Director of the Roth Center for Missions Computing

Taylor University
Upland, Indiana, United States
Date Posted: 05/16/2024
Categories: Education - Other
Job Type: Full-Time
Employee Workplace: On-site
Job Description:

Summary

The Roth Center for Missions Computing (CMC) was established in 2007 to formalize the department’s involvement since 1980 in helping many missionary organizations meet their technology needs. The Roth CMC received a gift of $6 million in 2023 to endow the running of the CMC, including the director’s position, travel, marketing, scholarships for CMC Scholar students to learn technology leadership while helping run the CMC, and scholarships for Taylor University students who assist missionary organizations with technology during the summer. International trips with students are common in cooperation Taylor University’s Roth Center for Missions Computing.  

The CSE Program consists of seven faculty members who serve over 170 students majoring in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and majors with an Information Systems and Analytics or Data Science component, as well as providing instruction for students in general education and service courses.??Recent research includes funded work in the defense sector.  Faculty and students have also been involved in ten nano-satellite projects funded by a variety of government and private organizations. The Computer Engineering degree has been ABET-accredited since 2007.  CSE is housed in the 127,000 square foot LEED Gold certified Euler Science Complex that opened in 2012 and has 4 labs with 90 dual-boot Windows/Linux workstations and access to 3D printers, a laser cutter, CNC machine, and other engineering equipment.  Departmental faculty have expertise in algorithms, artificial intelligence (including machine learning), cybersecurity, graphics, information systems, networks, operating systems, software engineering, and full-stack web development.

Mission and Commitment
Taylor's mission is to develop servant-leaders marked with a passion to minister Christ’s redemptive love, grace, and truth to a world in need. 

As a community, Taylor faculty, staff, and students commit to living out Christ’s love and truth in the here and now. We worship together, serve one another, and grow in faith as we learn in the classroom, on the field, at chapel, and anywhere else we’re doing Life Together.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

This is a non-tenured, full-time, 12-monthfaculty position focused on directing the Roth Center for Missions Computing (RCMC).

  • The position includes teachingan annual12-hour teaching load (approximately four courses/year).A typical teaching load will be one course per term–  including the January term– with an extra course one term.

  • There are no required research expectations, but the candidate will direct computer technology-related projects that benefit the missions and global church community, and plan RCMC-ledstudent trips.

  • The candidate also will participate in standard on-campus faculty activities such as attending faculty meetings, Colleagues College, as well asparticipating in relevant conferences, workshops, etc.

 

Typical Qualifications

Candidates can be professionally qualified through a combination of the following: 

  1. An earned master’s or doctorate in a relevant field from an accredited institution

  1. A master’s or bachelor’s degree with extensive relevant experience.

 

Position requirements:

  • Experience in strategy and managing computing technology

  • Leadership and mentoring skills as demonstrated by past roles and experience

  • Demonstrated ability to teach

  • Administrative experience

  • A desire to lead the CMC with Integrated Leadership (see )

  • A passion to help students in computer science and engineering, systems, and other majors use their God-given talents to spread the Gospel

Positions preferences:

  • Long term (3 or more years) experience managing missional technology

  • Lived "missions computing"

  • Professional programming/information technology experience

  • International living/travel experience

  • Ability to travel to conferences and visit mission organizations

  • Ability to organize and lead student trips

 

Supplemental Information

Interested candidates should include an application letter, and curriculum vitae, transcripts, and letters of reference with the application. Materials should be addressed to Dr. Matt Renfrow, Dean of Natural and Applied Sciences. All materials will remain confidential. If desired, informal letters in inquiry can be sent to Dr. Stefan Brandle, co-chair of the computer science department (stbrandle@taylor.edu). Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. 

About Taylor University

For more than 175 years, Taylor University has stayed true to its heritage, challenging each generation of students to integrate faith with learning and follow Christ’s calling. At Taylor University, we also see students embracing community, lifelong learning and growth, and yes, academic excellence. Taylor's mission is to develop servant-leaders marked with a passion to minister Christ’s redemptive love, grace, and truth to a world in need. 

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