Executive Director, Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management

Executive Director, Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management

University of Nebraska–Lincoln | Lincoln, Nebraska

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) seeks an entrepreneurial and collaborative leader to guide the Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management into its next chapter.

The Raikes School is a nationally distinctive honors program at the intersection of computer science, business, innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Its highly accomplished students learn in a close-knit cohort environment and put their knowledge to work through industry-sponsored projects, startups, and applied research.

The Raikes School is growing, with its incoming cohort expanding from 40 to 60 students in fall 2026, creating an opportunity for the next Executive Director to build from a position of considerable strength while preserving the exceptional student experience and culture that distinguish the Raikes School.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to UNL’s Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer, the Executive Director will:

• Set the strategic direction for the School and lead its next phase of growth.
• Strengthen partnerships across academia, technology, business, industry, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy.
• Expand corporate and philanthropic engagement and elevate the School’s national visibility.
• Ensure continued excellence and innovation in the School’s academic and experiential programs.
• Recruit, develop, and support exceptional faculty, staff, and students.
• Lead a high-performing organization while strengthening its long-term sustainability.

This is not a traditional academic leadership role. It calls for someone who can bring academic credibility and industry credibility, engage comfortably with students and faculty as well as CEOs, entrepreneurs, alumni, and donors, and translate ideas into action.

Qualifications

Successful candidates will bring:

• Deep understanding of innovation, technology, and business.
• Commitment to excellence in undergraduate education, research, and mentorship.
• Strong leadership, organizational, strategic planning, and financial management skills.
• A record of collaboration across internal and external constituencies.
• Experience scaling organizations, teams, and/or operations.
• Experience with development and philanthropic fundraising.
• An advanced or terminal degree and/or distinguished industry experience, with accomplishments commensurate with the rank of full professor or full professor of practice.

Preferred experience includes creating distinctive student opportunities such as venture programs, incubators, entrepreneurial programs, or internships; engaging alumni; and recruiting and developing outstanding faculty, staff, and students.

About UNL

UNL is Nebraska’s flagship land-grant university, a Carnegie R1 research institution, and a member of the Big Ten Conference and Big Ten Academic Alliance. The university combines research, teaching, entrepreneurship, and public engagement within Nebraska’s growing technology and innovation ecosystem.

For full consideration, applications are encouraged by September 30, 2026.

Download the full Position Profile here

Apply here