Director of the School of Computing Position Specification

Montclair State University seeks a creative, visionary, and highly collaborative leader and builder to serve as the Director of the new School of Computing. Combining the university’s strength in academic programs in areas related to computer science with its growing research portfolio, the new School of Computing opened in fall 2023. Housed within the College of Science and Mathematics (CSAM), the School of Computing will be an innovative hub for advancing education and research, engaging with the global community to address interdisciplinary challenges, and training a pipeline of diverse students to be tomorrow’s practitioners and leaders.

Montclair State University

Montclair State University is a nationally recognized Research Doctoral University that empowers students, faculty, and researchers to exceed expectations and drive innovation. Montclair State University delivers the instructional and research resources of a large public university in a supportive, sophisticated, and diverse academic environment. Building on 114 years of distinguished history, Montclair today has fourteen colleges and schools that serve more than 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students with more than 300 doctoral, master’s, and baccalaureate degree programs.  The University has an expansive campus life with on-campus residential capacity of about 5,000 students, more than 120 student organizations, and 18 NCAA Division III athletic teams.

Montclair ranks among the top 10 universities nationally for social mobility and is noted for its exceptional student outcomes that far exceed experts’ predictions. Montclair is a designated R2 Doctoral Research Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) – one of only two in New Jersey and the largest in the state. Situated just 12 miles from New York City on a beautiful 252-acre suburban campus, the University welcomes a diverse population of students representing 42 U.S. states and territories and 113 countries. As an HSI institution, Montclair State University is majority-minority serving. Montclair also ranks in the top 13% of 4,500 postsecondary institutions in the U.S. for return on investment.

In addition to a broad range of traditional programs, Montclair State University offers programs in more contemporary and evolving areas such as Molecular Biology, Nutritional Science, Public Health, Child Advocacy, TV/Digital Media and Sports, Events and Tourism Marketing, Recording Arts, Data Science, Business Analytics as well as cross-disciplinary programs in areas such as justice studies, sustainability, language engineering, computational linguistics, and math education. Montclair has a doctoral program in Teacher Education and Teacher Development that is one of very few in the nation that explicitly prepares educators of teachers. Montclair offers a Ph.D. in Environmental Management which combines

interdisciplinary research in the sciences with training in management and policy formation, as well as a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Montclair State University also offers a Ph.D. in

Communication and Speech Disorders and the Au.D. in Audiology occupying one of the finest clinical and research facilities in the tri-state region. The instructional programs of Montclair are distributed among the following colleges and schools:  1) College of Humanities and Social Sciences; 2) College of the Arts; 3) College for Community Health; 4) College for Education and Engaged Learning; 5) College of Science and Mathematics; 6) Feliciano School of Business; 7) John J. Cali School of Music; 8) College of Communication and Media; 9) School of Computing; 10) School of Nursing; 11) University College; 12) The Graduate School; 13) Bloomfield College of Montclair State University; 14) Interdisciplinary School for Social Transformation.

Key Facts

  • Founded as the New Jersey State Normal School at Montclair in 1908
  • Located in New Jersey communities of Montclair, Little Falls, and Clifton
  • Main campus encompasses 252 acres
  • Over 300 majors, minors, concentrations, and certificate programs; over 200 degree programs
  • 23,546 total students, the largest enrollment in Montclair history
  • 18,062 undergraduate students
  • 4,508 graduate students
  • 22 residential communities capable of housing 5,200 students
  • Student to teacher ratio: 17 to 1 and average class size: 24
  • A Carnegie designated high research activity (R2) and community engaged doctoral university
  • Recent faculty awards and honors include a Zenith Award, a Carnegie Fellowship, and multiple National Science Foundation Early Career Award winners.

Financial and Operational Highlights

  • Montclair State University’s annual budget for the current fiscal year is over $500 million.
  • To support its commitment to affordability, MSU has consistently maintained tuition rates among the lowest of the four-year public colleges and universities in the state, and increased scholarship funding by more than 63 percent over the past five years.
  • Keeping low tuition rates has been challenging in a state that historically does not fund its institutions well. While general operating support allocated by the State of New Jersey has increased by almost one-third in the current fiscal year, state appropriations fund only 21 percent of the operating budget today, compared to 46 percent in 2001.
  • Credit ratings agencies continue to rate Montclair State University as a financially strong and stable university. Moody’s currently rates MSU as A2, and Fitch as A+ with a stable outlook.
  • Montclair State University has enjoyed much recent success at developing additional revenue sources. Extramural research funding has trended strongly upward, reaching a record high of $22 million received in the most recent fiscal year.
  • Philanthropy is also becoming a more important source of funding. The Soar campaign, which concluded on June 30, 2020, raised $82 million (exceeding its goal of $75 million). The campaign, the largest in the University’s history, was fueled by gifts from 20,000 donors. It contributed to the growth of the endowment that now is in excess of $100 million.

