Tim and Gail Buchanan Chair of the Division of Fine Arts

Friends University invites applications for a full-time faculty member to serve as Tim and Gail Buchanan Chair of the Division of Fine Arts beginning in Fall 2022.  This position is an endowed, tenure-track, twelve-month faculty appointment and reports to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.  This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced faculty leader in a Fine Arts discipline to partner with a dedicated and collegial group of faculty in order to further develop a Fine Arts division that is already a regional and national leader.  The successful candidate will exemplify the University’s Christian mission and be committed to the integration of Christian faith with the division’s fine arts curriculum and programming.  The division’s music programs are accredited through the National Association of Schools of Music and the division’s faculty and students frequently receive regional and national awards for their accomplishments.  The University is committed to hiring a dynamic leader who is able to conserve the Division’s strong tradition of excellence while simultaneously moving it forward in the areas of academic and curricular development, student recruitment, fundraising, and the development of student partnerships.  The teaching load for the position is negotiable, but it is anticipated that the chair will participate in teaching in order to remain current in an academic field and to stay connected to the division’s students.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY & THE COMMUNITY

Friends University offers a complement of traditional undergraduate majors, non-traditional adult degree-completion programs, and professional graduate programs.  Founded in 1898, the University is situated on a beautiful park-like campus in the heart of Wichita, Kansas.  Wichita is a vibrant urban city with all the charms of a small town.  Our great community offers something for everyone and is rich in arts, education, leisure, and commercial resources.

Friends University seeks to hire faculty who will embrace our mission and celebrate our commitment to equipping students to honor God in their personal, professional, and spiritual lives by adhering to the University’s RISE Core Values (Respect, Inclusion, Service and Excellence).  The mission of the University is:

Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.

EXPECTATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will:

• Serve as Division Chair (entails negotiable load release of at least 75% for administrative responsibilities)
• Exemplify the University’s Christian mission and be committed to the integration of Christian faith with the division’s fine arts curriculum and programming
• Work in collaboration with the Admissions Department and the Fine Arts division faculty to successfully recruit students. Recruitment of both majors and non-major ensemble participants is extremely important to the fiscal well-being of the University; active engagement in, and oversight of, the recruiting enterprise will be a significant aspect of the duties of the new Division Chair
• Oversee and track student retention efforts within the Fine Arts Division
• Supervise the Division’s faculty and staff members
• Develop and manage the Division’s budget
• Develop partnerships with local schools, non-profit organizations, and other community constituencies
• Participate in fundraising and donor relations
• Oversee daily operations (box office, marketing, scheduling, booking, etc.) of a performing arts facility presenting 100+ student, faculty and professional performances annually

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will hold a doctoral degree in a fine arts field, with a degree in a field related to music strongly preferred due to NASM accreditation requirements. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Three years of higher education leadership experience in a position such as division chair, department chair, or program director.  Demonstrated success in student recruitment, faculty and staff oversight, budget management, and curricular development.

Rank and salary are commensurate with education and experience.

Applications should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references.

Please visit our employment site at www.friends.edu/employment to apply.  Only applications submitted through this Friends University website application process will be accepted.