Job Description
About Sacred Heart University
As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; School of Computer Science & Engineering and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2025 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu
Program Director and Associate/Full Professor of Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence and Systems Integration)
School of Computer Science and Engineering
College of Arts & Sciences
Sacred Heart University | Fairfield, Connecticut
Sacred Heart University invites applications for the position of Program Director of Computer Science at the rank of Associate or Full Professor (tenure-track) with a start date of August 2026.
This position offers a unique opportunity for an accomplished academic leader to guide Sacred Heart’s Department of Computer Science through an exciting period of transformation—one that integrates artificial intelligence (AI), systems thinking, and industry engagement into a forward-looking computing curriculum.
The successful candidate will lead the continued development of Sacred Heart’s Master of Science in Computer Science & Information Technology (MSCIT) program and undergraduate offerings, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills and perspectives necessary to excel in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Responsibilities
• Lead and oversee the Computer Science program, providing academic, operational, and strategic direction aligned with SHU’s mission and strategic plan.
• Design, implement, and assess a reimagined, AI-focused curriculum emphasizing programming structure, systems integration, and applied innovation.
• Teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students in computer science, artificial intelligence, or related fields.
• Develop partnerships with industry and external organizations to expand applied learning and research opportunities.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration across computing, engineering, business, and the liberal arts.
• Contribute to faculty recruitment, development, and assessment within the School of Computer Science and Engineering.
• Engage in research and scholarship that advances the field and informs curriculum innovation.
Qualifications
• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related field.
• Record of academic leadership and curriculum innovation.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching, research, and program development.
• Experience in AI applications, machine learning, or systems-level integration preferred.
• Eligibility for appointment at the associate or full professor rank.
Application Process
Applicants should submit:
1. A cover letter describing leadership experience, teaching philosophy, and vision for AI-driven computer science education.
2. A curriculum vitae.
3. A statement of research interests.
4. Contact information for three professional references. Letters of recommendation and official transcripts will be required from final candidates.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.
