Department Head

Colorado State University seeks engaged, innovative, visionary, high-energy leaders to apply for the position of Professor and Department Head of Health and Exercise Science . We are seeking applicants who are excited about joining an already extremely strong department and who have a proven track record of academic leadership, innovative research, effective teaching and mentorship, meaningful service, and outstanding interpersonal communication and organizational skills. Successful candidates will have demonstrated high ethical standards, a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and are expected to operate in a transparent and collegial way. Additionally, successful candidates should be responsive to the needs of faculty, staff, and students within the Department and have a strong commitment to working collectively to elevate the Department of Health and Exercise Science to the next level of national and international recognition.

Areas of responsibility will include:

1. Leadership within the Department, including development of a shared vision and strategic plan; transparent communication and advocacy within and outside the Department; building and supporting capacity that will advance education, research, and outreach; stressing the importance of and identifying effective approaches for faculty, staff and student retention, engagement, and satisfaction; and encouraging professional development for faculty, staff, graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.
2. Research and Scholarship, including cultivation of an exceptional and interactive intellectual and research climate; development of strategies to promote and support procurement of external funding for department stakeholders (faculty and trainees); and maintaining active involvement in research and scholarly activities, and professional scientific societies.
3. Fiscal Management, including effective and equitable stewardship of resources and budget prioritization; and responsible budget management and development of strategic approaches for resource/budget growth including entrepreneurial activities.
4. Personnel Management, including clear expectations of job duties and performance metrics; development of equitable, high standards in teaching, research and outreach for tenure-track and non-tenure-track faculty; development of and involvement in faculty and staff mentorship; and commitment to a positive work environment and conflict resolution.
5. Facility Oversight and Space Improvement, including finding creative avenues to renovate existing space and construct new space in the Moby/HPCRL to improve its function and meet the needs of the research personnel, students, and staff.
6. Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, including avoidance of unintended bias; supporting and promoting a diversity-focused hiring process; commitment to equity when setting salaries, merit, recognition and workloads; and adherence to CSU’s principles of community ( ).
7. Teaching, including strengthening the Department’s commitment to maximize undergraduate and graduate student success in the classroom through a rigorous curriculum combined with exceptional student engagement, and occasionally teaching courses, providing guest lectures, and giving career advice to students.

The Professor and Head of the Department of Health and Exercise Science position in the College of Health and Human Sciences is a 12-month, full-time faculty position. The successful applicant will have a strong work ethic, a willingness to serve in a broad variety of roles as needed, and be dedicated to the mission of the Department, College, and University.

Position supervises approximately 50 faculty and staff.

Application Procedure:

Through the posting link on the University website, electronically submit a cover letter addressing the responsibilities, required and preferred qualifications of the position; current curriculum vita; statement of leadership philosophy and vision for the department; and, a list of three references with email addresses and phone numbers. No email or mail-in applications will be accepted.

For full consideration, a complete application must be received by October 28, 2024. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2025.

All inquiries regarding the position or the application process should be directed to:
Christopher (Chris) Gentile, Professor and Head
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
Colorado State University
Email:
Phone: 970-491-7416

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Earned Doctorate in Exercise Science or a related field
• Academic credentials commensurate with a faculty appointment at the rank of Professor with tenure (mid-career Associate Professor or higher rank);
• Demonstrated record of extramurally funded research;
• Demonstrated record of teaching and mentoring excellence;
• Demonstrated record of administrative, personnel management, and leadership experience;
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as demonstrated by experience with program development, participation in programs or professional development focused on diversity, equity and/or inclusion, and/or accountability for diversity outcomes assessment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience as department head, associate dean, or academic program director;
• Demonstrable experience in maximizing faculty, staff, and student professional growth and potential;
• Experience leading the tenure and promotion process and annual review of faculty and staff;
• Demonstrated record of effective fundraising and donor relation experience;
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate open and collaborative relationships within and external to the unit (e.g industry partners);
• Experience with, or strong familiarity of, community outreach in relation to a land-grant institution(s).
• Familiarity with managing financial assets, comprehending fiscal systems/reports, and experience with developing and forecasting realistic budgets.