Head, Department of Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication

Responsibilities: The Department of Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication at Purdue University invites nominations and applications for the position of Department Head. The principal focus of the Head is to provide visionary leadership working with a diverse group of outstanding faculty and staff in pursuit of national and international excellence in research, teaching, and extension. The Head provides strategic direction to accomplish departmental objectives through maintaining and expanding internal and external support; wise stewardship of human, financial, and physical resources; and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. The Head also is expected to serve as an advocate, liaison, and departmental representative within the university and with government agencies, relevant lay and professional groups, and society at large.

Qualifications: The successful candidate will be forward-thinking, action-oriented, and have demonstrated the intellectual leadership necessary to lead the department. An appreciation of interdisciplinary work, mentoring and professional development, and an ability to inspire communication and collaboration in others is critical. Candidates must have demonstrated a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Strengths in communication and decision-making with administrative leadership experience, and appreciation for the land-grant mission are essential. Candidates must be eligible for tenure at the rank of full professor and hold a doctoral (or equivalent) degree in education, communication, social sciences, or other related field with scholarship in learning and/or communication in the context of agriculture, food systems, or the environment. The successful candidate will have demonstrated an outstanding record of scholarly achievement, development of external financial resources, and commitment to grow and support a diverse workforce and stakeholder community. The candidate will be expected to contribute to one of the mission areas of the department (teaching, research, or extension).

The Department: This interdisciplinary department houses undergraduate programs in Agricultural Education and Agricultural Communication and a nationally recognized graduate program focused on learning and communication in the context of agriculture. Faculty and staff are committed to carrying on the full range of discovery, learning, and engagement missions of a major land-grant research university.  The department has 14 faculty, 9 professional staff, and 3 support staff supporting 113 undergraduates pursuing B.S. degrees and 13 graduate students pursuing M.S. or Ph.D. degrees. The annual departmental budget is approximately $2.5 million. The department has a national reputation in the areas of curriculum development, STEM education, international engagement, and risk communication. There is excellent interdisciplinary and interdepartmental cooperation among the Colleges of Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Education, and with the Brian Lamb School of Communication.

The College: The Department is an integral part of the College of Agriculture, one of the world’s leading colleges of agricultural, food, life, and natural resource sciences and ranked seventh in the US in the 2021 QS World University Rankings.  The College is deeply committed to the three land-grant missions (teaching, research, and extension), and to excellence in international activities and perspectives that span all mission areas.  The College has 11 academic departments and includes 285 faculty, 2791 undergraduate students, and 769 graduate students.  The College’s current strategic plan can be accessed at https://ag.purdue.edu/plan/Pages/default.aspx

Application Procedure:  Qualified persons are requested to submit the following:  a letter of application; statements of research, teaching, and leadership philosophy; a diversity and inclusion statement (see details below); and a complete curriculum vitae, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of five references. Initial nominations and inquiries will be kept confidential; references will be contacted only upon the applicant’s approval. Nominations of potential candidates for the position are welcome. A background check is required for employment in this position.

Purdue University’s Department of Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication is committed to advancing diversity in all areas of faculty effort, including scholarship, instruction, and engagement. Candidates should address at least one of these areas in a separate Diversity and Inclusion Statement, indicating their past experiences, current interests or activities, and/or future goals to promote a climate that values diversity and inclusion. Purdue is an ADVANCE institution - https://www.purdue.edu/advance-purdue.

Applications, nominations, and inquiries should be addressed to Dr. Linda Prokopy, Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication Head Search Committee Chair, Purdue University. All application materials must be submitted electronically to this site - https://career8.successfactors.com/sfcareer/jobreqcareer?jobId=16802&company=purdueuniv. Screening of applicants will begin after January 2, 2022 and will continue until a suitable candidate is selected.  Questions regarding the position may be sent to Dr. Prokopy at lprokopy@purdue.edu or (765) 494-1306.

Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.