Department Head of Human Development and Family Science

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 20 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

The College of Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) is committed to student success, rigorous scholarly research, and effective outreach based on science to improve people’s lives. FACS develops leaders who focus on the science and art of helping individuals live well in a complex society. In the more than 100 years since its founding, the College has grown and now comprises four departments, the Ralston Institute for Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, several research labs and centers (including the Georgia Center for Developmental Science). Established collaborative associations with campus resources offer excellent research development opportunities. Campus research partners include the Owens Institute for Behavioral Research, the Institute of Gerontology, the Bioimaging Research Center, the Integrated Life Sciences program, the Georgia Clinical and Translational Science Alliance, and the Biomedical and Health Sciences Institute.

The Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) provides leadership in the field via cutting edge research, pedagogy, and service. Faculty currently lead federally funded research and service projects with cumulative budgets exceeding $3.4M per year. The national impact of faculty research and service activities are complemented by a focus on excellence in instruction at the graduate and undergraduate levels as evidenced by instructional and clinical faculty recognized across the university for their applied and pedagogical contributions. Currently, HDFS has 26 faculty members, 35 graduate students, and 425 undergraduate majors working in a collegial and nurturing environment. The doctoral and master’s degrees include an accredited doctoral program in Couple and Family Therapy, a new Master’s degree program in Couple and Family Therapy, and an endorsed Master’s degree program designed to prepare students to be Child Life Specialists. Minors in Behavioral Health, HDFS, and graduate certificate in Quantitative Methods in Family and Social Science and in Relational Therapy Practice are offered through the department. Faculty with Extension and Outreach appointments combine their scholarly work with delivery of evidence-based educational programs.

Position Summary

The College of Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) at the University of Georgia (UGA) is seeking applications for the Department Head of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS). The Department Head will inspire an expansive vision for the future and effectively interact with constituencies associated with academia, government, industry, and alumni, as well as faculty, staff, and students. Central to the department head’s leadership is the promotion of policies and everyday practices that address the needs of communities. This position requires strong leadership capabilities and the ability to foster success in research, service, and development funding. It is expected that the successful candidate will lead the faculty and its programs to a higher level of excellence. The Department Head reports directly to the Dean of the College of Family and Consumer Sciences with annual reviews and third year administrative reviews informed by the faculty of the unit. The Department Head is a member of a College leadership team committed to the integration of the missions of research, instruction, and extension and outreach in a research land-grant institution. The position is a nine-month academic year appointment with administrative and summer month salary supplement while serving as Department Head. Time allocation is 60-70% administration, 30-40% research or teaching, and 5% service, to be determined based on the interests and strengths of the candidate and fit with the needs of the unit at the time of hire.

Minimum Qualifications

• All candidates must have an earned doctorate in Human Development and Family Science, Psychology, or a related area.
• Internal candidates must be a full professor with tenure by the effective date of the appointment.
• External candidates must be:
  • a full professor or associate professor with at least five years of experience to qualify for appointment at the rank of full professor, and
  • eligible for tenure upon appointment at the time of hire. To be eligible for tenure upon appointment, candidates must have been tenured at a prior institution and bring a demonstrably national reputation to UGA.

Preferred Qualifications

• Outstanding scholarly achievements and research productivity as well as a record of submitting and obtaining federally-funded grants.
• Involvement in pivotal networks in the discipline.
• A proven record of scholarly achievement, clear and convincing evidence of leadership and administrative effectiveness, and a commitment to excellence in research, undergraduate and graduate education, and public service.
• A demonstrated track record of supporting student-centered development as it relates to student retention, persistence, graduation, and job placement.
• Demonstrated leadership at a management level including program development and leadership of accredited programs.
• Evidence of a national and/or international reputation in a substantive area of the discipline.
• Demonstrated administrative and organizational skills, as evidenced by successful performance in: personnel management; budget and fiscal management; program planning, management, oversight and evaluation; and resource procurement including grants and contracts.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, communication, and managerial skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide outstanding leadership and administrative oversight, understand complex finance and budgetary matters, handle sensitive personnel matters, and provide effective and responsible management of resources.
• Recruit, mentor, and advance faculty and staff through the steps of appointment, reappointment, promotion and tenure, and support recognition appropriate to position and rank, thereby building a high quality and cohesive faculty.
• Serve as a strong advocate for the Department, actively engaging faculty, alumni, and donors; provide intentional and active leadership to initiatives and work collaboratively with external relations to maximize the visibility and the reputation of the unit.
• Support the department’s clinical training programs, including the CFT doctoral and master’s programs and the Child Life master’s program.