MILLS COLLEGE

Director - Engineering Design Program

Oakland, CA · Director

Sponsorship not specified$97k-$136kDetected 9 days ago

Machine LearningData AnalysisProject ManagementCRMPerformance ManagementResearchLeadershipCommunicationCollaborationMentoring

About the role

The university offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs leading to degrees through the doctorate in nine colleges and schools.
Our campuses across North America and in the UK are platforms for undergraduate and graduate learning and collaborative research.
Northeastern's signature cooperative education model integrates rigorous academic study with professional experience, producing graduates who are career-ready from day one.

Oversee the program launch in Fall 2027 and implement long-term plans to ensure growth, continuous curriculum innovation, and academic excellence.
Develop processes for co-op employer onboarding, student preparation, and post-placement evaluation.
Monitor co-op quality and employer satisfaction to maintain program standards and student outcomes.
Direct day-to-day operations of the Engineering Design program, ensuring policies, procedures, and academic standards are upheld.
Implement and maintain technology systems that support efficient program operations, industry project management, and student tracking.
Identify and pursue external funding opportunities including grants, corporate sponsorships, and philanthropic support.
Maintain accurate financial tracking and reporting systems.
The Director develops and promotes marketing initiatives through strategic public relations and community outreach, and works in concert with campus leadership to strategize on program growth across the Bay Area.

Education & Experience:
Demonstrated experience designing, launching, or significantly reforming engineering education programs, with a focus on experiential, interdisciplinary, or AI-integrated learning models
Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in academic program leadership, industry partnership management, or workforce development within an engineering or technical higher education setting
Experience in a co-op-based or experiential learning environment strongly preferred
Record of scholarly or applied work in engineering education, curriculum innovation, or related fields is a plus
Technical Knowledge & Skills:
Deep understanding of engineering education pedagogy, competency frameworks, and industry workforce trends, with a particular emphasis on next-generation and AI-integrated curriculum design
Familiarity with the application of AI tools - including machine learning, simulation, and data analysis - in engineering practice and education
Broad knowledge across multidisciplinary engineering domains including mechanical, thermal, electrical, and data systems, sufficient to credibly lead a cross-disciplinary program

Experience with learning management systems, co-op or experiential learning platforms, and CRM systems
Understanding of industry accreditation standards relevant to undergraduate engineering programs (e.g., ABET)
Leadership & Management:
Proven track record of successful program development and revenue generation within a self-supporting business model
Experience leading interdisciplinary teams and managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives
Track record of innovation in program delivery, industry engagement, and business model development
Budget management experience and financial acumen
Established relationships with engineering and technology organizations in the Bay Area or comparable markets

$96,565.00 - $136,397.50
With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in t
Develop and execute annual strategic plans for the BS in Engineering Design program that align with Northeastern's mission and respond to engineering workforce trends.
Generate business contracts totaling established annual revenue goals through direct outreach and partnership development.
Achieve annual revenue targets within a self-supporting business model.
Develop and manage the annual operating budget, oversee program expenditures, and maintain fiscal responsibility achieving break-even or surplus.

They are excited by the opportunity to build a program from the ground up that challenges traditional engineering education models and sets a new standard for what an undergraduate engineering degree can be.
This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation.
Champion and operationalize the program's innovative educational model - integrating AI-native instruction, human-centered design, and interdisciplinary project-based learning across all four years of the curriculum.
Work closely with faculty to embed AI tools, real-world industry projects, and entrepreneurial frameworks throughout the student experience.
Co-op & Experiential Learning Oversight (20%)
Lead marketing efforts to promote the program to prospective students, industry partners, and the broader Bay Area engineering community, positioning it as a national model for innovative engineering education.
Recruit, train, and retain qualified instructors and industry-based faculty to deliver high-quality educational programming.

About the Opportunity
Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and a world leader in experiential learning.
The same commitment to connecting with the world drives our use-inspired research enterprise.
Ensure all students have access to meaningful, industry-embedded experiences that align with program competencies and the goal of producing day-one-ready engineers.

Demonstrated ability to build and sustain partnerships with engineering firms, technology companies, and industry organizations, spanning project sponsorship, curriculum co-development, and deep talent pipeline integration

This listing is sourced directly from MILLS COLLEGE's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.