JOB TITLE: Chair, Department of Psychology & Educational Studies
DIVISION: Academic Affairs
SUPERVISOR’S TITLE: Dean
DEPARTMENT: Psychology & Educational Studies
JOB DESCRIPTION
Benedict College has a full-time, 12-month, tenure track appointment opening as Department Chair beginning August 1 for the 2024-2025 academic year in the Psychology and Educational Studies Department.
BASIC FUNCTIONS
Under the general direction of the dean, serves as the principal administrator and instructional leader for the department. The department chair will be expected to teach up to 6 SCH per semester and will be released for a minimum of 50% time for coordination and supervision of full- and part-time faculty; assignment of teaching and advising loads; leadership for curriculum and program development; assessment of student learning outcomes; innovation of co-curricular enhancements; and coordination of experiential learning, retention activities, and internship and first-destination placements. The Chair will also be expected to serve on committees at department, school, and college levels; engage in scholarly research appropriate for rank; and participate in public service initiatives.
EDUCATIONAL STUDIES & PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENTS
The mission of the Psychology and Educational Studies Department is to prepare students for careers in psychology and child and family development fields as educators and practitioners. Through the major, minor, and concentration programs, our students develop knowledge and skills that promote empowering, justice-driven, and inclusive experiences for a diverse and global society.
DEPARTMENT MAJORS OFFERED
The Psychology and Educational Studies Department offers two majors: (1) Psychology and (2) Educational Studies with a concentration in Child and Family Development. The Psychology major provides specialized training for students planning professional careers in psychology, mental health, and child & adult protective services. The Child and Family Development concentration prepares graduates to work in non-public school settings that serve the educational needs of children and families.
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PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITY:Â
- Coordinates short-and long-range planning in accordance with the Strategic Plan
- Provides leadership for program area(s) including but not limited to student retention, recruitment, and placement
- Provides academic, career and personal counseling to applicants and students; monitors student progress to ensure a successful experience
- Manages and resolves the needs of students and faculty in the department
- Coordinates and publicizes all departmental activities, including orientation, internships, placement activities, etc.
- Develops the master course schedule for the program area(s) each academic term
- Facilitates program assessment plan
- Monitors classroom teaching and student records
- Manages department budget and resources
- Participates in department, school, and college committees
- Supports program, school and college initiatives after hours and/or on weekends, if required
- Maintains an active, scholarly agenda of research in discipline
- Supervises, evaluates, and hires full- and part-time faculty
- Prepares and submits reports on student achievement and placements
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Demonstrated commitment to teach, educate, and lead in diverse environments with historically marginalized individuals and groups
- Proficiency with development and implementation of courses using virtual platforms
- Ability to use technology effectively in teaching and learning
- Demonstrated capacity to facilitate student learning and engagement
- Demonstrated commitment to professional responsibilities, student development, and service
Minimum Qualifications
- Earned terminal degree in departmental disciplines (or closely related area)
- Five (5) or more years teaching experience
- Evidence of teaching effectiveness
- Evidence of scholarly activity
- Evidence of leadership
Preferred Qualifications
- Seven (7) or more years teaching experience in higher education
- Evidence of scholarly publications and teaching effectiveness
- Evidence of proficiency with learning management systems and online teaching and learning
 Application Instructions:
Initial review of application materials will begin immediately and will continue until a qualified candidate is hired. We anticipate initial screening interviews via Zoom in January of 2024. For full consideration, application materials must be received no later than Friday, January 26, 2024. Benedict College will continue to review applications until the position is filled. Please complete and submit the following:
- a Faculty and Professional Employment Application: https://www.benedict.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/bc_employment_application_faculty_rev-972022.pdf
- a cover letter addressing how you meet the qualifications of the position, including teaching experience, research experience and/or leadership experience
- a curriculum vitae
- official college transcript(s)
- three professional reference letters
Submit documents to:
Academic Affairs Search Committee
ATTN: Dr. Janeen P. Witty, Vice President for Academic Affairs
For further information, contact:
Dr. Akilah Carter-Francique, Dean
School of Education, Health and Human Services
Benedict College
1600 Harden Street
Columbia, SC 29204
803-705-4496
To apply for this job please visit www.benedict.edu.
