JOB DESCRIPTION
TITLE: Chair of English and Humanities Department / History faculty
(Undergraduate and Graduate Programs)
COLLEGE: Arts and Sciences
DATE PREPARED: November 15, 2013
REPORTS TO: Dean of Arts and Science
FLSA: Exempt (11 months)
*Salary: The University provides a comprehensive benefits package with competitive salary based on rank
(qualifications and experience).
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Department Chair is the academic leader of the undergraduate and graduate programs within the department and is
responsible for its overall development and academic integrity. The Chair provides leadership and coordination for all
activities in the academic department and is accountable for the overall management as well as the quality and efficacy
of the respective academic programs and majors within the department. Some of the functions that the Chair oversees
are recruiting and supervising faculty members, promoting appropriate professional development for faculty, advising
students, reviewing and assessing curriculum and programs, developing and managing department goals and budget,
developing beneficial relationships within the surrounding communities, and assisting in the marketing of the programs.
In addition to the Chair duties, the successful candidate for this position will teach courses in nineteenth-century U. S.
History. All Department Chairs are assigned a teaching load and have faculty status.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Uphold the Heritage University Mission and Vision Statements.
2. Represent Heritage University in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students,
other colleges and universities, community organizations and businesses, and members of the community
we serve. Interact effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and community
constituents. Learn and use the operating practices of Heritage University.
3. Manage, review, and evaluate departmental curriculum and programs. Coordinate development of
community advisory committees or partnerships.
4. Manage, enhance, and develop BA and MA degree programs in the Humanities and English fields with
focus on regional needs. Conduct a needs assessment for a major in history.
5. Design innovative approaches to the instruction of history and teach a diverse student population, using
online, hybrid and in-person teaching and learning strategies.
6. Provide leadership, including professional development in grant writing and scholarship/research, for
faculty members teaching the following majors: American Cultural Studies, Indigenous Studies [under
development], English Composition, and various programs and majors in undergraduate and graduate
English and English Education.
7. Using the Heritage University Faculty Reflection and Evaluation Process, evaluate full-time faculty
members and coordinate the evaluation of adjunct faculty members in English and Humanities.
8. Serve on collaborative work teams with faculty, staff, and administration.
9. Handle confidential information with tact, discretion and in compliance with FERPA regulations.
(COAS 11-15-13)
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
1. A Ph.D. in history or closely related field (with significant graduate level course work in history) from an
accredited institution is required as well as a strong commitment to quality teaching and scholarly
activities involving undergraduate and graduate students.
2.
Four or more years of experience as a department chair supervising senior faculty members.
3. Demonstrated success in developing humanities, history, and English programs/majors. Tasks include
but are not limited to (a) hiring and evaluating fulltime and adjunct faculty, (b) maintaining an active
program of faculty professional development, (c) collecting assessment evidence for academic programs,
(d) scheduling courses, (e) advising students, and (e) developing new programs to meet regional needs.
4. Knowledge and experience in program review and assessment.
5. Five or more years of experience in teaching diverse groups of students is preferred.
6. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
7. Compatibility with a highly collegial, service-oriented faculty dedicated to improving education in
diverse settings.
8. Experience and expertise in instructional strategies for English language learners.
9. Demonstrated skill in using technology as a management, assessment, and teaching tool.
10. Initiative, commitment to accomplishment, adaptability, and sensitivity to candidate needs in the
programs and majors offered.
11. Personal transportation and willingness to travel.
Interested and qualified applicants may submit
Curriculum Vitae, Letter of Interest and Three References to:
humanresources@heritage.edu
or
Heritage University
Human Resources Office
3240 Fort Road
Toppenish, WA 98948
Position Open Until Filled
(COAS 11-15-13)
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