Head, Computer Science Department

The University of Arizona (UArizona) College of Science seeks a visionary and strategic leader who is deeply committed to a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to research and education to serve as the next head of the Department of Computer Science. Applications, inquiries, and nominations are invited.

The Department of Computer Science at the University of Arizona has a long and distinguished reputation of excellence in the areas of natural language processing, information visualization, bioinformatics, computer systems, software, databases, and theory. Members of the Department of Computer Science are committed to the highest standards of excellence, professionalism, and ethical behavior. It is a highly-ranked computer science department for its size (20-25 tenure-track faculty), according to the most recent National Research Council rankings. The department is known for high-impact research, with recent data showing that on average, the citation rate of its publications is in line with top-5 computer science departments.

Reporting to the dean, the head is responsible for strategic planning, setting a vision, operations, finances, faculty affairs, academic and research programs, external relations, and providing support of the department's aspirations. The next head will provide leadership to create and execute a visionary and sustainable growth plan for the department; advance diversity, equity and inclusion; recruit, develop and retain faculty; support the growth of enrollment and student success; nurture and develop interdisciplinary collaboration across the College and University; engage alumni and industry partners; and enhance the visibility and profile of the department internally and externally.

In achieving these objectives, the next head must be a collaborative leader who possesses the leadership skills, strategic capacity, and innovative spirit to advance and advocate for the department. Additional preferred experiences include successful administrative experience in a university environment; a strong record of advancing equity and inclusion; the communication and interpersonal skills and deep intellectual curiosity to engage and support a diverse set of programs; and a strong record of forging interdisciplinary partnerships. The new head must possess the scholarly record required to merit a tenured appointment as a full professor in the College.  

As a Hispanic Serving Institution and the state’s land-grant university, UArizona honors its threefold commitment to education, research and community service. The university takes pride in preparing its almost 47,000 students, including approximately 7,000 students living on the main Tucson campus, for success in life beyond graduation. Its 392-acre main campus in the heart of Tucson, situated in the Sonoran Desert and surrounded by five mountain ranges, is recognized worldwide for its stunning design and has several LEED-certified buildings. UArizona is a proud member of the Association of American Universities and stands at the forefront of innovation with a constant drive to advance the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships. Additional information can be found on the UArizona website: www.arizona.edu

Applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile, which can be found at www.wittkieffer.com.

Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal. Nominations and inquiries can be directed to the WittKieffer consultants supporting this search, Jessica Herrington and Randi Miller, at UAHeadCompSci@wittkieffer.com.

The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 protects individuals from discrimination based on sex in any educational program or activity operated by recipients of federal financial assistance. As required by Title IX, the University of Arizona does not discriminate based on sex in its educational programs or activities, including in admission and employment. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX may be referred to the University’s Title IX Coordinator or to the U.S. Department of Education, Assistant Secretary, or both.