Department Head (Academic Administrator)

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POSITION SPECIFICS

The College of Agricultural Sciences at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a dynamic individual to lead the Department of Plant Science. Founded in 1855, Penn State University has campuses and facilities across the Commonwealth and is ranked among the top public universities in the nation with linkages around the globe. The College of Agricultural Sciences leads the university's land grant mission with the integration of teaching, research, and extension. The College employs over 1,200 full-time employees, including 300 faculty, and is the home of over 3,500 graduate and undergraduate students. Its nine academic departments offer 17 undergraduate majors, 13 graduate programs, and 31 other minors and certificates. Research expenditures in the college exceeded $124M in FY23, and through our robust Extension portfolio, research-based educational programs are offered in all 67 counties and online. The college is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning and working environment where everyone can succeed.

The Department of Plant Science's mission is to create and disseminate knowledge that promotes the understanding and sustainable management of agronomic, horticultural, and landscape systems. We are a large, diverse department whose 50 faculty and 30 staff are engaged in cutting-edge research, teaching, and extension activities that address global challenges related to food security, climate change, and landscape management. The Department is home to two graduate programs (Agricultural and Environmental Plant Science, and Turfgrass Management) and three undergraduate majors (Plant Science, Turfgrass Science, and Landscape Contracting). The ideal candidate should have a demonstrated ability to effectively conduct searches and recruit faculty to strategically position the Department for continued research, teaching, and extension excellence.

The person filling this position serves as the Departmental program leader and administrative officer, reporting directly to the Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences.Duties include:

• Provide vision, support, and leadership in undergraduate and graduate instruction to ensure programs are responsive to students' evolving interests and needs.

• Lead and support extension and outreach activities in line with the Land-Grant Mission.

• Coordinate departmental relations with stakeholders, including agricultural producers, industries, government agencies, and citizens of Pennsylvania.

• Administer and manage the Department's academic affairs, personnel, finances, and physical facilities to ensure short- and long-term viability.

• Represent, promote, and advocate for the Department within the College and University, as well as support programs to attract external support for educational programs, research initiatives, centers and institutes, and Extension engagement strategies.

• Foster a collaborative and supportive department culture and working environment that facilitates an inclusive and respectful department community.

Qualifications:

• Earned doctorate and a record of scholarly activity with a proven record of peer-reviewed publications, extramural funding, and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students, and that would qualify for the rank of professor with tenure.

• Demonstrated effective leadership skills suitable for a multi-disciplinary and multi-function department/context.

• Significant understanding and appreciation of the evolving mission of the land-grant university system, and of expectations, opportunities, and constraints facing faculty and departments in public research and education institutions.

• Demonstrated ability to manage budget priorities and balance a diverse array of needs within the Department.

• Demonstrated ability in and commitment to effective leadership that stresses participatory decision-making.

• Strong personnel management experience.

• Ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment.

• Proven ability and commitment to mentoring faculty, staff, and departmental personnel at all career stages and providing support for professional development.

Applications should include:

• A letter of application that states an applicant's specific interest in the position, qualifications, previous professional and administrative responsibilities, and achievements.

• Statement of leadership philosophy.

• Curriculum vitae (C.V.) which includes statement of current position and responsibilities.

• Contact information for at least three professional references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable applicant is identified. The salary will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the applicant. Inquiries can be addressed to Dr. Gary Felton, Chair of the search committee (gwf10@psu.edu). To learn more about the Department of Plant Science, visit: https://plantscience.psu.edu/

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