Founding Dean of the School of Information Technologies and Engineering

ADA University, a newly formed comprehensive institution, invites applications and nominations for the position of Founding Dean of the School of Information Technologies and Engineering (SITE). Located in Baku, Azerbaijan, ADA University seeks an accomplished, dynamic, and creative person with vision and administrative acumen to assume the position. The Founding Dean will report to the Provost and serve as a key member of the Provost’s Council. It is anticipated that the Founding Dean of SITE will assume duties by early summer 2014 or sooner.

ADA University currently has 4 schools: School of Public and International Affairs, School of Business, School of Humanities and Sciences, and a School of Information Technologies and Engineering. A new School of Education and Languages will be launched by the end of 2014. ADA University seeks to provide an outstanding education for Azerbaijanis and their peers from across the globe and to deliver first-class international education and leadership training for the Caucasus region and beyond. ADA has the aspiration to be a truly “world class” educational institution.

ADA launched the School of Information Technologies and Engineering in 2013. The School will offer short-term certificate programs to meet the demands of this fast growing industry in human capacity and expertise. In addition, more specialized graduate programs will be offered. Currently, ADA University is in the process of planning and developing its School of Information Technologies and Engineering through technical assistance from leading global higher education institutions in the areas of science and technology.

The founding Dean will have a remarkable opportunity to shape the legacy of the School at a significant moment in its history given the commitment of ADA to technology and entrepreneurship. The deanship is both an operational and a leadership position. Therefore, in addition to curriculum planning and development, proactively dealing with issues related to faculty and staff development and evaluation, and budgeting and budget administration, the successful candidate also must have the ability to develop new partnerships, nurture existing relationships, and articulate a vision that generates investment and support from the community, private donors and alumni. The Dean is responsible for promoting educational strategies that support quality, innovation, and the utilization of technology in teaching and learning.

The successful candidate will have an earned doctorate from an accredited institution. Administrative experience such as department chair, program director or an equivalent position in computer science, computer engineering, information systems, information technology, any fields of engineering or a closely- related discipline is required.

Candidates should have a strong record of professional accomplishment: a commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and entrepreneurship as well as outstanding management and leadership skills. Successful candidates will also demonstrate familiarity with new and developing technologies in higher education. Further, understanding trends in engineering, engineering technology education and research, and facilitating initiatives to respond to mission related opportunities are deemed as important attributes for the successful candidate.

A complete search prospectus can be found at http://www.academic-search.com/data/files/adadositeprofile.pdf. A formal review of applications is scheduled for late March, and the position will remain open until filled. For full consideration, applications should be received by March 15, 2014. To apply, candidates should address a thoughtful letter of interest, provide a current resume highlighting relevant experience and accomplishments, and attach to it the names and phone numbers of at least five personal references (these will be called later, at a semi-final stage, with the candidate’s foreknowledge). All information from and about candidates will be kept in strict confidence. Additional information about the institution can be found at: www.ada.edu.az.

Send application materials as an e-mail attachment in Word to:
ADADOSITE@academic-search.com

This search is assisted by Ms. Maya Ranchod Kirkhope of Academic Search, Inc., a Washington-based higher education executive search firm. Ms. Kirkhope can be reached on her cell phone (001 703 380 9195 – U.S. central time) and via email (mrk@academic-search.com).