Department Head (Academic Administrator)

at  Penn State University

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS), located in the College of Health and Human Development (HHD), at The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) University Park invites applications for the position of Department Head.

OUR CAMPUSES ARE LOCATED ON THE ORIGINAL HOMELANDS OF THE ERIE, HAUDENOSAUNEE (SENECA, CAYUGA, ONONDAGA, ONEIDA, MOHAWK, AND TUSCARORA), LENAPE (DELAWARE NATION, DELAWARE TRIBE, STOCKBRIDGE-MUNSEE), MONONGAHELA, SHAWNEE (ABSENTEE, EASTERN, AND OKLAHOMA), SUSQUEHANNOCK, AND WAHZHAZHE (OSAGE) NATIONS. AS A LAND GRANT INSTITUTION, WE ACKNOWLEDGE AND HONOR THE TRADITIONAL CARETAKERS OF THESE LANDS AND STRIVE TO UNDERSTAND AND MODEL THEIR RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP. WE ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE THE LONGER HISTORY OF THESE LANDS AND OUR PLACE IN THAT HISTORY.

To learn more about Penn State University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion see the University’s statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ( https://equity.psu.edu/equity-at-penn-state/strategic-plan ). As an institution, we embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engages all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission and we strongly encourage applicants who would enrich the diversity of our academic community to apply for this opportunity.

Reporting to the Dean of the College, the Head of Human Development and Family Studies is responsible for visioning, strategic planning, overseeing academic and research programs, managing operations, finances, faculty and staff affairs, sustaining and building external relations, and fundraising in support of the department’s aspirations. This includes further integrating, shaping, and building a truly excellent and cohesive multidisciplinary department that leverages strengths across all programs; advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; nurturing and developing interdisciplinary collaboration; recruiting, developing, and retaining a faculty and staff of excellence; and advocating for the department and enhancing its visibility and reputation.
As a key academic leader, and in keeping with the strategic initiatives of the University and the College, the Department Head is expected to stimulate and facilitate research productivity and teaching excellence, encourage interdisciplinary research, and promote and assist faculty with securing external funds.
The successful candidate will have administrative responsibility for all operational, fiscal, and procedural actions associated with the department, including conducting fundraising (development) activities. The candidate also will be encouraged to continue a focused line of research and supervise graduate student research. The Department Head must also expand the faculty’s current strengths by identifying and facilitating new opportunities in undergraduate, graduate, and online education. The new Head will support and nurture an environment where creativity and innovation thrive and foster a positive climate, inspiring confidence and trust among students, staff, and faculty by bringing strong interpersonal skills and a compassionate, collaborative, and community-oriented leadership style.