Professor of the Practice and Director of Graduate Programs

The Erickson School of Aging Studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) combines a passion for creating leaders and scholars in aging with a genuine connection to real-world business/management applications. The Erickson School created and continues to refine a distinctive interdisciplinary and integrated educational approach combining the critical elements of aging studies, management, and public policy. This unique model includes an active learning environment based on practice in addition to theory. Collaborators with the Erickson School have the opportunity to extend their interdisciplinary efforts further through partnerships with other units within UMBC, such as the Hilltop Institute, School of Public Policy, Gerontology Doctoral Program, Public Health Program, Computer Science, and Information Systems. Our curriculum includes all domains of aging, with particular emphasis on the expanding economic opportunities for individuals generated by the 50+ marketplace. UMBC is especially proud of the diversity of its student body, and we seek to attract an equally diverse applicant pool for this position as part of our strong commitment to increasing faculty diversity (https://facultydiversity.umbc.edu).

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Professor of the Practice and Director of Graduate Programs is a non-tenure track position. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to graduate education and the ability to ensure the overall academic quality of the graduate programs, including developing new opportunities that meet the professional sector’s needs. We are looking for a dynamic faculty member, who values the richness of our student population; demonstrates the ability to contribute to a diverse learning environment and facilitate student learning; values an environment that promotes learning and a culture of diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility; and a commitment to high quality graduate program that meet the needs of the longevity economy as seen by their teaching, service, and applied/creative scholarship.

The Director of Graduate Programs provides leadership for graduate programs under the direction of the Dean of the Erickson School and is a member of the school’s executive team. The Graduate Program Director is expected to teach at least two courses per semester in the program. In addition they will: provide leadership in curriculum design and development; recruit, guide, and supervise part-time faculty; provide leadership and vision for program marketing, student recruitment and retention, and the student experience; pursue opportunities with industry to ensure program growth and student experiential learning; create interdisciplinary campus partnerships; and carry out the administrative duties associated with academic program oversight.

QUALIFICATIONS: Terminal degree preferred, Master’s degree required of candidates in a field related to aging services, gerontology, public health, business/management, or leadership in health care or human services. Demonstrated familiarity in the significant areas of graduate activities commensurate with the program’s offerings. Teaching experience in multiple modalities formats at the undergraduate or graduate levels is preferred.

However, in circumstances where the candidate has limited teaching experience in academic settings, teaching experience and curriculum development and evaluation in continuing education, professional development, and professional training may also be considered. Candidates should have strong organizational, management, communication, and interpersonal skills and enjoy working in transdisciplinary, dynamic environments due to the administrative duties of the position.

Applicants are expected to have at least five (5) years of relevant professional experiences and/or teaching experience in the classroom and/or online environment. Extensive experience as an aging services professional and/or academic is preferred. Experience with industry-oriented graduate programs is preferred. Candidates will demonstrate a commitment to working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

SALARY: Salary is competitive, commensurate with qualifications and experience, and includes robust university benefits. This position carries with it a monthly stipend and access to professional development resources.

For consideration, submit (1) a cover letter indicating interest and relevant professional and academic background; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) statement of commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in higher education; and (4) a statement of teaching interests, philosophy, and how your past and/or potential contributions might serve to advance UMBC and the Erickson School’s commitment to excellence in teaching and attracting students from a variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews that arise from differences of culture and circumstance. Candidates invited to interview will be required to submit three (3) letters of reference. Applications will only be accepted via Interfolio (apply.interfolio.com/118757). The position will remain open until filled, best consideration date.