Director of the School of Behavioral Sciences and Education

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Penn State Harrisburg, a comprehensive college of The Pennsylvania State University, one of the largest and most widely recognized institutions in the nation, invites applications for an academic administrative leader with dynamic and visionary attributes for the position of Director of the School of Behavioral Sciences and Education (BSED). Applicants must have a record of demonstrated leadership experience as well as an academic record and accomplishments that meet the requirements for appointment as a tenured professor within the academic programs in BSED. As a senior leader within the college, the Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the BSED, driving its academic and strategic initiatives, and ensuring excellence across teaching, research, and service. Reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer, the Director will be a key member of the College's leadership team.

This is a senior leadership position that requires strong collaborative, creative, and forward-thinking leadership to guide BSED's continued success. The School Director has significant responsibilities as the academic administrator of a multi-disciplinary school with a multitude of degrees and academic programs. These responsibilities include overseeing faculty and staff development, managing the school's budget, and oversight of accreditation requirements in several programs such as nursing, applied behavioral analysis, clinical psychology, and teacher education. The Director will be instrumental in advancing BSED's academic and operational goals and shaping the long-term strategic direction of the school.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide visionary leadership to BSED, focusing on engagement, impact, and innovation.

• Promote high-quality teaching, research, and service while ensuring the school's continued growth and development.

• Oversee the accreditation process in several academic programs within the school.

• Provide leadership for strategic planning and continuous improvement efforts.

• Foster relationships with local and regional organizations and seek opportunities for external funding and philanthropic support.

• Support faculty and staff development and lead the school's promotion and tenure process.

• Enhance enrollment, improve student success, and further BSED's positive impact on the Capital Area Region.

Required Qualifications:

• An earned doctorate in a relevant field within BSED and a record of achievement that qualifies the candidate for appointment as a tenured professor.

• Demonstrated leadership experience and accomplishments.

• Experience with accreditation.

• A commitment to cultural diversity and inclusion.

• Excellent communication and financial management skills, as well as an understanding of the complexities of a multi-campus, land-grant institution.

• Ability to develop strong partnerships with community, organizations, business, and industry, and a history of successful faculty and staff development.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A deep understanding of the interdisciplinary programs within the School of Behavioral Sciences and Education.

• Proven academic leadership experience at the level of center director, department chair, or above.

Application Process:

• To apply, please submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for five references (email addresses and phone numbers).

• Review of applications will begin in February 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.

• The College provides a competitive salary based on the experience and qualifications of the selected individual and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

• For more information about the college and the School of Behavioral Sciences and Education, visit Penn State Harrisburg.

The School of Behavioral Sciences and Education at Penn State Harrisburg is one of Penn State Harrisburg's five academic schools. BSED offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including undergraduate degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Elementary Education, Human Development and Family Studies, Kinesiology, Nursing, Psychology, Secondary Education Social Studies, and Sociology. Graduate programs include Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis, Applied Clinical Psychology and Community Psychology and Social Change, Masters of Education in Health Education, Literacy Education, and Teaching and Curriculum. The Speech-Language Pathology graduate degree will enroll the first cohort of students in fall of 2026 and a PhD program in Clinical Applied Psychology is in development with program approval expected during 2025-26 academic year. BSED is also home to a number of centers and special projects including the Douglas W. Pollock Addictions Research and Outreach Center, the Career Studies Program, the Capital Area Institute for Mathematics and Science (CAIMS) and the Capital Area Writing Project (CAWP).

About Penn State Harrisburg: Located in Middletown, PA, near the state capital of Harrisburg, Penn State Harrisburg is a hub of academic innovation, economic development, and community engagement. The campus is easily accessible via interstate and rail routes from Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and New York. Penn State Harrisburg has an enrollment of more than 4,500 residential instruction students and over 1,000 students who are supported via Penn State World Campus online programs and courses. Our students and faculty have access to the resources of a world-class research university at the University Park campus. As one of the most diverse campuses within the Penn State system, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive and supportive environment for students, faculty, and staff. The campus serves as the anchor institution for the Harrisburg region and offers a blend of cutting-edge research and transformative educational experiences.

Commitment to Diversity: Penn State Harrisburg is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that a rich diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enhances the workplace and enriches the educational environment.

We look forward to receiving your application and potentially welcoming you to our vibrant community at Penn State Harrisburg.

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