Director - School of Social Work

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Director - School of Social Work.

Position Details Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States Division School of Social Work Position Type Administrative Faculty Employment Status Full Time Grant Funded No Posting Close Date open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants
Review of applications will begin March 29 and will continue until the position is filled. Please feel free to contact Dr. Pat Sims to inquire about the position (pat.sims@usm.edu). A completed application will include 1) a cover letter, 2) a CV, 3) contact information for four references, 4) a 2-3 page leadership statement describing your approach to leadership and summarizing how your leadership experiences have prepared you for this position, and 5) academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable; official transcripts are necessary for hire). Application materials can be uploaded to the HR site found here: https://jobs.usm.edu. The School with not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Job Summary
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) seeks a skilled and dynamic leader to serve as Director of the School of Social Work. The School Director position is a full-time, 12-month administrative appointment beginning July 1, 2019. The oldest in Mississippi, the School of Social Work is home to thriving CSWE-accredited undergraduate (BSW; approximately 250 students) and graduate (MSW; approximately 100 students) programs offered on two campuses (Hattiesburg & Gulf Park), and enjoys long-standing relationships with a broad array of human service agencies and community partners. We are seeking applicants who demonstrate experienced leadership, administrative transparency, and strong communication and collaboration skills. The School is especially interested in candidates from underrepresented groups as well as individuals who have experience in working with diverse student populations.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities
USM is classified in the R1: Doctoral University - very high research activity category by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. As such, the Director is expected to promote research productivity and foster an environment conducive to impactful, externally funded research among faculty and students.

Broad responsibilities for the School Director include planning, development, and administration of the School's academic programs while advocating on their behalf to both internal and external stakeholders. An effective Director must be an engaged participant in both the College and the University administrative teams.

Provide leadership for School programs and ensure that curricula, instruction, assessment, research, and outreach are innovative, of the highest quality, and aligned with accreditation guidelines, College, and University strategic plans. Oversee School administration, including staffing courses, managing the budget, overseeing staff, engaging with fundraising efforts, and ensuring efficient/effective day-to-day
operations of the School. Articulate and pursue a vision of growth for the School, developed collaboratively with faculty and consistent with College and University goals, that fosters success for all stakeholders across all programs and across all domains. Provide leadership and effective representation and advocacy for the School at the College and University levels, including establishment and implementation of School, College, and University policies, procedures, and guidelines. Facilitate faculty development and collaborative engagement in meaningful evaluation of faculty. Teach undergraduate and/or graduate-level courses in discipline. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

PhD in Social Work or closely related field.MSW with post-degree experience.Successful record of accomplishment with external funding and budget management.Meet expectations for tenure and promotion to Full Professor at or within two years of hiring.Professional experiences demonstrating leadership and management abilities in
higher education. Experience with CSWE accreditation.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Business Strategy & Acumen: Understands higher education and can use industry/professional terminology fluently. Thinks strategically and seeks to align school services and goals with institutional strategic goals. Asks critical questions to delve to root cause to identify solutions. Understands the interconnection of decisions, actions, outcomes and measures.

Leadership: Demonstrates an openness and flexibility towards new ideas and concepts and effectively influences or facilitates during times of change. Helps others become more effective through development and coaching. Utilizes candid feedback, knowledge, resources and opportunities to improve the performance of others and to increase their contributions. Sets clear expectations for performance, provides meaningful feedback, holds employees accountable and recognizes successes.

Communication: Demonstrates the ability to deliver accurate, concise and quality communication (verbal and written) in a timely manner. Encourages an open exchange of ideas and differing perspectives. Adapts communication style to meet the needs of diverse audiences and situations. Listens to understand others. Provides quality feedback.

About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites in central and southern Mississippi, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 76 public universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Foundation’s "higher research activity" designation for doctoral universities, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and sport venue safety and security, among others. USM is also one of only 40 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of approximately 15,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 35 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 21 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.