Northeastern University
Dean - College of Science
Northeastern University, Lexington, Massachusetts, United States, 02173
About the Opportunity
THE SEARCH Northeastern University invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the College of Science. Northeastern’s model emphasizes experiential education, global campuses, lifelong learning, pedagogical innovation, and a collaborative research enterprise focused on high-impact solutions. The Dean will lead the college in rethinking education delivery with a focus on technology, personalization, and lifelong learning; build partnerships across the university and its global network; recruit and retain excellent faculty and students; expand academic offerings; increase research productivity; and engage outside partners to coalesce academia and industry around societal challenges. The Dean will also strengthen Northeastern’s position as a global university by fostering integrated education and research across all campuses. Northeastern has experienced significant growth over the past 20 years, with increased external research funding, a signature co-op program, and a global network of 12 campuses outside Boston. This global network offers diverse opportunities for learning, research, and entrepreneurship. Northeastern is committed to expanding global education, partnerships, and research to prepare learners to lead in an interconnected world. Isaacson, Miller is assisting with the search. All applications, inquiries, and nominations, which will remain confidential, should be directed to the search firm as indicated below. NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY Trajectory Founded in Boston in 1898, Northeastern is known for its experiential learning model, high-impact research, and global partnerships. Today, its approach spans the world, enabling students, faculty, alumni, partners, and innovators to explore ideas, solve problems, and scale impact. The university operates a distributed global network with 13 campuses and a large alumni and partner base, supporting a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and research activities. Northeastern’s campuses include residential and research-focused sites in Boston, London, Oakland, Burlington, Nahant, Arlington, Charlotte, Miami, Portland, Seattle, Silicon Valley, Toronto, and Vancouver. The university emphasizes data, technology, and human literacies to prepare graduates for an AI-driven world. Its research enterprise is solutions-oriented and global, with interdisciplinary teams addressing today’s global challenges and transforming knowledge into impact. Measure of Success The university’s progress includes rising external funding, evolving academic plans, and a growing faculty and student body. External research funding reached $296.3 million in 2024, with a long-term trajectory toward continued growth. The university’s endowment and operating budget are substantial, and Northeastern maintains a strong emphasis on experiential learning and global engagement. The College of Science has strong ties to global education and research, with extensive programs and partnerships described throughout this document. Applicants should review the full materials for specifics on academic plans and leadership expectations. About the Global Campuses The university’s global network enables programs to be developed and scaled across campuses, with opportunities for study abroad, global co-ops, and cross-campus research collaborations. The Academic Plan envisions a global network where members have access to opportunities that maximize impact. THE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE The College of Science integrates research, teaching, and experiential learning to provide students with a dynamic, cross-disciplinary education. It offers programs in physical sciences, life sciences, and mathematics, serving 3,865 undergraduates, 1,685 graduates, 193 tenure-track faculty, 125 non-tenure track faculty, and 130 staff. The college collaborates with global networks to extend education and research opportunities. The college offers 12 departments and programs and 15 graduate-level certificate programs, reinforcing Northeastern’s commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. Research The College of Science conducts fundamental and applied research to address health, security, and sustainability challenges. The college houses 15 of Northeastern’s 37 interdisciplinary centers and institutes, supporting cross-disciplinary, cross-sector collaboration and global impact. Learn more about Northeastern’s research centers and institutes through the university’s materials. Experiential Learning Northeastern’s experiential learning hallmark, including the co-op program, provides students with real-world experiences across study and work. The college promotes global learning experiences such as study abroad, global co-ops, and the Dialogue of Civilizations, which offers faculty-led experiences abroad. Service-learning opportunities also connect coursework to civic engagement and practical impact. THE ROLE OF THE DEAN The Dean is the chief academic and executive officer of the College of Science, reporting to the Provost. The Dean oversees faculty, staff, students, long-term planning, and the college’s physical and fiscal resources within a hybrid budgeting model. The Dean leads externally to promote the college with public and private partners and serves as an advocate internally to secure support for large initiatives. The Dean will also coordinate