Director, Department of Exercise Science

Gardner Webb University•Boiling Springs, NC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Exercise Science seeks a Director to serve as the academic and administrative leader of the Department of Exercise Science (EXSI), overseeing both the undergraduate Exercise Science program and the Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning program. The Director provides leadership in promoting excellence in teaching, learning, service, and research while ensuring that professional and accreditation standards are maintained. The position is responsible for the management, coordination, and supervision of daily departmental operations and functions in support of the mission of the University. This is a 10-month, tenure-track, campus-based position.

Requirements

Earned doctorate in Exercise Science or related discipline, with qualifications appropriate for faculty appointment.
Experience in higher education teaching and academic administration.
Knowledge of accreditation standards and assessment processes related to Exercise Science including CoAES, CAAHEP, and/or CASCE.
Demonstrated leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

Earned Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the NSCA.
Experience with budget management, faculty supervision, and curriculum development.
Evidence of scholarly activity, professional service, and community engagement.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and vision for creating a high-quality teaching and learning environment for future allied healthcare professionals.
Promote initiatives that support healthy lifestyles and wellness across the University community.
Develop and implement departmental goals aligned with the mission of the University and accreditation standards for allied health professions.
Establish long-range and short-range strategic goals for the Exercise Science programs and monitor progress toward achieving those goals.
Communicate program goals and evaluate program effectiveness through ongoing assessment and planning processes.
Implement and review curriculum changes in accordance with institutional and accreditation expectations.
Develop new academic program proposals and oversee program development initiatives.
Evaluate academic programs and make recommendations for improvement and growth.
Coordinate course scheduling in collaboration with the Dean and monitor faculty teaching loads.
Monitor and track enrollment trends, major declarations, and curricular progression of Exercise Science students.
Ensure compliance with accreditation and professional standards for the undergraduate Exercise Science program.
Maintain and complete annual reporting requirements for CoAES and CAAHEP through data collection, survey deployment, advisory board coordination, and program outcome assessment activities.
Lead assessment initiatives designed to improve student learning outcomes and program quality.
Manage fiscal, operational, and human resources within the department, including faculty, graduate assistants, and work-study students.
Develop and monitor departmental budgets and operational expenditures.
Coordinate the allocation and utilization of instructional resources, equipment, facilities, and laboratory spaces.
Assess faculty staffing needs and participate in hiring, onboarding, and orientation processes.
Support faculty professional growth and development through mentoring, evaluation, and professional development planning.
Assist faculty in addressing student needs and implementing effective instructional strategies.
Collaborate with departments, schools, employers, agencies, and professional organizations to support curriculum development and program quality.
Serve as a professional representative of the University through community outreach and public relations activities that promote the Exercise Science programs.
Foster relationships with local, state, and national organizations to support experiential learning opportunities and program advancement.
Perform other related duties as assigned that support the mission and goals of the department and University.
Pursue CASCE accreditation for the Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning program.
Expand academic program offerings.