"Rita McGinley Endowed Chair in Early Learning and Children's Media"

Rita McGinley Endowed Chair in Early Learning and Children’s Media

Join us in shaping a kinder digital world for children.

Saint Vincent College invites passionate scholars to apply for the Rita McGinley Endowed Chair in Early Learning and Children's Media (McGinley Chair). This is an open-rank, 5-year renewable term position beginning August 2026. This role provides an extraordinary opportunity to help parents and communities harness the positive potential of digital media while thoughtfully addressing its challenges to make a tangible difference in children's lives.

The next McGinley Chair will champion research that directly serves families and communities. Drawing inspiration from Fred Rogers' timeless commitment to using media to nurture kindness, emotional growth, and honest communication, the McGinley Chair will spearhead initiatives that translate cutting-edge research into practical resources for parents, educators, and caregivers. Your work will connect with the Fred Rogers Institute at Saint Vincent College and build upon its reputation as a trusted regional and national resource.

The McGinley Chair will:

• Drive research initiatives that bridge the gap between scholarship and community impact and engage undergraduate and graduate students in that work
• Translate research in service to children, parents, and communities across diverse backgrounds
• Develop evidence-based practices that help children thrive in our digital age
• Advance Fred Rogers' vision of media as a tool for good, adapted for today's complex media landscape
• Contribute teaching, research, and public scholarship as an integral member of both the Saint Vincent College faculty and the Fred Rogers Institute
• Actively collaborate with faculty across campus, as well as with national organizations and local community stakeholders to foster interdisciplinary learning, collaboration, and outreach

We're seeking a colleague with:

• An earned doctorate in communication, psychology, human development, educational psychology, or a related field
• Demonstrated expertise in children's media literacy through research and practice
• A strong record of scholarship in a relevant field, appropriate to career stage
• A commitment to public scholarship—whether through established work or clear potential to engage communities beyond academia
• Undergraduate teaching experience (highly preferred) and an interest in engaging undergraduate students in research
• The vision, connections, and passion to carry Fred Rogers' legacy forward in service to children and the caring adults in their lives

The McGinley Chair will be supported with a competitive salary and benefits, reduced teaching load, and dedicated support for research and travel expenses.

Priority Date: Candidates who apply by October 30 will receive full consideration. Applications may be accepted until the position is filled. Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

To apply: Please use this link: Job Information: Rita McGinley Endowed Chair in Early Learning and Children's Media Job to submit a CV and a letter of interest that communicates why you are interested in children’s media literacy, how your work has already made a difference in the lives of children and/or communities, how you envision expanding that impact through this role, and how you might engage undergraduate students in this work. Additional materials may be requested as the search progresses.

Apply Now