Chairperson (Curriculum & Instruction)

Job Description

Southern University invites applications for the position of Chairperson in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, overseeing its programs. This 12-month administrative role requires a visionary leader with expertise in K-12, data-driven decision-making, accreditation (CAEP), student advisement, and leadership field experience. The Chairperson will provide strategic direction, manage daily operations, and ensure program excellence while fostering innovation, inclusivity, and student success. The ideal candidate will ensure the program aligns with the state standards to develop competent and ethical school leaders.

Job Responsibilities

• Teaching & Instruction: Deliver undergraduate and/or graduate instruction across academic terms. Integrate instructional technology and research-based pedagogy.
• Curriculum Development, Assessment & Accreditation: Lead curriculum alignment and assessment efforts. Support CAEP and state accreditation documentation and reporting.
• Student Advisement & Mentorship: Provide academic and professional advisement. Support students through field experiences and certification pathways.
• Research & Scholarship: Maintain an active research agenda. Publish, present, and seek external funding.
• Service & Engagement: Participate in departmental, school, and university service. Engage with PK-2 and community partners.
• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the department in alignment with the mission, vision, and strategic priorities of the institution.
• Promote academic excellence through curriculum development, innovative teaching practices, and integration of technology, artificial intelligence, and digital tools in learning and research.
• Support faculty recruitment, mentoring, evaluation, and professional development to strengthen teaching, scholarship, and service.
• Foster a collaborative and equitable environment that values belonging for faculty, staff, and students.
• Ensure departmental compliance with institutional policies, accreditation standards, and professional requirements.
• Oversee budget, resource allocation, and departmental operations with transparency and efficiency.
• Encourage and support faculty and students in pursuing research, grants, partnerships, and interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Promote technology literacy, data-informed decision-making, and the ethical and responsible use of AI across academic and administrative functions.
• Engage in effective communication with students, faculty, staff, administrators, and external partners to build strong relationships and advance departmental goals.
• Model ethical leadership, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Other Duties as Assigned: Perform additional responsibilities aligned with departmental and instructional needs.

Required Qualifications

• An earned doctorate or terminal degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in Curriculum & Instruction or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated record of excellence in teaching, scholarship/research, service, and mentoring.
• Proven administrative leadership experience in an academic or educational setting. Demonstrated expertise in online education, including LMS platforms and instructional technologies.
• Proven leadership, organizational, and administrative skills with the ability to manage complex academic operations, preferably at least 2 years of leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of technology-enhanced learning, AI applications in higher education, and digital literacy.
• Commitment to collegiality.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• 3 years of teaching experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral Degree
• Experience in recruiting and retaining students. Expertise in curriculum development, program assessment, and online learning innovations.
• 3 years of teaching experience.
• Experience with accreditation, assessment, and program review processes.
• Successful record of securing external funding, grants, or partnerships.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change, build consensus, and inspire innovation.
• Record of scholarly activity, including publications, grants, and external funding.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage faculty, students, and stakeholders.

Certifications

Teaching Certificate: Level 1 or higher