Academic Unit Head for Department of Social Work

James Madison University (JMU) invites applications for the position of Academic Unit Head for the Department of Social Work in the College of Health and Behavioral Studies (CHBS). We seek a visionary, collaborative, and inclusive leader who has demonstrated leadership in social work education, including excellence in teaching, program administration, and a record of scholarship. The successful candidate will provide leadership for the Department of Social Work within the context of James Madison University’s national prominence and recent R2 Carnegie Classification.

The College of Heath and Behavioral Studies (CHBS) is working to identify and dismantle oppressive racist and discriminatory policies, practices, and processes while advancing inclusive excellence and promoting a CHBS culture in which every member can flourish. We are especially interested in qualified candidates with a demonstrated commitment towards building equitable and inclusive environments. Consider joining us in achieving our goal of continuing to grow as a diverse college that embodies an atmosphere of belonging.

The Department of Social Work is a thriving academic unit that offers the BSW degree, interdisciplinary minors (family studies and nonprofit studies), interdisciplinary community outreach programs, and, in collaboration with other units within the college, interprofessional educational (IPE) opportunities. The Department is currently proposing an MSW program. Our program has 60 years of program excellence, leadership in social work education, and continuous national accreditation. We are a student-centered department that values open interactions between students and faculty. We are leaders on campus regarding student outcome assessment and diversity efforts. We are a diverse department with a strong commitment to collegiality. Please explore our website (http://jmu.edu/socwork) for more information about our department.

The position is a 12-month, tenure-track faculty appointment at the Associate/Full Professor rank with consideration of tenure upon appointment. The Academic Unit Head reports to the Dean of the College of Health and Behavioral Studies (http://jmu.edu/chbs), in which Social Work is one of eight academic units. The desired starting date is July 1, 2023.

The academic unit head is responsible for the administration and overall effectiveness of the academic unit, including its academic programs, scholarship, faculty, classified personnel, budget, and resources (including seeking additional resources).

Qualifications:

Successful candidates will demonstrate
(1) the ability to provide visionary leadership for the department as well as the field of social work education;
(2) experience supporting and advancing ongoing efforts related to diversity, equity and inclusion;
(3) the ability to support a positive student-centered environment;
(4) experience supporting and advancing ongoing efforts related to interprofessional/interdisciplinary education in collaboration with other professions and disciplines;
(5) experience with CSWE accreditation and the current Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards;
(6) experience in teaching, program administration, and a record of scholarship and service, including service to the discipline and/or professional associations;
(7) effective interpersonal and communication skills, both within the unit (e.g., promoting an inclusive and collaborative environment) and more broadly with other academic unit heads, administrators, campus partners and external stakeholders;
(8) an earned doctorate appropriate to the position (e.g., PhD, DSW), a master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program, and 2 years of post-master’s Social Work practice experience.
Preference will be given to candidates who share evidence of leadership effectiveness for the above qualifications.

To learn more and to apply, go to joblink.jmu.edu and reference posting F1980 or go to https://joblink.jmu.edu/postings/12895. Salary is commensurate with experience. Review of applications will begin October 21, 2022. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For questions, please contact Dr. Kevin Apple, Search Chair, 540-568-3696 or applekj@jmu.edu.

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.