Overview
Position: The University of North Carolina Charlotte invites applications and nominations for the Chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Community Health (ECH). This is a twelve-month position with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2025. We are seeking an energetic leader to spearhead ECH’s talented faculty and staff during a transformative period in the department’s history.
Description of Work: The Department Chair is responsible for the daily operation of the department and the department programs. The Department Chair will promote excellence in department programs within the University. Responsibilities are classified as professional duties requiring leadership and mentoring of faculty, administrative expertise to include vision, long- term and short-term planning, decision-making, and coordination of instruction.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities. The Department requires a Chairperson to lead and facilitate all aspects of the Department’s operations. The successful candidate must have an earned doctorate in a Public Health discipline or closely related area and be eligible for appointment as Professor with tenure. A successful candidate should have a record of effective undergraduate and graduate teaching, as well as a record of extensive scholarship and grantsmanship. Communication, interpersonal, and change management skills and experience using data to effectively develop, implement, and improve programs and initiatives in a visible and dynamic department are essential. This individual will contribute strong relationship-building and creative problem-solving skills to advance the College and University Strategic Plans, contribute to the Department’s mission and initiatives, promote interdisciplinary collaboration and community partnerships, and engage institutional and community partners.
Required Qualifications: UNC Charlotte gives primary consideration to the earned doctorate or terminal degree in Public Health or a related discipline (e.g., Community Health, Epidemiology, Health Promotion, Health Behavior, Health Communications, Environmental Health, Global Health, Public Health Nutrition, Behavioral Health, Maternal and Child Health). Must be eligible for appointment as a full professor with tenure at UNC Charlotte.
Preferred Qualifications: UNC Charlotte is seeking applications from candidates with administrative experience as a department chair and/or director of an accredited program in public health. Prior administrative or academic leadership experience is preferred, particularly with accreditation through the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). A Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is preferred.
Highlights of the Position: The college is currently in the self-study process to become an accredited School of Public Health.
Mission of the Unit: The Department of Epidemiology and Community Health is committed to excellence in research and teaching, building a faculty and staff committed to preparing a diverse workforce, and extending educational opportunities to students from diverse backgrounds. The Department’s mission is to advance equity, health, and well-being by collaborating with all populations in changing landscapes. The Department has extensive ties with local and regional health departments, health care systems, and other community partners. The unit offers CEPH-accredited BSPH, MPH, and PhD programs in Public Health Sciences and Epidemiology. The unit is a member of the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH).
Mission of the College: The College of Health & Human Services (CHHS) offers a wide range of graduate and undergraduate degree and certificate programs to prepare graduates to pursue advanced degrees, and for a variety of practice, research and administrative roles in the health and human services fields. Our high quality, innovative educational programs include opportunities to study abroad and for distance education. Academic units include: Department of Applied Physiology, Health, and Clinical Sciences, Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, Department of Health Management and Policy, School of Nursing, and School of Social Work. An interdisciplinary Gerontology program offers both undergraduate and graduate degree options. The college is an applicant for accreditation by the Council on Education for Public Health as a School of Public Health. Approximately 4,400 students annually, with around 3,900 undergraduate students and 500 graduate students enrolled in our programs. The college has over 200 faculty members who are actively engaged in research and scholarship, and bring real-world experience to their teaching.
Required Documents:
Current resume or curriculum vitae
Cover letter/letter of interest
Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts required for hire)
Contact information for three references
UNC Charlotte is an EOE/AA employer and an ADVANCE Institution that strives to create an academic climate in which the dignity of all individuals is respected and maintained. All finalists are subject to criminal background checks. Applications must be submitted electronically (https://jobs.charlotte.edu/postings/58863). In the cover letter, please include a description of your interest in the position, leadership effectiveness, teaching effectiveness, and impact of scholarship.
Questions: To inquire about the position, please contact Dr. J.P. Barfield, Search Committee Chair, at jpbarfield@charlotte.edu. Review of Applications will begin on 10/16/2024 and continue until the position is filled.