across Northeastern’s global network to advance programs, partnerships, and research globally. Direct reports include associate deans and six academic department chairs who complete the leadership team. KEY OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR THE DEAN Deans are expected to be institutional leaders and partners with university leadership. The Dean will address strategic and operational opportunities and challenges, including: Define a pioneering strategy for the college in alignment with Northeastern’s vision. The Dean will lead the development of a forward-looking strategy, create innovative programs and initiatives, and expand graduate degrees and certificates, in alignment with lifelong learning and higher education trends. The Dean will work to formalize cross-disciplinary work, advocate for continued support, and translate ideas into actionable priorities that align with the university’s aspirations. Cultivate strong relationships and leverage the power of the global network. The Dean will pursue creative partnerships across the global network to craft interdisciplinary programs, initiatives, and research while ensuring internal alignment and coordination. Building matrixed relationships across academic units and campuses is essential to drive innovation and operational excellence. Improve operational excellence and sustainability in response to rapid growth. The Dean must ensure programs and services function effectively to provide value to students and other stakeholders. The Dean should leverage the global network to scale operations and address logistical challenges across campuses, including curriculum coordination, faculty hiring, and infrastructure development. Strengthen and expand external partnerships. The Dean will deepen relationships with external partners to develop sustainable collaborations, attract resources, and support Northeastern’s research infrastructure. The Dean will engage industry, government, and other academic institutions to advance applied learning and research, expand the co-op program, and identify adjunct faculty opportunities while removing barriers to external engagement. Champion Northeastern’s vision and advocate for the College of Science. The Dean will translate the university’s broader vision into the College of Science context, leveraging the global network to enhance student experiences, sponsored research, and institutes beyond the Boston campus. The Dean will communicate with senior administration to address budget, space, and operational constraints and foster transparent communication within the college and university. QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS Northeastern seeks a dean with strategic and operational leadership ability and an entrepreneurial spirit. Desired qualities and characteristics include: A deep appreciation for Northeastern’s mission and for a liberal arts education with core technological, data, and human literacies.
A proven record of strategic leadership and project management in a complex environment, preferably at a major research institution; a track record of fiscally responsible, entrepreneurial initiatives.
A distinguished record of scholarly achievement.
Clear capacity for strategic visioning, innovation, problem-solving, and judgment.
Commitment to the Academic Plan and to expanding the global university system, with an entrepreneurial mindset.
Commitment to global education and fostering belonging among students, faculty, and staff.
Ability to drive change, translate ideas into action, and navigate ambiguity with strategic thinking and tenacity.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Unimpeachable character and integrity.
Experience negotiating in a large organization.
An earned terminal degree in a field represented within the college and a record appropriate for tenure as full professor.
APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue confidentially until the search is complete. Inquiries, nominations, and CVs with cover letters should be submitted via the Isaacson, Miller website:
https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/northeastern-university-college-science/dean
(URL provided for reference in the original document). Electronic submission of materials is encouraged. Contacts: Andy Lee, Managing Partner; Vijay Saraswat, Partner; Courtney Cabansag, Associate; Hannah Moore, Senior Associate; Madeline Fitzpatrick, Managing Search Coordinator; Isaacson, Miller, 263 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Northeastern is an E-Verify Employer. APPENDIX 1: Academic Plan Beyond 2025 outlines goals to maximize Northeastern’s positive impact, including cross-disciplinary collaboration, translating excellence into measured impact, ensuring access to skills and tools, advancing experiential education, fostering belonging, and delivering seamless technology-enabled experiences. APPENDIX 2: University Leadership Descriptions of President Joseph E. Aoun and Provost David Madigan, including leadership roles, accomplishments, and affiliations, are provided to contextualize the university’s leadership environment. Position Type
Leadership Additional Information Northeastern offers a comprehensive benefits package. Visit the university benefits site for details. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or other protected characteristics. Northeastern is an E-Verify Employer. Compensation Expected Hiring Range: $0.00 - $0.00. Final compensation will depend on factors including education, experience, location, and skills, and is subject to change.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
