Position Summary
The College of Family and Consumer Sciences ( FACS ) at the University of Georgia ( UGA ) is seeking applications for the Department Head of Human Development and Family Science ( HDFS ).
The Department Head will inspire an expansive vision for the future and effectively interact with constituencies associated with academia, government, industry, and alumni, as well as faculty, staff, and students. Central to the department head’s leadership is the promotion of policies and everyday practices that address the needs of communities. This position requires strong leadership capabilities and the ability to foster success in research, service, and development funding. It is expected that the successful candidate will lead the faculty and its programs to a higher level of excellence.
The Department Head reports directly to the Dean of the College of Family and Consumer Sciences with annual reviews and third year administrative reviews informed by the faculty of the unit. The Department Head is a member of a College leadership team committed to the integration of the missions of research, instruction, and extension and outreach in a research land-grant institution.
The position is a nine-month academic year appointment with administrative and summer month salary supplement while serving as Department Head. Time allocation is 60-70% administration,30-40% research or teaching, and 5% service, to be determined based on the interests and strengths of the candidate and fit with the needs of the unit at the time of hire.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applications: Applicant screening will begin immediately. Candidates are encouraged to submit their materials by Thursday, September 24, 2026; however, screening will continue until the position is filled. The application packet should include a cover letter detailing how the applicant’s credentials and experience meet the needs, responsibilities, and qualifications stated above; a current resume; and contact information for three references (who will not be contacted without further correspondence with the applicant).
To provide a nomination or seek additional information, please contact Zane Dockweiler, Primary Consultant with the UGA Search Group, [contact details available in the full listing] or [contact details available in the full listing]. Letters of recommendation or a simple nomination should include the name and contact information for the nominee.
Posting Details
Posting Number
F2768P
Working Title
Department Head of Human Development and Family Science
Department
UHR-HR Search Services
About the University of Georgia
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/) . The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 20 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
As one of the top public universities in the nation, UGA offers a culture of academic excellence and opportunity made all the richer by our renowned faculty, community of scholar-citizens, and vibrant student life program.
About the College/Unit/Department
The College of Family and Consumer Sciences ( FACS ) is committed to student success, rigorous scholarly research, and effective outreach based on science to improve people’s lives. FACS develops leaders who focus on the science and art of helping individuals live well in a complex society. In the more than 100 years since its founding, the College has grown and now comprises four departments, the Ralston Institute for Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, several research labs and centers (including the Georgia Center for Developmental Science). Established collaborative associations with campus resources offer excellent research development opportunities. Campus research partners include the Owens Institute for Behavioral Research, the Institute of Gerontology, the Bioimaging Research Center, the Integrated Life Sciences program, the Georgia Clinical and Translational Science Alliance, and the Biomedical and Health Sciences Institute. Additional information about FACS may be found at: https://www.fcs.uga.edu/ .
The Department of Human Development and Family Science ( HDFS ) provides leadership in the field via cutting edge research, pedagogy, and service. Faculty currently lead federally funded research and service projects with cumulative budgets exceeding $3.4M per year. The national impact of faculty research and service activities are complemented by a focus on excellence in instruction at the graduate and undergraduate levels as evidenced by instructional and clinical faculty recognized across the university for their applied and pedagogical contributions. Currently, HDFS has 26 faculty members, 35 graduate students, and 425 undergraduate majors working in a collegial and nurturing environment. The doctoral and master’s degrees include an accredited doctoral program in Couple and Family Therapy, a new Master’s degree program in Couple and Family Therapy, and an endorsed Master’s degree program designed to prepare students to be Child Life Specialists. Minors in Behavioral Health, HDFS, and graduate certificate in Quantitative Methods in Family and Social Science and in Relational Therapy Practice are offered through the department. Faculty with Extension and Outreach appointments combine their scholarly work with delivery of evidence-based educational programs. Additional information about the department may be found at: https://www.fcs.uga.edu/hdfs/ .
College/Unit/Department website
https://www.fcs.uga.edu/hdfs/
Posting Type
External
Retirement Plan
Employment Type
Employee
Benefits Eligibility
Benefits Eligible
Underutilization
Advertised Salary
Commensurate with Experience
Anticipated Start Date
07/01/2027
Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)
Job Posting Date
08/05/2026
Job Closing Date
Open until filled
Yes
Location of Vacancy
Athens Area
EEO Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( [contact details available in the full listing] ).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy [contact details available in the full listing] .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom .
Position Details
Position Information
Classification Title
Department Chair/Head AC
FLSA
Faculty Rank
Open Rank
Contract Type
Academic (9 mo.)
Tenure Status
Tenured
Minimum Qualifications
All candidates must have an earned doctorate in Human Development and Family Science, Psychology, or a related area.
Additional Requirements
- Internal candidates must be a full professor with tenure by the effective date of the appointment.
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