School of Computing

Although the School of Computing was only recently established in 2023, the history of Computer Science at Montclair dates back to 1975. At a time when few programs were offered in New Jersey or across the Nation, our Computer Science BS major was introduced in 1977, following the development of a Computer Science minor in 1975. These programs were housed in the Department of Mathematical Sciences until 1998, when the Department of Computer Science was established with 11 tenured and tenure-track faculty members. Today, the School of Computing has more than 40 faculty members and continues to add new faculty lines to meet student enrollment growth and the development of new programs.

The School provides four baccalaureate degrees (Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, and Information Technology) and six master of science degree programs (Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Computational Linguistics (with Department of Linguistics), Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Information Technology). The School is currently developing a proposal for a PhD in Computer Science. Overall enrollments in School of Computing programs have seen significant growth in recent years, with 1,696 students enrolled in Fall 2025 undergraduate and graduate programs, double the enrollment in Fall 2017, and 12% higher than when the School was established. Further enrollment increases would be expected to meet future demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, three of the top fifteen fastest growing occupations predicted from 2024-2034 are Data Scientists (+33.5%), Information Security Analysts (+28.5%), and Computer and information research scientists (+19.7%).

The School is housed in the recently renovated Center for Computing and Information Science building, providing a welcoming and supportive environment for students from diverse backgrounds and a nexus for collaborations with other disciplines across campus. The School reports to the College of Science and Mathematics, which is also home to the Departments of Biology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Earth & Environmental Studies, Mathematics, and Physics & Astronomy.

As an R2 public research institution, Montclair is committed to expanding the research enterprise. Since Fiscal Year (FY) 2021, the University has increased research and development expenditures by 150% with almost $20 million in new external awards in FY ‘25. The School of Computing currently receives funding for research in areas such as AI and robotics, human-machine interaction, cybersecurity, computational linguistics, and computer science education from multiple federal agencies, organizations, and programs, such as the NSF CAREER program.

It is in this setting that the new Director will play a leadership role in bringing together faculty, students, and staff across campus to advance academic and research programs in computing, to identify new opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations, and to further enhance the university’s commitment to student access and success. Building industry partnerships that create opportunities for student internships and cooperative education experiences is a priority for the new Director. To meet expected growth in computing occupations, the Director will also recruit exceptional faculty to deliver cutting edge programs that span high demand areas, including data science, software engineering, and artificial intelligence.

Key Opportunities for the Director

Develop, strengthen and promote the School of Computing as a unique leader in computational sciences.
Computing programs at Montclair State University are strong and have undergone significant growth during the last five years – but competition for talented students and faculty in computing fields is intense at regional, state, national, and international levels. The Director will work closely with faculty and staff to build the brand of the School to increase the reach and reputation of its programs. As part of this work, the Director will identify unique qualities of the School and its programs that stand apart from those at other institutions and develop new initiatives that serve the educational and research missions of the School in ways that create a truly unique and exciting place for scholarship in computing to occur.
Create an environment that is inclusive and supports the access, retention, and success of diverse students.
Montclair State University is the largest Hispanic-serving public research (R2) institution in the region. This uniquely places the School of Computing in a position to create a truly diverse community of students in computing majors in an academic and industry landscape where women and minorities are dramatically underrepresented. The Director will provide leadership that creates a welcoming environment for students in computing programs that fosters belonging and a strong sense of community. The Director will ensure that School of Computing courses are designed and delivered in ways that are engaging, educational, and accessible to all students admitted into its programs. Montclair State University has invested in significant academic advising and student support infrastructure, which the School of Computing will leverage to ensure healthy enrollments and retention in its programs.
Attract and retain highly qualified and talented faculty who reflect our diverse student population.
The Director will recognize the importance of a faculty and staff who are representative of the students they educate, and the urgent need to diversify professions in computing. The Director will evaluate the processes by which faculty and staff are recruited to ensure that the School of Computing is attractive to diverse candidates with outcomes that increase applications and successful recruitment and retention of diverse new faculty and staff talent. The Director will also create a supportive and inclusive environment in which all faculty and staff can thrive, characterized by open and transparent communication with all members of the academic community.
Provide support for large programs in the School of Computing that have seen significant recent growth and strategically grow other undergraduate and graduate programs in the School.
The Director will balance the need to recruit and retain more faculty in programs with significant growth while simultaneously recruiting and retaining more students into other programs that are small or have lost enrollments in recent years. This will require assessment and analysis of program vitality, engagement of faculty and student stakeholders, as well as industry partners and alumni, and strategic planning of enrollment management. The Director will lead faculty to enhance the curricula of existing programs to ensure they remain competitive and are aligned with the needs of the workforce, and develop new courses or degree programs in response to emerging trends in the field of computing and the demands of industry, including interdisciplinary academic programs that appeal to a broader range of student interests and relevant industries.
Develop strong relationships with external and internal partners to leverage job and internship opportunities for students and increase funds and resources for programs in the School of Computing.
The Director will develop and nurture relationships with internal and external partners with a commitment to mutual success, creating a supportive network that benefits students and enhances the programs and resources of the School of Computing. It is anticipated that the Director will identify the appropriate stakeholders, who may include faculty, staff, alumni, industry partners, local businesses, and government agencies. As alumni engagement is a critical component, the Director will organize alumni events and create alumni networks and engagement through social media. The Director will establish relationships with local and national tech companies, startups, and industry associations, and attend industry conferences and events to network with new and existing partners. These activities will expand the membership and reach of the School’s Industry Advisory Board for insights into industry trends, guidance for program development. By developing a robust network of partners, and in collaboration with the College of Science and Mathematics Careers Services Office, the Director will develop internship and job opportunities for existing students and recent graduates.

