Department Chair Geography & Planning

We seek a visionary and effective leader to become the next Chair of the Department of Geography and Planning.
* Ph.D. in Geography, Planning or related discipline is required

The Department of Geography and Planning seeks an innovative, resourceful, and dynamic leader to expand sponsored research, support vibrant instruction, and facilitate collaboration. We seek a department leader who will further develop our department profile with strategic creativity and has a strong vision for the mission for the department.

The ideal candidate must have a record of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service. They should provide evidence of leadership in recruiting and fostering academic growth and professional development of faculty, staff, and students.

The ideal candidate must have a demonstrated commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate instruction and research. They should show the capacity to be a strong advocate for the department and be skilled at development and outreach initiatives.

They also will have a distinguished record of leadership in geography or planning and demonstrated understanding and support for all the sub-disciplines represented in the Department.

Strong management and administrative skills are preferred.

N/A

The Department of Geography and Planning offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in geography and community and regional planning. Specializing in climate science, medical geography, community and regional planning, sustainable and environmental planning, spatial patterns in human geography, and Geographic Information Science ( GIS), the department provides students with solutions-based critical thinking skills.
https://geo.appstate.edu

Personnel & Supervision
Provide leadership in recruiting, appointing, and retaining faculty and staff. Foster a positive departmental climate by addressing and preventing conflicts. Recommend salaries, promotions, tenure, and reappointments per University policy. Assign teaching, service, and committee duties equitably; evaluate performance; and support faculty development and scholarly achievement.

Resource Management
Manage departmental budgets and resources responsibly. Oversee facilities, equipment, and supply needs to ensure smooth operations.

Curriculum & Policy Development
Collaborate with faculty to develop and maintain strong academic programs, curricula, and standards. Lead strategic planning to align departmental goals with college and University priorities.

Leadership & Advocacy
Implement and communicate University and college policies. Represent and advocate for the department's needs internally and externally. Lead departmental meetings and committees effectively. Participate in professional development opportunities for department chairs.

Typical physical demands of professional position at the university.

ABD with reduction in rank and salary: ABD will be considered for this position. Evidence of successful defense of the dissertation must be received by July 31 for a fall hire or November 30 for a spring hire. If confirmation of defense is not provided by the deadline, the candidate will receive a new one-year fixed-term contract and be hired at the rank of Instructor. The candidate's salary will also be reduced to a lower rate commensurate with other full-time instructors in the same department. However, if degree verification is provided before the end of the one-year fixed-term contract, the candidate will be returned to the rank of assistant professor with commensurate compensation beginning July 1 of the following academic year.

No ABD consideration: Only candidates with an earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited institution will be considered for the position. Since ABD will not meet the minimum requirements, ABD will not be considered.

Please attach the required documents:
(1) a 2-page letter of application;
(2) a curriculum vitae;
(3) a 2-page statement of leadership philosophy (with special regard to their approach to leading an interdisciplinary department);
(4) a 2-page statement explaining how you uphold North Carolina Law Article 49A section 143-422.2. "It is the public policy of this State to protect and safeguard the right and opportunity of all persons to seek, obtain, and hold employment without discrimination or abridgement on account of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex or handicap."
(5) a list of 5 leadership references, including names, email addresses, and telephone numbers.

The continued employment of a special faculty member during the term appointment may be made expressly contingent on items such as the continued availability of funding from any source, on enrollment levels, or any other contingency established by the institution.

The continued employment of a special faculty member during the term appointment may be made expressly contingent on items such as the continued availability of funding from any source, on enrollment levels, or any other contingency established by the institution.