Department Chair Geography & Planning

Department Chair Geography & Planning

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

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Position Title:

Department Chair, Geography & Planning
Department:
Geography & Planning

Location:

Boone, NC
Tenure Status:
Tenure Track
Rank:
Associate or Full Professor
Position Number: 045741
Visa Sponsorship:
Available (must be eligible to work and live in the U.S.)
Hiring Date:
August 1, 2026
Salary:
Competitive, commensurate with qualifications and experience

• Ph.D. in Geography, Planning or a related discipline is required.

The Department seeks an innovative, resourceful, and dynamic leader to expand sponsored research, support vibrant instruction, and facilitate collaboration. We seek an innovative leader who will develop our department profile with strategic creativity and a strong vision for the mission of the department.

• Record of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.
• Evidence of leadership in recruiting and fostering academic growth and professional development of faculty, staff, and students.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate instruction and research.
• Strong advocacy for the department and skill at development and outreach initiatives.
• Distinguished record of leadership in geography or planning and understanding of all sub-disciplines represented in the department.
• Preferred:
  Strong management and administrative skills.

• Recruit, appoint, and retain faculty and staff; foster a positive departmental climate.
• Recommend salaries, promotions, tenure, and reappointments per university policy.
• Assign teaching, service, and committee duties equitably; evaluate performance; support faculty development.
• Manage departmental budgets and resources responsibly; oversee facilities, equipment, and supply needs.
• Collaborate with faculty to develop and maintain strong academic programs, curricula, and standards.
• Lead strategic planning to align departmental goals with college and university priorities.
• Implement and communicate university and college policies; represent and advocate for the department’s needs internally and externally.
• Lead departmental meetings and committees effectively; participate in professional development opportunities for department chairs.

• Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Leadership Philosophy
• List of References with Contact Information
• Explanation of compliance with North Carolina Law Article 49A section 143‑422.2

Please attach the following documents for consideration:

ABD with reduction in rank and salary. If the dissertation defense is confirmed by July 31 for a fall hire or November 30 for a spring hire, candidates will be hired at the rank of assistant professor. If verification is not provided by the deadline, the candidate will receive a one‑year fixed‑term contract and be hired as an instructor—salary adjusted to the instructor rate.

When degree verification is received before the end of the contract, the candidate will be returned to the rank of assistant professor with commensurate compensation beginning July 1 of the following academic year.

No ABD consideration:
Only candidates with an earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited institution will be considered for the position.

Open Until Filled

Search Chair:
Kathleen Schroeder
Email: schroederk