Department Chair – Online Programs – Graduate Nursing – South University

Job Summary

The Department Chair for Online Programs is a member of the full-time faculty (rank commensurate with experience) who also holds an administrative appointment related to managing a specific department that contains an online academic program or set of academic programs.

Responsibilities include: classroom instruction, day-to-day department operations, assisting students toward successful program completion, and staffing the classroom with faculty who support the mission of South University. The Department Chair for Online Programs is responsible for the fiscal well being of the program as it relates to education and helping to maintain/grow student enrollment. The Department Chair for Online Programs also participates in activities that promote the stature of the academic programs, departments, and colleges and abides by the mandates set by the Board of Trustees and administration.

Incumbent must assure that the EDMC philosophy: quality services to clients; development, growth, involvement, and recognition of employees; sound economic principles; and environment which is conducive to innovation, positive thinking and expansion - is considered in carrying out the duties and responsibilities of this position.

Key Job Elements

• Manages the educational process to ensure every student and faculty member is involved in a positive educational experience through the learning, teaching, and social environment.


• As a full-time faculty member, performs faculty responsibilities as outlined in the faculty job description and in accordance with the provisions of Faculty Supplement to the university Employee Handbook. Communicates consistently and effectively with the Assistant/Associate Dean for Online Programs, college/school deans, department chairs, and other South University administrators.


• Drives department and college initiatives designed to achieve student outcomes, completion rates, persistence, and other goals and metrics as outlined in the University's strategic plan. Provides regular assessment of progress of these initiatives in attaining goals and holds self and direct reports accountable for implementation.


• Ensures Program Directors for Online Programs, Assistant Program Directors for Online Programs, and faculty are in compliance with academic policies and procedures, educational policies, and SACS and programmatic accreditation standards and state agency regulations. Collaborates with the Assistant/Associate Dean for Online Programs to manage (through the Program Directors for Online Programs) the assessment process so that the Institutional Effectiveness Plan is applied to online programs and courses, with the results used to improve the student experience. Trains, manages, and leads a designated group of Program Director for Online Programs according to the policies and procedures of the University.


• Reviews full-time faculty candidates according to SACS and programmatic accreditation standards, along with the policies and procedures of the University, making hiring recommendations to the Assistant/Associate Dean for Online Programs. Credentials full-time and adjunct faculty according to SACS and programmatic accreditation standards, along with the policies and procedures of the University.


• Collaborates with the Assistant/Associate Dean for Online Programs to manage (through the Program Directors for Online Programs) the full-time and adjunct faculty evaluation process, including the completion of periodic course observations for quality assurance and annual faculty evaluations, to ensure faculty provide a strong, student-focused educational environment through consistent adherence to course rubrics, student competencies, and course pedagogy. Manages the faculty development process in close coordination with the Program Directors for Online Programs and related online personnel in compliance with South University faculty development policies.


• Investigates and resolves student and faculty educational problems requiring academic actions in consultation with pertinent individuals and departments, under the direction and approval of the Assistant/Associate Dean for Online Programs according to the policies and procedures of the University (including all process and documentation requirements).


• Collaborates with the Program Directors for Online Programs to manage the curriculum revision and development processes (for programs and courses, including ad hoc and educational delivery issues), providing appropriate academic approval (with academic authority for the department resting with the Senior Chair) to ensure the achievement of program and course competencies as determined by the college and University.


• Manages course scheduling, faculty scheduling, department meetings, and other pertinent operational matters (with academic authority for the department resting with the Senior Chair). As appropriate for the program, reviews the admissions decision made by the Program Director for Online Programs and admissions materials to affirm or alter the admission decision.


• As appropriate for the program, reviews a prospective student's transfer of credit materials and accepts or rejects the credit for transfer. Escalates difficult or challenged transfer of credit decisions to the Assistant/Associate Dean for Online Programs. Supports and consults regularly with team trainers on program and subject area product knowledge. Participates in the development and periodic meetings of the pertinent advisory councils. Performs other duties as assigned.

Reports To:

Assistant/Associate Dean for Online Programs

Directly Supervises:

Program Directors for Online Programs

Interacts With:

College/school deans, department chairs, program directors, faculty, and administration

Job Requirements:

Knowledge:

• Held positions of increasing responsibility and leadership within a university or industry setting, with online and/or academic experience a plus.


• Terminal degree from a regionally accredited institution in a discipline related to South University's curriculum within the assigned College (terminal degree in Nursing required: PhD in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Science, Doctor of Nursing Practice), with a minimum of 18 semester or 27 quarter hours of graduate coursework in the discipline.


• Other requirements specific to the discipline, including active, valid, and unencumbered licensure or certification. Nurse Practitioner licensure preferred.


• Teaching experience at the collegiate level, with online experience a plus.

Skills:

• Strong leadership and strategic planning skills.


• Strong analytical and change management skills.


• Strong personnel management experience.


• Experience with computerized administrative systems, including proficiency with the use of standard office applications on personal computers.

Abilities:

• Ability to read, understand, interpret, and implement accreditation criteria and state agency regulations.


• Ability to read, understand, interpret, and implement academic policies and procedures.


• Ability to resolve inquiries and complaints from employees, students, faculty, regulatory agencies, or members of the academic or business community.


• Ability to effectively present information to employees, students, faculty, academic and campus leaders, corporate leaders, and public groups.


• Ability to manage multiple tasks and successfully meet deadlines.


• Ability to work effectively, cooperatively, and flexibly in a team environment.


• Ability to physically work in the United States while performing all responsibilities of the position for the University.


• Distinction between the Chair and Senior Chair position levels is commensurate with academic and professional background and experience.


• This is a remote position and does not require relocation.*

by Shane Turner via NursingFacultyJobs.com