"Chair - Department of Education Studies"

SUMMARY

Stephen F. Austin State University, a member of The University of Texas System, seeks an innovative leader to serve as chair of the Department of Education Studies. The chair will report to the Dean of the newly reorganized James I. Perkins College of Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Candidates should hold the rank of Professor or Associate Professor in an academic area within the department and may be assigned teaching duties as necessary.

The Department of Education Studies will be reorganized in summer 2026 and will house approximately 23 full-time faculty and offer various undergraduate and graduate programs, including Elementary, Middle Level, and Secondary Education; Teaching; and Curriculum and Instruction.

The successful applicant will have a demonstrated track record of effective program-level leadership and a strong understanding of the Texas Education Agency requirements related to teacher certification. The chair will be expected to collaborate with the on-campus Charter School (K-5), Early Childhood Lab (infant to pre-K), and the Office of Assessment and Accountability, in addition to other divisions that support educator preparation. The chair will play a critical role in the leadership and success of the newly merged college and the SFA Educator Preparation Program.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is a full-time, twelve-month faculty position responsible for serving as the chief executive of an academic department or academic school (referred to as academic unit or unit) while exemplifying those faculty qualities most valued by the academic community: teaching excellence; scholarly and creative activities; and a commitment to university and community service. Responsible for setting the tone of the unit through daily interactions with colleagues and departmental staff; and making and implementing decisions in the context of collegiality and regular communication. The chair/director is an administrator, the quality of whose performance has a fundamental impact on the success of the institution in attaining its specific goals. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the dean.

QUALIFICATIONS

Terminal degree in the field of the academic department or academic school, allowing the individual to teach within the department, is required.
Sufficient experience to warrant a tenured appointment in one of the disciplines within the department or school is required. Strong record of research and other scholarly achievements is required.
Experience in academic administration is preferred.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Establishes and maintains a climate conducive to the pursuit of knowledge.
2. Provides leadership in the establishment of a visionary direction and the maintenance of standards for the academic unit, consistent with college and university missions.
3. Serves as the principal advocate for the unit and as an advocate for the college and university missions.
4. Ensures quality through evaluation, modification, and development of academic programs.
5. Responds to the needs of students, faculty, administration, the public, and others.
6. Develops and manages course schedules for each semester/ parts of term .
7. Assigns and manages faculty workload.
8. Manages and allocates fiscal and physical resources of the unit.
9. Establishes, maintains, and communicates effective personnel management procedures and processes.
10. Promotes the academic unit externally.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

1. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, university policies and procedures.
2. Ability to receive a tenured appointment in one of the disciplines within the department or school.
3. Ability to establish and maintain a good rapport with university faculty and staff, students, and the general public.
4. Ability to work collaboratively and build strategic relations with colleagues, coworkers, and constituents.
5. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
6. Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.
7. Ability to develop objectives, evaluate effectiveness, and assess needs.
8. Ability to manage a budget and work within the constraints of that budget.
9. Ability to develop, interpret, and evaluate policies and procedures.
10. Ability to supervise and train others.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT

Please submit the following required documents:
- CV
- Cover letter
- Three letters of recommendation
- Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts will be required for the finalist)

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Stephen F. Austin State University recognizes the potential for accidents in performing job-related tasks. SFA promotes a safe working environment. Employees will be responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently. Employee evaluations will include safe job performance.

This is a security-sensitive position subject to criminal record check.
This is an IT-sensitive position subject to Computer and Network Security policy.