THE SEARCH Northeastern University invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the College of Science. Northeastern’s model emphasizes experiential education, global campuses, lifelong learning, pedagogical innovation, and a collaborative research enterprise focused on high-impact solutions. The Dean will lead the college in rethinking education delivery with a focus on technology, personalization, and lifelong learning; build partnerships across the university and its global network; recruit and retain excellent faculty and students; expand academic offerings; increase research productivity; and engage outside partners to coalesce academia and industry around societal challenges. The Dean will also strengthen Northeastern’s position as a global university by fostering integrated education and research across all campuses. Northeastern has experienced significant growth over the past 20 years, with increased external research funding, a signature co-op program, and a global network of 12 campuses outside Boston. This global network offers diverse opportunities for learning, research, and entrepreneurship. Northeastern is committed to expanding global education, partnerships, and research to prepare learners to lead in an interconnected world. Isaacson, Miller is assisting with the search. All applications, inquiries, and nominations, which will remain confidential, should be directed to the search firm as indicated below. NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY Trajectory Founded in Boston in 1898, Northeastern is known for its experiential learning model, high-impact research, and global partnerships. Today, its approach spans the world, enabling students, faculty, alumni, partners, and innovators to explore ideas, solve problems, and scale impact. The university operates a distributed global network with 13 campuses and a large alumni and partner base, supporting a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and research activities. Northeastern’s campuses include residential and research-focused sites in Boston, London, Oakland, Burlington, Nahant, Arlington, Charlotte, Miami, Portland, Seattle, Silicon Valley, Toronto, and Vancouver. The university emphasizes data, technology, and human literacies to prepare graduates for an AI-driven world. Its research enterprise is solutions-oriented and global, with interdisciplinary teams addressing today’s global challenges and transforming knowledge into impact. Measure of Success The university’s progress includes rising external funding, evolving academic plans, and a growing faculty and student body. External research funding reached $296.3 million in 2024, with a long-term trajectory toward continued growth. The university’s endowment and operating budget are substantial, and Northeastern maintains a strong emphasis on experiential learning and global engagement. The College of Science has strong ties to global education and research, with extensive programs and partnerships described throughout this document. Applicants should review the full materials for specifics on academic plans and leadership expectations. About the Global Campuses The university’s global network enables programs to be developed and scaled across campuses, with opportunities for study abroad, global co-ops, and cross-campus research collaborations. The Academic Plan envisions a global network where members have access to opportunities that maximize impact. THE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE The College of Science integrates research, teaching, and experiential learning to provide students with a dynamic, cross-disciplinary education. It offers programs in physical sciences, life sciences, and mathematics, serving 3,865 undergraduates, 1,685 graduates, 193 tenure-track faculty, 125 non-tenure track faculty, and 130 staff. The college collaborates with global networks to extend education and research opportunities. The college offers 12 departments and programs and 15 graduate-level certificate programs, reinforcing Northeastern’s commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. Research The College of Science conducts fundamental and applied research to address health, security, and sustainability challenges. The college houses 15 of Northeastern’s 37 interdisciplinary centers and institutes, supporting cross-disciplinary, cross-sector collaboration and global impact. Learn more about Northeastern’s research centers and institutes through the university’s materials. Experiential Learning Northeastern’s experiential learning hallmark, including the co-op program, provides students with real-world experiences across study and work. The college promotes global learning experiences such as study abroad, global co-ops, and the Dialogue of Civilizations, which offers faculty-led experiences abroad. Service-learning opportunities also connect coursework to civic engagement and practical impact. THE ROLE OF THE DEAN The Dean is the chief academic and executive officer of the College of Science, reporting to the Provost. The Dean oversees faculty, staff, students, long-term planning, and the college’s physical and fiscal resources within a hybrid budgeting model. The Dean leads externally to promote the college with public and private partners and serves as an advocate internally to secure support for large initiatives. The Dean will also coordinate across Northeastern’s global network to advance