"Chair, Associate/Full Professor of Communications"

THE OPPORTUNITY

Alabama State University invites applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Communications in the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences.

This leadership position presents an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished academic leader to guide a dynamic department committed to excellence in communications education. The Chair will advance the department's mission by fostering innovation in teaching and learning, supporting faculty development, and driving strategic initiatives that enhance student success in today's rapidly evolving media and communications landscape.

The successful candidate will provide visionary leadership that aligns with the university's strategic goals while strengthening the department's academic reputation in communications disciplines. This position offers the opportunity to shape curriculum development, foster research productivity, and build collaborative relationships with media organizations, communications firms, and community partners across Montgomery and beyond. The Chair will be instrumental in preparing students for success in diverse communications fields through innovative teaching methods, practical experience, and academic rigor.

As a key academic leader within the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, the Chair will collaborate with other department heads, the Dean, and senior administration to contribute to institutional effectiveness and student achievement. The selected candidate will join a vibrant academic community dedicated to preparing communications professionals who will make meaningful contributions to the field through ethical practice, critical thinking, and effective communication strategies.

JOB DUTIES

The Department Chair serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the Communications Department, providing strategic leadership while fostering excellence in teaching, research, and service. Reporting directly to the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, this position encompasses comprehensive oversight of departmental operations, faculty development, curriculum innovation, and resource management.

In partnership with the Dean, the Chair assists in formulating and administering instructional and academic policies that align with industry standards, accreditation requirements, and institutional goals. The Chair leads efforts to develop and revise courses, ensures that course syllabi are prepared properly and are up to date, and incorporates methods for improving instruction across all modalities. Regular transmission of course objectives and comprehensive departmental reports to the Dean is an essential function of this role.

The successful candidate will balance administrative responsibilities with classroom teaching within the prescribed workload for departmental leadership. The Chair ensures proper academic advising for all departmental majors and minors, prepares class schedules that optimize resource utilization, makes faculty assignments relevant to departmental objectives, and supervises the preparation of material pertaining to the department that is published in university catalogs.

Faculty development responsibilities include identifying the need for new faculty positions or the need to fill vacant positions, evaluating the performance of faculty members in the department, and making recommendations regarding renewal, promotion, and tenure. The Chair fosters a collegial environment that promotes scholarly productivity and teaching excellence while ensuring that competencies are consistent with departmental objectives.

Resource management is another critical aspect of this role. The Chair determines departmental needs for supplies, equipment, library and related materials and ensures these needs are met.

Additionally, the Chair prepares and submits a departmental budget, in consultation with the Dean of the College and University financial planners, and ensures the approved budget is administered properly. The Chair also promotes the preparation of grant proposals to fund departmental programs while assisting in administering grants awarded to support such programs, seeking opportunities to enhance departmental resources and student opportunities.

HOW TO APPLY AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Qualified candidates should submit a comprehensive application package that includes:

1. A cover letter addressing qualifications and interest in the position
2. Current curriculum vitae
3. Statement of teaching philosophy and administrative leadership approach
4. Three professional references with contact information
5. Official transcripts of all graduate work

Applications should be submitted electronically. The position will remain open until filled.

Please direct nominations and inquiries to:

Jessica Horton
Associate Principal
TM2 Executive Search
ASUcomm@tm2search.com