Director, Center for Education

Chester, PA, United States

Widener University is currently seeking a Director of the Center for Education in the College of Health and Human Services. This 12-month position provides leadership and management for all programs and personnel of the Center and will also serve as a Tenure-track faculty member.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to) :

Essential duties:

Serve as organizational leader of the unit, including leading faculty development opportunities for all faculty, promoting inter-disciplinary connections amongst faculty, and cultivating an environment for innovation and creative pedagogy.

Provide vision and leadership for the programs in the unit, working in partnership with individual graduate program directors, the Director of Teacher Education and the Associate Dean/Dean.

Supervise the Director of the Widener Child Development Center and provide oversight for the management and leadership of the WCDC.

Supervise faculty and staff in the Center and engage in the Performance Evaluation System with administrators and support staff.

Manage Pennsylvania Department of Education accreditation processes and compliance.

Mentor faculty development in terms of scholarship, teaching, and service, and also manage the Promotion, Tenure, and Academic Freedom process for tenure-track and non- tenur track education faculty.

Coordinate the recruitment and search processes for faculty, adjunct faculty and support staff in the unit.

In collaboration with other academic departments, facilitate, encourage and guide all curriculum development, revision and approval in the Center.

Manage and oversee the Center for Education and Widener Child Development Center budgets.

Facilitate the work of the unit to develop grant proposals to corporations, foundations, and government agencies; collaborate on research-based and community-based initiatives with faculty.

Cultivate external relations with relevant agencies, colleges and universities, non-profit organizations, alumni, foundations, etc.

Oversee and manage goals, processes, systems, and programs to enhance student admissions, enrollment, retention, and persistence to degree.

Collaborate with offices/departments such as Admissions, Registrar, Financial Aid, and others to provide an integrated experience that help students successfully complete their program.

Collaborate with Facilities Management on building needs.

Teach graduate courses on campus, online or via hybrid formats in area of expertise, carrying a load similar to others that hold faculty and administrative positions.

Demonstrate effectiveness in teaching and student assessment; use faculty development opportunities and teacher effectiveness tools to improve teaching.

Supervise students on special projects, practicum and dissertations (including chair or member of committee).

Remain current in the academic discipline through continuing study, research, and/or participation in professional activities.

Engage in scholarly work related to area of interest on a regular basis and as required by expectations of the program and Center (As referenced in the Center Guidelines for Tenure Track Faculty).

Pursue an active research agenda, resulting in contributions and dissemination through research, presentations and/or publications.

Participate in relevant service responsibilities as a member or chairperson of committees/task forces at the Center, School, and/or University level.

Secondary responsibilities:

Resolve student issues with the support of the Dean as needed.

Represent the Center or College on committees as designated by the Dean.

Represent Center or College at College, University and community events.

Performs other duties as assigned by Dean.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

A terminal degree in Education or a related field

Experience, qualifications and record of teaching excellence and scholarship for faculty appointment at the Associate Professor rank

Experience with higher education in recruitment and retention of students, curriculum development, and fiscal management of resources

Experience in supervision and mentoring of higher education personnel and faculty

Strong written and oral communication skills

Experience with curriculum development and assessment processes

Strong record of research and publication in area(s) of expertise

Demonstration of collaborative experiences with colleagues in their profession and workplace

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience leading a department or unit in an academic setting

Record of demonstrated advocacy and leadership in education at the local, state and/or national level

Experience in accreditation and state compliance processes

Supervisory experience of staff and faculty

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:

Ability to sit, stand and move about the classroom and campus for extended periods of time

Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time

May need to be available to students and/or faculty and other administrators via phone, email or other means of communication nights and weekends

Qualified candidates must submit a resume and cover letter for consideration. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only those selected to interview will be contacted.

Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener's Flexible Work policy.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at

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