programs, partnerships, and research globally. Direct reports include associate deans and six academic department chairs who complete the leadership team. KEY OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR THE DEAN Deans are expected to be institutional leaders and partners with university leadership. The Dean will address strategic and operational opportunities and challenges, including: Define a pioneering strategy for the college in alignment with Northeastern’s vision. The Dean will lead the development of a forward-looking strategy, create innovative programs and initiatives, and expand graduate degrees and certificates, in alignment with lifelong learning and higher education trends. The Dean will work to formalize cross-disciplinary work, advocate for continued support, and translate ideas into actionable priorities that align with the university’s aspirations. Cultivate strong relationships and leverage the power of the global network. The Dean will pursue creative partnerships across the global network to craft interdisciplinary programs, initiatives, and research while ensuring internal alignment and coordination. Building matrixed relationships across academic units and campuses is essential to drive innovation and operational excellence. Improve operational excellence and sustainability in response to rapid growth. The Dean must ensure programs and services function effectively to provide value to students and other stakeholders. The Dean should leverage the global network to scale operations and address logistical challenges across campuses, including curriculum coordination, faculty hiring, and infrastructure development. Strengthen and expand external partnerships. The Dean will deepen relationships with external partners to develop sustainable collaborations, attract resources, and support Northeastern’s research infrastructure. The Dean will engage industry, government, and other academic institutions to advance applied learning and research, expand the co-op program, and identify adjunct faculty opportunities while removing barriers to external engagement. Champion Northeastern’s vision and advocate for the College of Science. The Dean will translate the university’s broader vision into the College of Science context, leveraging the global network to enhance student experiences, sponsored research, and institutes beyond the Boston campus. The Dean will communicate with senior administration to address budget, space, and operational constraints and foster transparent communication within the college and university. QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS Northeastern seeks a dean with strategic and operational leadership ability and an entrepreneurial spirit. Desired qualities and characteristics include: A deep appreciation for Northeastern’s mission and for a liberal arts education with core technological, data, and human literacies.
A proven record of strategic leadership and project management in a complex environment, preferably at a major research institution; a track record of fiscally responsible, entrepreneurial initiatives.
A distinguished record of scholarly achievement.
Clear capacity for strategic visioning, innovation, problem-solving, and judgment.
Commitment to the Academic Plan and to expanding the global university system, with an entrepreneurial mindset.
Commitment to global education and fostering belonging among students, faculty, and staff.
Ability to drive change, translate ideas into action, and navigate ambiguity with strategic thinking and tenacity.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Unimpeachable character and integrity.
Experience negotiating in a large organization.
An earned terminal degree in a field represented within the college and a record appropriate for tenure as full professor.
APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue confidentially until the search is complete. Inquiries, nominations, and CVs with cover letters should be submitted via the Isaacson, Miller website:
https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/northeastern-university-college-science/dean
(URL provided for reference in the original document). Electronic submission of materials is encouraged. Contacts: Andy Lee, Managing Partner; Vijay Saraswat, Partner; Courtney Cabansag, Associate; Hannah Moore, Senior Associate; Madeline Fitzpatrick, Managing Search Coordinator; Isaacson, Miller, 263 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Northeastern is an E-Verify Employer. APPENDIX 1: Academic Plan Beyond 2025 outlines goals to maximize Northeastern’s positive impact, including cross-disciplinary collaboration, translating excellence into measured impact, ensuring access to skills and tools, advancing experiential education, fostering belonging, and delivering seamless technology-enabled experiences. APPENDIX 2: University Leadership Descriptions of President Joseph E. Aoun and Provost David Madigan, including leadership roles, accomplishments, and affiliations, are provided to contextualize the university’s leadership environment. Position Type
Leadership Additional Information Northeastern offers a comprehensive benefits package. Visit the university benefits site for details. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or other protected characteristics. Northeastern is an E-Verify Employer. Compensation Expected Hiring Range: $0.00 - $0.00. Final compensation will depend on factors including education, experience, location, and skills, and is subject to change.
#J-18808-Ljbffr