Description
Job Description: The Mackay School of Earth Science and Engineering (MSESE) within the College of Science at the University of Nevada, Reno is seeking applications for a dynamic, innovative and creative leader to serve as Director. The Mackay School is one of the world’s leading educational institutions in the fields of natural resources, and earth sciences and engineering. The School within the College of Science includes the Departments of Geological Sciences and Engineering, Geography containing the State Climate Office, and Mining and Metallurgical Engineering. Mackay also includes two public service departments, the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, and the Nevada Seismology Laboratory. Departments within the School award undergraduate and graduate degrees across all disciplines in the earth sciences and engineering. In addition, the W.M. Keck Earth Science and Mineral Engineering Museum is housed in the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering.
Under direction of the Dean of the College of Science, the Director will serve as a key member of the College of Science leadership team, responsible for establishing the School’s strategic vision in alignment with College priorities. The Director provides guidance to the Dean on the School’s research, educational programs, facilities, and external engagement, while coordinating efforts in student recruitment and retention with the College advising and recruitment team, supporting professional development, and building interdisciplinary collaboration across the University. As the chief development officer for MSESE, the Director oversees fundraising initiatives in collaboration with the Dean on behalf of the School, strengthens alumni, industry and governmental relationships, and cultivates resources to enhance the School’s self-sufficiency.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and five (5) years of managerial or related professional experience OR
a Master’s degree and three (3) years of managerial or related professional experience OR
a Doctoral degree and (1) one year of managerial or related professional experience.
Related Experience:
- Experience as a senior leader leading a program or function in the minerals industry
- Experience securing and supporting fundraising or advancement opportunities for programming initiatives.
Schedule or Travel Requirements: Variable work schedule, occasional travel may be required
Preferred Qualifications: The successful candidate will have an earned degree in the earth sciences or engineering, demonstrated leadership skills and administrative experience, experience in the natural resource industries, and an understanding of the University of Nevada’s land grant mission. Preference will be given to candidates with an advanced degree in the earth sciences or engineering, geography, business or equivalent experience in the natural resource industries, a demonstrated understanding of natural resource industry related issues, demonstrated fundraising experience, and experience working with community members and university stakeholders.
Department Information: The Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering (MSESE) brings together a family of students, faculty and alumni from all walks of life with one common characteristic: perseverance. Founded by Irish immigrant John Mackay, his rags-to-riches American frontier tale of success has shaped the spirit of the Mackay School. The Mackay School enjoys a long and proud history at the University of Nevada, Reno which continues to shape the School's success today. While offering programs in geology, geography (human & physical), geophysics, geological engineering, hydrogeology and mining engineering (with options in underground and quarry mining), Mackay has expanded its scope to include research and degree programs in other critical earth science disciplines including seismology, environmental engineering, hydrology and environmental studies. At Mackay, our goal is to provide a student-focused and student-friendly atmosphere with small class sizes, a low student to faculty ratio, and summer job and internship opportunities. Please find more information here: https://www.unr.edu/mackay/
Contact Information: For information about the position, please contact Dr. Sander van der Linden at avanderlinden@unr.edu. For information about the application process, please contact Beth Jacobsen at 775-682-8787 or jacobsenb@unr.edu
For more information, and to apply, please visit: https://nshe.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UNR-external/job/University-of-Nevada-Reno---Main-Campus/Director--Mackay-School-of-Earth-Sciences-and-Engineering_R0150375
The above job posting will close at 11:59pm PST on March 3, 2026
EEO/AA. Women, under-represented groups, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.
