Director

Tennessee Tech•Cookeville, TN

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Tennessee Tech University invites applications for the position of Director in the School of Human Ecology at the rank of Associate Professor or Full Professor. This is a full-time, twelve-month, tenure-track leadership position. The Director serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the School, providing visionary, strategic, and entrepreneurial leadership to advance its mission in alignment with the University’s commitment to student success, academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. This is an opportunity to lead a multidisciplinary School at a pivotal moment of growth and to elevate its impact across the state, region, and nation. The School of Human Ecology offers two undergraduate majors and four programs of study, including Human Ecology (Human Development and Family Science; Nutrition and Dietetics), Design Studies (Architecture and Interior Design; Fashion Merchandising and Design), and graduate programs in Child Life and Community Health and Nutrition. These programs are uniquely positioned to address critical societal challenges related to health, well-being, families, and the built environment. The successful candidate will articulate and implement a bold strategic vision that enhances program quality, expands enrollment, strengthens external partnerships, and elevates the School’s visibility and reputation. The Director will work collaboratively with university leadership, faculty, and external stakeholders to position the School as a regional and national leader in human ecology education and applied scholarship. Tennessee Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

Requirements

An earned doctoral degree from an accredited institution in family and consumer sciences, human ecology, nutrition and dietetics, human development and family science, or a closely related field is required, with at least one degree in family and consumer sciences or human ecology.
Must meet the requirements for tenure and appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or higher in the School of Human Ecology.
A minimum of six years of full-time teaching experience in an accredited program in human ecology or family and consumer sciences is required.
Demonstrated experience in student success, curriculum development, academic program administration, accreditation processes, and program assessment.
A strong record of effective teaching, scholarship, and service.
Evidence of excellent interpersonal and communication skills, professional integrity, and the ability to lead and collaborate effectively within an academic environment.
Prior administrative leadership experience is required, including demonstrated success in strategic planning, budgeting, faculty and staff evaluation, and program development.

Nice To Haves

A record of effectively building external partnerships, securing funding, and advancing academic initiatives at scale.
Evidence of leadership within professional organizations and the ability to enhance the visibility, reputation, and impact of an academic unit.
Experience with innovative and technology-enhanced instruction, including the development and delivery of online and hybrid academic programs.

Responsibilities

Provide transformational leadership for the School of Human Ecology, including long-range strategic planning, program growth, and alignment with university priorities focused on student success, innovation, and workforce readiness.
Lead the school in establishing and achieving measurable goals that advance excellence in teaching, scholarly activity, community engagement, and student outcomes.
Direct all academic and administrative operations, including preparation and defense of the annual budget, development of fee structures, and advancement of new academic programs and strategic initiatives that respond to emerging societal and workforce needs.
Serve as a leader in academic innovation, working collaboratively with faculty to ensure curricula remain current and aligned with accreditation standards and industry expectations, including those associated with the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.
Oversee accreditation, assessment, and continuous improvement processes.
Recruit, support, and retain a diverse and high-performing faculty and staff while fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
Advance student success and engagement through experiential learning, internships, community-based learning, and career readiness initiatives aligned with Tennessee Tech’s strategic priorities.
Expand the School’s reach and impact through strategic partnerships with local, state, and national agencies, clinical organizations, industry partners, and professional associations, including facilitating contractual agreements that enhance student opportunities and program relevance.
Lead efforts to secure external funding, philanthropic support, and resource development, including grants and partnerships that strengthen academic programs and infrastructure.
Advocate effectively for the School’s priorities within the University and to external audiences.
Promote interdisciplinary collaboration across colleges and units.
Support the development and expansion of innovative instructional modalities such as online and hybrid graduate programs.
Contribute to teaching within undergraduate and graduate programs.
Advise student organizations as appropriate.
Represent the school in university governance, professional organizations, and community engagement activities to enhance its visibility and reputation.
Perform other duties as assigned.