"Department Chair - F0382024"

Posting NumberF0382024Working TitleDepartment ChairDepartment Org341000 - Nutrition and Family SciencesWhy should you work at UCA?We are excited that you are considering joining the UCA Family—the faculty, staff, students and alumni who make the University of Central Arkansas a great place to work!

At the University of Central Arkansas, we value our employees striving to maintain a work-life balance. We realize that this affects the overall well-being of employees, while learning to prioritize challenging work and the ability to make a difference. Resources are available supporting professional and personal development through the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Academic Leadership and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. The benefits package allows you to customize your benefits to meet your current needs, and the ability to adjust them as your priorities change. This includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, 80% tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, and a retirement program with university contributions of 10% of employee salary. Also available are health and wellness incentives, as well as access to sports and cultural activities on campus for the family, free gym membership (HPER) and equipment rentals.Position SummaryThe University of Central Arkansas Department Chair is responsible leadership in the academic department, teaching, research and service. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy. The position is tenured or tenure track (depending on elgibility) and a twelve-month appointment.Job Duties and ResponsibilitiesWe are looking for a proven leader who possesses a deep understanding of the multi-disciplinary nature of NFS, is committed to excellence in education and research, and possesses the ability to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders.

The Chair will foster a collaborative, inclusive, and transparent environment to promote and define overall strategic interests and growth within the Department. It is preferred that candidates are nationally recognized, and bring with them a robust research agenda and extramurally funded research grants as a principal investigator.

Housed in the CHBS, the Department offers 5 undergraduate degrees: Dietetics, Nutrition Science, Community Nutrition, Family and Consumer Science (FCS), and FCS Education. The Department also offers 2 master’s degrees: FCS and Nutrition, an Internship program in Dietetics and Nutrition Therapy, and an FCS minor. The Department currently consists of 11 full-time faculty, an administrative assistant, and several part-time adjunct faculty. Typically, the Department is home to 250-300 undergraduate and 60-75 graduate students. More department information can be found at: https://uca.edu/nfs/.

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership to cultivate a visionary future for the Department, including fostering collaboration and facilitating faculty-shared governance
• Play a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for innovation, inspiration, and sustained growth in the Department
• Lead departmental short-term and long-term strategic planning for administration, research, teaching, practice management, and community service as well as provide administrative oversight to all programs
• Foster a culture that promotes diversity, belonging, equity, and inclusion and that supports faculty, students, and staff to reach their full potential
• Manage financial and physical resources responsibly to maximize the effectiveness of those resources, exhibit fiscal discipline and transparency, and utilize best fiscal management practices
• Work collaboratively and transparently with the NFS leadership team of program directors, faculty, staff, and stakeholders in all aspects of departmental initiatives, operations, challenges, and opportunities
• Represent and advocate for departmental faculty, staff, students, and programs
• Facilitate mentoring of junior faculty, and evaluate faculty and staff annually
• Communicate with transparency and clarity all aspects of departmental initiatives, operations, and challenges and opportunities with faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders
• Instill an outcomes-focused methodology in teaching, service, and scholarship, engaging stakeholders, including community partners, for collective success
• Foster a nurturing and stimulating atmosphere that supports the professional and personal growth of faculty, staff, and students
• Recruit faculty, staff, and students to attract, develop, and retain a team that exhibits and values excellence

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and advocacy skillsSkills Considered Essential for Success-Knowledge of the organization and administration of higher education.

-Knowledge of state, federal, and university rules, regulations and procedures.

-Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic environment.

-Ability to work collaboratively and independently with common goals as a part of a team.

-Ability to make sound judgments.

-Effective interpersonal communication, writing, and organizational abilities.

-Civility in all interactions.

• -Demonstrate effective follow-up.Required Education and/or ExperienceThe formal education of a doctorate or terminal degree required.Preferred Education and/or ExperienceDemonstrated record of scholarly achievement appropriate for a tenured faculty member
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting inclusive excellence
• Demonstrated experience with online education

License(s)/Certifications (Required or Preferred)N/AUniversity, Campus, and Community DescriptionThank you for your interest in employment at the University of Central Arkansas.

Founded in 1907, UCA has an enrollment of more than 10,000, of which more than 15% are graduate students. The university offers more than 90 undergraduate and 60 graduate certificate and degree programs, including doctoral programs in five disciplines. The undergraduate student body consistently scores above the national average on the ACT exam. UCA is proud of its tradition of teaching excellence and its contributions in research, scholarship, and creative activities. UCA seeks to attract students and employees that are dedicated to building a culture of diversity, belonging, inclusion, and equity.Desired start date07/01/2025Will this position be Onsite, Remote, or Hybrid?Onsite

Posting Detail Information

Background Check StatementThis position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal, sex-offender registry, financial history background check and drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.UCA EEO StatementThe University of Central Arkansas is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution dedicated to attracting and supporting a diverse student, faculty and staff population through enhanced multicultural learning environments and opportunities. In keeping with its nondiscrimination policy in employment, admissions and other functions and programs, the university considers employees and students on the basis of individual merit and will not discriminate against a person on the basis of gender, race or color, ethnicity, religion, spiritual beliefs, national origin, age, familial status, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, disability, political beliefs, intellectual perspective, genetic information, military status, or other factors irrelevant to participation in its programs.Open Date07/02/2024Close DateOpen Until FilledYesSpecial Instructions to ApplicantsFor full consideration, applications should be submitted by November 30, 2024. Review of applications will continue until filled. Applications must include: 1) letter of application; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) statement of teaching philosophy; 4) statement of leadership philosophy and approach to administration; 5) unofficial transcripts; and 6) contact information for three professional references.