Director (With Faculty Rank)

Position Overview

The School of Kinesiology in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities seeks to fill the Director of the School of Kinesiology position at the rank of full professor. This position, a tenured faculty line in the school, provides leadership as an active, high-impact scholar in their specialization within kinesiology or sport management and by equitably advancing teaching and scholarship across the diverse subdisciplines represented within the school. The Director should be a thought leader in kinesiology and sport management and formulate a forward-looking vision for the school, in collaboration with faculty and staff. The Director nurtures the professional growth of faculty and staff who contribute to the research and teaching missions of the school. This includes encouraging nominations for promotion and tenure as well as awards and honors; working to improve the quality of instruction, disciplined inquiry, and outreach/service; and facilitating the creation of a welcoming environment for all students and all members of the school community.

The Director provides academic leadership to the school with support from an Associate Director, Department Administrator, Directors of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies, and several staff, in consultation with the CEHD Dean and Associate Deans. The Director has general administrative authority over the school, including budget oversight; represents the school in college- and University-wide administrative planning; and is a member of the CEHD Academic Leadership Team. The Director is an important face of the school state-wide, nationally, and internationally. All applicants are expected to have strong research programs and to contribute to graduate and undergraduate instruction and supervision. As a unit within a large, public and research-intensive University, the school is committed to building a diverse community and welcomes and encourages applications from candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color, LBGTQ+, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other under-represented groups.

This is a 12-month, full-time, 5-year renewable administrative appointment located on the Minneapolis campus with a target start date of July 2024.

Job responsibilities

The Director will have the following responsibilities: 

• Serve as the school’s chief administrative officer, with authority and responsibility for student recruiting, programs and resources, personnel, budget development and oversight, development and fundraising, facilities, and administrative planning.
• Promote excellence and innovation in interdisciplinary research, teaching, and outreach and public engagement that is consistent with the mission and goals of the school and college.
• Represent the school in its internal affairs, such as relationships with campus recreation and wellness and intercollegiate athletics, and in its external affairs with the public and community.
• Provide leadership for strategic short-term and long-range goals, objectives, and plans.
• Establish, communicate, interpret, and administer the school’s fiscal, programmatic, self-governance, and personnel policies in compliance with University and CEHD policies, school University and CEHD policies, school bylaws and best practices.
• Oversee the agenda for and presides at school management team meetings, faculty meetings, and all-school meetings.
• Coordinate committee memberships in alignment with school bylaws, and appoint ad hoc work groups or committees as necessary.
• Delegate authority appropriately to other leaders in the school.
• Nurture the professional development of faculty and staff, onboard new faculty members, conduct annual performance reviews, support the tenure and promotion process consistent with CEHD and University policies, and provide for the mentoring of faculty toward excellence and national distinction in research, teaching, and outreach and public engagement.
• Inspire new revenue streams through work with development officers regarding donors and fundraising efforts.
• Demonstrate a commitment to high-quality undergraduate and graduate education through collaboration about vision and strategic priorities, data-based decision making such as enrollment management, and innovative programmatic opportunities.
• Cultivate and implement a positive and respectful organizational culture that values interpersonal collegiality, collaborative problem solving, and effective conflict resolution among staff, students, and faculty.
• Advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in school policies and procedures and among members of the school community.
• Sustain an active research agenda related to the school mission, fulfill teaching and student mentoring commitments, and maintain involvement with professional organizations and community entities.

Required qualifications

• Hold an earned doctorate in a field represented within the school and its mission.
• Qualified (as determined by full professors in the school as well as the CEHD dean and University provost) for appointment at the rank of tenured full professor.
• Excellent national and international reputation for research and a record of externally sponsored-research funding in one or more areas of academic scholarship within the school.
• Successful administrative experience in positions such as director or department chair/head, program coordinator, or director of graduate studies in a multi-disciplinary unit within a research-focused institution.
• Strong supervisory expertise with diverse employee groups such as faculty, instructors, researchers, and staff.
• Outstanding undergraduate and graduate teaching, advising, and outreach/service achievements in kinesiology or sport management.
• Engagement with a range of academic program types in kinesiology or sport management such as undergraduate BS degree, graduate-level professional MEd degree, MS/MA/PhD degree, and minor/certificate programs.
• Commitment to action-oriented leadership regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Effective communication skills with staff, students, faculty, and other constituents and stakeholders.
• Demonstration of a high level of ethical integrity and a dedication to upholding the mission, policies, and best practices of the University, college, and school.

Preferred qualifications

• Excellent skills in interpersonal communication, administrative leadership, supervision, and team building.
• Strong writing skills, such as for the preparation of planning and evaluation reports, project proposals for funding, and scholarly publications.
• Record of procuring internal and external funding supporting successful programmatic and community engagement initiatives.
• Evidence of fiscal responsibility, with a track record of working within budget.
• Demonstrated success in mentoring and developing faculty and staff.
• Accomplishments related to increasing and retaining the diversity of students, faculty, and staff in an academic department.

Department Overview 

The School of Kinesiology advances interdisciplinary knowledge about physical activity and human movement in order to promote lifelong health and well-being in local, national, and global communities. Our innovative research, high-quality teaching, and collaborative outreach focus on the science and management of physical activity and human movement within contexts such as exercise, health care, and sport. We offer three undergraduate majors serving over 500 students (BS in Kinesiology, Sport Management, and Physical Activity and Health Promotion), an honors program, three minors, and a coaching certificate program. Over 150 students enroll in six graduate degree programs (MEd in Sport and Exercise Science, Sport Management, and Physical Activity and Health; MA in Sport Management; MS and PhD in Kinesiology with seven emphasis areas). More than 4000 students per year complete courses in our comprehensive Physical Activity Program. Our faculty comprise 15 tenured or tenure-track faculty and nine full time non-tenure track faculty, and lead over 13 research labs and centers. The work of the school is supported by more than 13 staff including CSBU (civil service and bargaining unit) and Professional and Academic Staff. The school is one of seven academic units in the college (see cehd.umn.edu and kin.umn.edu).

College Overview 

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the fourth largest college at the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That’s why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice. https://www.cehd.umn.edu/

Benefits

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.  We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply 

https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/358047

Application Deadline:  This position requires that the candidate submit the following documents as PDFs:

1) cover letter detailing the following as specifically related to this position:

•  reasons for seeking;
•  leadership and administrative accomplishments;
•  research, mentoring, and teaching expertise; and
• approach to cultivating a positive organizational culture encompassing diversity, equity, and inclusion

2) curriculum vitae enumerating experiences and documenting details of achievements in administration, research, teaching/mentoring, and outreach/service in higher education.

3) names and contact information of three references who could speak to the candidate’s potential for excellence in this position.

For general questions about the application process, contact Bob Janoski at janoski@umn.edu.To request an accommodation during the application process, please send email to employ@umn.edu or call (612)-624-UOHR (8687).

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).