Qualifications and Characteristics

Montclair State University invites applications for the position of Director of the School of Computing to start as early as the Spring 2026 semester. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for a visionary and collaborative leader to play a central role in shaping the success of the new School of Computing.

Reporting to the Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, the Director of the School of Computing is responsible for increasing the exposure of Montclair State University nationally and internationally and creating increased interest and investment from industry partners and alumni to help enable student success and promote the advancement of Computing at Montclair State University.

The Director creates and implements a strategic vision for the growth and development of the School within the framework of Montclair State University’s expanding mission as a top-100 public research university.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

  • Determines the overall direction and day-to-day management of the School.
  • Leads the strategic planning and goal setting for the School and reporting of metrics to assess success.
  • Advances Montclair State University’s commitment to an inclusive and respectful environment within a diverse community.
  • Exercises independent judgment in consultation for all strategic activities of the unit.
  • Works collaboratively with Deans and other Directors as well as members of the Provost’s Office. Attends Deans’ Council meetings.
  • Supervises and directs activities of the School’s staff
  • Works to create centers within the School and acts as a liaison for others who have a close relationship with the School.
  • Establishes new strategic partnerships with industry leaders to support student and faculty success.
  • Leads the transformation of the School of Computing Advisory Board and expands its membership.
  • Serves as the public face of the School and is its advocate and representative to the campus, the alumni, the professional computing community, and the public.
  • Scans external environments, including competitors to ensure rigorous curriculum and engaged community programs, and build strategic advantage over other universities and programs. Seeks synergies with other organizations at all levels.
  • Works with appropriate staff in the College of Science and Mathematics in expanding fundraising and development efforts to attract new sources of support and to enhance the reputation of the new School.
  • Leads the School’s efforts in student success.
  • Addresses student concerns, engagement, and development activities for all students.
  • Provides oversight for the quality of all the academic courses and programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels as well as the recruitment and mentoring of the highest qualified faculty.
  • Provides leadership and supervision of all degree accreditation and assessment efforts.
  • Provides leadership in the creation of new degrees, including online programs, in areas of Computing intersecting with Engineering.
  • Provides leadership in the start of a doctoral program, to establish it as a highly regarded degree.
  • Supports the development of a branded experience for students in the new School of Computing.
  • Makes recommendations to the Dean on hiring Instructional Specialists, Adjuncts, and temporary faculty.
  • Identifies senior faculty to mentor junior faculty.
  • Encourages faculty service to the School, the College and the University.
  • Addresses and reviews personnel actions of the school for both faculty and staff.
  • Establishes schedules and activities for faculty, adjuncts, and specialists.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
  • Management retains the right to add or change job duties at any time.

Qualifications

  • Required
    • Ph.D. degree in an area of Computing or a closely related area.
    • A distinguished record of professional accomplishment that would qualify the candidate for an appointment at the rank of Professor with tenure.
    • A minimum of three years of administrative experience in higher education, at the department chair level or above.
    • The capacity for visionary leadership across all areas of computing, including but not limited to: Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Applied Mathematics and Statistics.
    • Extensive management experience including responsibility for budgetary and personnel matters in a highly complex organization.
    • Excellent relationship-building skills
    • An understanding of faculty and student development processes
    • Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
    • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Preferred
    • A confident, engaging, and transparent leadership style
    • An active, broad-based connection to the professional community

Inclusion Statement

Montclair State University values access and educational excellence. We are committed to an environment of diverse perspectives which ensures that graduates will be civically engaged, committed to democracy, and prepared to thrive as global citizens. We foster a community that promotes varied experiences and voices. We seek applicants who will contribute diverse ideas and perspectives and who value an environment that promotes educational growth and advancement for all.

Procedure for Candidacy

Applicants should include a curriculum vitae and cover letter describing how their background, skills and education match the needs of the University. When applying, please take a moment to carefully read and follow the steps in the application instructions.

Apply for the Position

Confidential review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.