Associate​/Full Professor & Department Head

College Of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Job Type

Faculty

Job Description

The Department Head provides academic, research, and administrative leadership for the department. The Department Head oversees all aspects of the department’s academic programs, personnel, budget, and strategic initiatives while maintaining an active research portfolio. The role is structured with a 50% research expectation, ensuring the Department Head continues to contribute to the university’s scholarly mission through externally funded research, publications, and mentoring of graduate students.

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Administration

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for departmental operations, programs, and initiatives.
• Manage the allocation of human, fiscal, and material resources in alignment with college and university priorities.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, system regulations, state and federal laws, and accreditation standards.
• Represent the department to internal and external stakeholders, including professional organizations, community partners, and funding agencies.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, and shared governance.

Research & Scholarship

• Maintain an active and externally funded research program aligned with the department’s mission and disciplinary standards.
• Publish regularly in peer-reviewed journals and present research at professional conferences.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in research, scholarship, and creative activity.
• Support and promote research excellence among departmental faculty.
• Collaborate across departments and disciplines to advance the college’s research enterprise and secure extramural funding.
• Enhance the department’s national and international visibility through research and scholarly engagement.

Faculty & Staff Oversight

• Serve as the lead of the department; all faculty report to the Department Head.
• Conduct annual performance evaluations of faculty and staff, ensuring recognition of contributions in teaching, research, and service.
• Support faculty in achieving excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.
• Oversee faculty recruitment, hiring, mentoring, promotion, and tenure processes in coordination with college and university policies.

Academic Programs & Student Success

• Provide oversight of the department’s academic programs, curricula, and student learning outcomes.
• Ensure the quality and relevance of academic offerings, including program review and accreditation compliance.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to advance student success, retention, and career readiness.
• Partner with the Associate Dean and college leadership to enhance teaching effectiveness and program innovation.

Strategic Planning & Assessment

• Implement and advance the College’s Strategic Action Plan within the department.
• Establish departmental goals, assess outcomes, and report progress.
• Support and strengthen departmental contributions to research, outreach, and service.

Budget & Resource Management

• Develop, manage, and monitor departmental budgets in alignment with college and university priorities.
• Ensure effective stewardship of fiscal and material resources.
• Advocate for departmental needs and secure resources to support academic and research excellence.
• Participates in college-wide events. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required

Education & Experience:

• Earned doctorate or terminal degree or related discipline.

Required Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

• Record of excellence in teaching and service appropriate for appointment as a Full or Associate Professor with tenure.
• Demonstrated administrative leadership experience (e.g., program director, associate chair, chair, or equivalent).
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading large-scale research projects or centers.
• Demonstrated success in mentoring graduate students and junior faculty in research.
• Experience in strategic planning, budget management, and personnel administration.
• Commitment to faculty governance.
• Ability to build partnerships with external stakeholders, agencies, and industry to support research and…