-on learning, undergraduate research, and community engagement. Faculty are active in research supported by federal, state, and industry partners, contributing to areas such as infrastructure resilience, sustainable design, and advanced materials.


About the College of Engineering & Mines and the University of North Dakota
The College of Engineering & Mines (CEM) at UND is home to six departments and multiple research centers that emphasize collaboration, innovation, and real-world impact. CEM is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service, and fosters a supportive environment for faculty, staff, and students.
The University of North Dakota, founded in 1883, is the state’s oldest and largest university and a nationally recognized leader in energy, aerospace, and health sciences. UND is located in Grand Forks, a vibrant college town with a high quality of life, affordable living, and strong community engagement.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Provide leadership and administrative oversight for all departmental activities.
  • Support faculty development and mentor excellence in teaching, research, and service.
  • Oversee budget management, strategic planning, and resource allocation.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
  • Advance research productivity and interdisciplinary initiatives across CEM and UND.
  • Lead and maintain ABET accreditation for the Civil Engineering program.
  • Strengthen partnerships with industry, government agencies, and alumni
  • Promote student success through engagement, advising, and experiential learning.
  • Represent the department to internal and external stakeholders and advocate for its needs. 

Required Competencies

  • Demonstrated leadership and administrative skills in an academic or research setting.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and decision-making abilities.
  • Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and student success.
  • Strong record of scholarship, teaching, and service aligned with UND’s values of learning, discovery, and engagement.

Minimum Requirements

  • Ph.D. in Civil Engineering or a closely related discipline.
  • Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Qualifications appropriate for appointment as a tenured Full Professor in the department
  • National or international reputation for scholarly excellence in civil engineering
  • Sustained record of high-impact, peer-reviewed publications
  • History of externally funded research appropriate to the discipline
  • Leadership experience in an academic setting (e.g., program director, associate chair, center director, etc)
  • Experience managing complex organizations, personnel, and budgets
  • Articulation of a clear, forward-looking vision for the department’s teaching, research, and service missions
  • Experience with strategic planning, program development, and continuous improvement
  • Record of excellence in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels
  • Commitment to curriculum innovation, assessment, and accreditation
  • Effective written communication skills
  • Experience fostering collaboration across disciplines within engineering and beyond.
  • Commitment to expanding partnerships with industry and professional organizations


To Apply

To assure full consideration, applications must be received by March 31st, 2026 and include the following materials:

  • Cover letter addressing qualifications and leadership vision as it pertains to the minimum and preferred qualifications, as well as their leadership philosophy and vision for the department.
  • Curriculum vitae.
  • Statement of teaching philosophy and experience
  • Statement of research philosophy and experience
  • Names and contact information of five references (including email addresses)
  • Unofficial transcripts. Please note that the selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts upon hire.

Open until filled

Please note, all employment postings close at 11:55pm CST.

Position Benefits

Benefits include single or family health care coverage (UND pays the full premium), life insurance, employee assistance program, retirement plans with generous employer contributions, sick leave in addition to paid holidays.

Optional benefits include supplemental life, dental, vision, flexible spending account, supplemental retirement plans.

UND also offers an employee tuition waiver and a variety of professional development opportunities.

Find out more about UND's great benefits and perks here!

Categories: Tenure/Tenure-track Faculty

Department: Civil Engineering

Other UND Career Openings

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Additional Information

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All information listed in this position announcement will be used by Human Resources, the Hiring Department, and EO/Title IX for screening, interviewing and selection purposes.

Need help?

Please email the Human Resources Department at UND.humanresources@UND.edu or contact us by phone at 701-777-4226. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation to participate in any portion of the University's employment process, including completion of the online application process, please contact our office in advance of your participation or visit. 

Veteran’s Preference

Veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 or a copy of NGB 22 from National Guard or Reserve (with a unit located in ND) or certification from the applicant's unit command that the individual is expected to be discharged or released from active duty in the uniformed services under other than dishonorable conditions not later than one hundred twenty days after the date of the submission of the certification. If claiming disabled veteran status, proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 and a current letter of disability dated within the past year.

Confidentiality of Application Materials

Pursuant to NDCC 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the top three or more finalists who will be invited to campus.

EEO Statement

The University of North Dakota is an equal opportunity employer (veteran/disability). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of North Dakota publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at UND.edu. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the UND Police Department located at 3851 Campus Road, Grand Forks, ND, 58202.