Program Chair & Ranked Faculty/SME, Human Performance

Northwestern Health Sciences University•Bloomington, MN

13d•$60,000 - $70,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU) is seeking a dedicated and visionary leader to serve as the Program Chair for the launch and leadership of its new Master of Health Science (MHS) in Human Performance (HP) program. This role offers a foundational opportunity to design and build an innovative graduate program preparing future professionals in sport science, human performance, performance analytics, rehabilitation, and sports medicine. The MHS in HP program is designed to prepare graduates to support performance, readiness, and recovery through interdisciplinary, evidence-informed approaches, integrating sport science theory, needs analysis, performance assessment, monitoring, and data interpretation for careers in sport, clinical, tactical, and applied human performance settings. Initially, the Program Chair will act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) leading curriculum design, supporting accreditation, establishing industry partnerships, and contributing to strategic planning. Upon program launch, the role transitions to Program Chair and Ranked Faculty, encompassing academic and operational leadership, curriculum oversight, teaching, faculty support, student success, and continuous quality improvement. The ideal candidate possesses academic expertise, real-world experience in human performance, a vision for excellence in education, a commitment to collaboration, and the ability to translate innovative ideas into a successful academic program.

Requirements

Master's degree in Exercise Science, Human Performance, Athletic Training, Data Analytics (with a focus on human performance), or a closely related field, required.
Relevant industry certifications such as CSCS, CCSP, DACBSP, FICS/ICSC, ATC, or other specialization-related credentials, required.
Experience in sports science, human performance, rehabilitation, performance analytics, sports medicine, or a related field, required.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks in a logical and efficient manner.
Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty and other stakeholders.
Ability to build and foster positive relationships across the institution using sound judgement and diplomacy.
Proven capacity to coordinate complex activities while maintaining a high-level attention to detail.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn and effectively use university enterprise management systems and other relevant technologies.
Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, with a commitment to supporting academic excellence and institutional goals.

Nice To Haves

Doctorate degree (e.g. PhD, DC, DPT, DAT, or other terminal degree) in Exercise Science, Human Performance, Athletic Training, Physical Therapy, Chiropractic, Data Analytics, or a closely related discipline, preferred.
Professional licensure relevant to the specialization area (e.g. DC, PT, ATC), preferred.
Teaching, curriculum development, leadership, and higher education experience including leading faculty, supporting program operations, and collaborating across interdisciplinary teams, preferred.

Responsibilities

Design and development of the program in collaboration with internal experts, faculty, instructional designers, and other internal/external stakeholders.
Build upon and refine current curriculum strategy, mapping, and degree framework.
Identify, refine, and develop courses and content.
Advise on industry trends, competencies, and workforce alignment.
Support and advise Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) processes and mapping.
Support and advise on certifications and credentialing pathways aligned with career outcomes.
Recommend instructional materials, assessments, and delivery methodologies.
Ensure academic rigor, industry relevance, and applied learning integration.
Participate in scheduled planning meetings and curriculum reviews.
Identify and connect additional SMEs or industry partners as needed.
Support development of quality pathways, partnerships, and experiential opportunities.
Provide leadership and oversight for the MHS Human Performance program and specialization areas.
Support curriculum development, assessment, and continuous improvement processes.
Ensure continuous curriculum alignment with Program Learning Outcomes, industry standards, and workforce expectations.
Participate in program meetings, planning activities, and university initiatives.
Budget management for the program.
Teach assigned graduate-level courses within the program.
Facilitate student learning through instruction, feedback, assessment, and course engagement activities.
Maintain awareness of emerging trends, technologies, and professional standards relevant to the field.
Support program visibility, partnerships, and industry engagement opportunities.