Title: Academic Department Head (School of Social Work)

Employee Classification: AP - Administrative Professional

Pay Grade: AP MGAD2

Division: Academic and Student Affairs

Campus Location: Main Campus

General Summary

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) invites applications for the position of Director of the School of Social Work. The School of Social Work is one of five schools within the College of Health and Human Services and offers a generalist practice BSW Program and an MSW Program with specializations in Child and Family Services, Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery, and Health and Aging. The School serves 450 students with 17 faculty, 4 full-time lecturers, 3 full-time staff, and a well-developed pool of part-time instructors in a unionized environment. We seek candidates committed to supporting quality BSW and MSW education, the mission of our School, and collaboration with our interdisciplinary colleagues in the College of Health & Human Services.

The School of Social Work’s mission encompasses a commitment to social and economic justice and the advancement of culturally-responsive and anti-racist practices that are inclusive of all identities. The School of Social Work is age-friendly and student-supportive, serving a diverse and dynamic student body that includes nontraditional and second career students, many of whom have substantial work experience in human services. Eastern Michigan University is a state school located in Ypsilanti, approximately 35 miles west of Detroit, and primarily serves Metropolitan Detroit, Southeastern Michigan and Northwestern Ohio.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Important characteristics for an ideal candidate include a commitment to social justice, anti-racism, progressive vision and momentum, and leadership experience that reflects confidence, collaboration, resourcefulness, and generosity when fostering the growth and professional development of staff and faculty. Administratively, the ideal candidate will have evidence of strong human and public relations skills; working with faculty in a participatory and open style; supporting a diverse faculty to develop and enhance their instructional, service, and scholarship roles; involving faculty and students in shared governance; serving as a role model for student support and mentorship; and playing a leadership role in establishing and maintaining partnerships within the practice community. A record of strong connections to the professional social work community is required. The candidate must qualify for appointment with tenure.

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualifications for position of School Director include: an MSW and an earned DSW or PhD in social work or a closely related field; a minimum of 5 years post-MSW social work practice experience; teaching experience in higher education; documented strengths in scholarly activity and report writing, service and instructional effectiveness; experience and/or interest and aptitude for sponsored projects management and developing external funding applications; and an ability to foster interprofessional partnerships. Administrative experience in higher education preferred, including familiarity with budgets, scheduling, enrollment, program accreditation, and personnel management.

Special Instructions:

Application materials must include a letter of interest, curriculum vitae (including the name, telephone numbers and email addresses of three references), evidence of classroom effectiveness, and a statement describing administrative leadership style. This position begins in 2025. Initial screening of applications has begun and new applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Appointment Percentage:

100%