Program Director, Forensic Science

FLSA Classification
Exempt, Probationary (tenure-track)

Salary Grade/Level/Family/Range
Salary Range: $80,000 - $100,000
*Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Reports to
Dean

Job Description 
Summary/objective
The Division of Academic Affairs at Southern University at New Orleans, a public, historically black university, is committed to empowering and promoting the upward mobility of diverse populations of traditional and nontraditional students through quality academic programs, teaching, research, and service to achieve excellence in higher education using various teaching and learning modalities.  Students and faculty are encouraged to help create a thriving academic environment at SUNO.

As such, faculty and the staff of the program are expected to be committed to the standards of teaching excellence.  The Southern University at New Orleans Forensic Science Program Director provides the resources for a quality student learning experience by ensuring coherence in the discipline and relevance to the practice. The program director oversees the daily operations of the program. This leadership position also contributes to a range of activities that support student learning outcomes, program quality, and discipline integrity, all of which focus on student learning, teaching quality, and retention. The program director facilitates the work with other departments, including faculty hiring, professional development, institutional research and assessment, instructional design, course materials, marketing, and outreach.

Essential functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

1. The Director must have a vision for running and designing a forensic science education program as well as provide evidence of excellence in teaching at the university level, leadership in curricular innovation, an interest in forensic science educational scholarship, and a desire to collaborate with the faculty on education and research efforts.
2. The Director will work to aid in the identification, recruitment, and review of instructors for short courses, mentors for capstone student projects, placement for student internships and full-time positions. The Director will be expected to be highly engaged with students, building on existing student group initiatives and developing new opportunities for students.
3. The Director will lead and expand education initiatives of the program whereby the Director will lead the effort to receive a COE designation for the Forensic Science undergraduate degree program with the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC).
4. Part-time teaching (6 - 9 semester credits) of undergraduate courses which may include evening, weekend and/or on-line courses. The candidate should have teaching experience at the college level. 
5. Teaches assigned Forensic Science courses and associated labs; informs students in writing of instructional standards; posts and maintains office hours; participates in the assessment of student learning outcomes. 
6. Develops new courses, curriculum, instructional materials, and evaluation tools; assists with the preparation of course proposals, curriculum updates and the construction of degree/certificate programs.
7. Applies and maintains standards of quality operating methods, processes, systems, and procedures; implements changes as necessary to maintain a successful forensic science program; integrates knowledge of industry trends and professional training to continuously improve program and course quality.
8. Participates in the recruitment of prospective forensic science students. This includes, but is not limited to, working with partner institutions in the development and maintenance of a sustainable recruiting model.
9. Other responsibilities include serving on college committees, advising students, supervising undergraduate student research projects, and performing other duties as assigned.
10. Other duties as assigned.

Competencies 

• Demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of college students that come from diverse academic, socioeconomic, ethnic and racial backgrounds.
• Develop positive rapport with colleagues and other members of the campus community to develop a sense of teamwork.
• Maintains industry certifications such as SSCP, CISSP, and other IT certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA.
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills.
• Must possess excellent leadership, customer service, communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously and efficiently while meeting required deadlines.

Physical demands
Ability to sit/stand/walk at will; Ability to climb stairs; Ability to communicate verbally and in writing; Ability to use a keyboard; and Ability to lift or carry up to 10 pounds.

Required education and experience

• A doctorate in forensic science or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution by the start date of the appointment.
• ABD candidates are eligible.
• Candidates with significant industry experience, professional certifications, and an M.S. in Forensic Science, or related disciplines are eligible.

Preferred education and experience

• Industry experience in the candidate's field of expertise is preferred.
• Professional certifications are a plus.
• Published works are desired.

Additional eligibility requirements
Unexpired, valid driver's license.

Southern University of New Orleans (SUNO) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Non-Discrimination Statement
In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal, state, and local laws, Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) forbids discriminating or harassing conduct that is based on an individual's race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, membership in Uniformed Services, and all other categories protected by applicable state and federal laws.

This commitment applies but is not limited to decisions made with respect to hiring and promotion, the administration of educational programs and policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other College-administered programs. Discriminatory acts of any kind are strictly forbidden.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement
Southern University of New Orleans (SUNO) complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Office of Human Resources.