Chairperson, School of Humanities at Kentucky State University – Frankfort, Kentucky

TITLE: Chairperson, School of Humanities

DEPARTMENT: School of Humanities

REPORTS TO: Dean, College of Arts & Sciences

CLASSIFICATION: Faculty

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 40 hours per week

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time, 12-month

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

The School Chairperson is the chief administrative officer of a School or Department. The Chair is the chief representative that is responsible for facilitating the academic program including but not limited to student success, recruitments, budgeting, program decision making, relationship development with educational partners, industry, the community, and alumni. The Chair facilitates the process for accreditation, where appropriate, and supports faculty through planning, program implementation, evaluation, continuous improvement, as well as professional growth and development.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong teaching and learning expectations that are student-centered and includes active learning pedagogy. The successful candidate must demonstrate interpersonal, problem-solving, administrative, organizational and fiduciary skills.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• The Chairperson has administrative responsibilities for implementing and evaluating the unit’s program including metrics related to academic outcomes, student progression, and graduation rates
• The Chairperson is responsible for leading accreditation efforts, promoting excellence in teaching and learning, scholarly research across the academic unit, curriculum development, student success (recruitment, matriculation, retention, and graduation), developing and facilitating the unit’s advisory council, and fostering revenue generating opportunities within the unit/college.
• The Chairperson is responsible for aligning the unit’s programmatic efforts and strategies with the overall university mission and vision
• The Chairperson is responsible for the development and facilitation of undergraduate and graduate programming ensuring continuity and program growth.
• The Chairperson presides at all meetings of the unit faculty and has a leadership role in the development of policies on such matters as academic requirements, courses of study, class schedules, research programs, and service functions. The Chairperson is an ex-officio member of all unit committees.
• The Chairperson is responsible for making and soliciting recommendations regarding appointments, promotions, reappointments, terminal appointments, decisions not to reappoint, post-retirement appointments, and the granting of tenure within the academic unit. Procedures and criteria used in preparing such recommendations shall be those established by the University as outlined in the policy.
• Meet with classes at their scheduled times
• Teach courses, both face-to-face and/or online (if approved)
• Carry out academic advising responsibilities in collaboration with Office of Student Success
• Participate in the on-going development and implementation of programming at the department, college and university levels.
• Directly reports to the Dean of the College
• Maintains the confidentiality of designated information and performing duties in compliance with applicable policies and procedures
• Demonstrates proficiency in creating a welcoming environment, valuing the unique qualities each member contributes to the unit, especially in working relationships with students, faculty, staff and community members.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Implementing and evaluating the unit’s program including metrics related to academic outcomes, student progression, and graduation rates
• Presiding at all meetings of the unit faculty and assisting the development of polices
• Leads the accreditation efforts, promoting excellence in teaching and learning, scholarly research across the academic unit, curriculum development, student success (recruitment, matriculation, retention, and graduation)
• Managing and maintaining the School’s budget
• Advocating on behalf of the School’s programs, students, and faculty
• Making recommendations regarding appointments, promotions, reappointments, terminal appointments, decisions not to reappoint, post-retirement appointments, and the granting of tenure within the academic unit.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Dean or Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Faculty rank of Associate Professor preferred; Assistant Professor with significant teaching, research and service will be considered
• An earned PhD or terminal degree in English, Fine Arts, Communication or a closely related field from an accredited institution of higher learning
• Must have at least two years of leadership within the unit, college or university level (e.g. committee chair)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

• Must have comprehensive knowledge of SACS and NSAM accreditation standards
• Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines

• Ability to lead and facilitate academic programming development and evaluation
• Ability to engage and work with diverse stakeholders in the department, college, university, and larger community
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively with a diverse student population
• Must have thorough knowledge of the Arts and Humanities fields and be able to build partnerships with area arts councils and agencies.
• Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills
• Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e. Microsoft Office suite)
• Strong attention to detail and follow up skills
• Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• All faculty, staff and administrative assistant(s) within the School.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.