Department Head (Academic Administrator)

Reference #: REQ0000061339
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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
The College of Agricultural Sciences at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a dynamic individual to lead the Department of Animal Science. The Animal Science Departments land-grant mission is to discover new knowledge, educate the next generation of agricultural professionals, and deliver science-based information to advance animal systems and enrich the lives of people and animals under human stewardship. This mission is achieved through nationally and internationally recognized research, teaching, and Extension activities across the disciplines of animal nutrition, physiology, genetics and genomics, reproductive biology, meat science, animal management, and behavior. The Department is the academic home of a collaborative team of 34 interdisciplinary faculty and 30 staff. The Department has 323 undergraduates enrolled in its Animal Science major, has three undergraduate minor programs, and is currently training 57 graduate students in the Animal Science major as well as several interdisciplinary graduate degree programs. The Head is the Departments academic leader and administrative officer and is expected to provide a broad vision for the Department, be committed to enhancing the strength and cohesiveness of its programmatic areas, and value and foster its basic and applied contributions to animal agriculture. The Head, based at the main campus (University Park), reports directly to the Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences.
Founded in 1855, Penn State University has campuses and facilities across the Commonwealth and is ranked among the top public universities in the nation with linkages around the globe. The College of Agricultural Sciences leads the Universitys land grant mission with the integration of teaching, research, and Extension. The College employs over 1,200 full-time employees, including 300 faculty, and is the home of over 3,500 graduate and undergraduate students. Its nine academic departments offer 17 undergraduate majors, 13 graduate programs, and 31 other minors and certificates. Research expenditures in the College exceeded $124M in FY23, and through our robust Extension portfolio, research-based educational programs are offered in all 67 counties and online. The College is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning and working environment where everyone can succeed.

Responsibilities include:
Create and maintain an environment that facilitates 1) a strong sense of community; 2) an effective shared vision; 3) a highly productive, innovative, and entrepreneurial faculty and staff; 4) collaborative opportunities, and 5) a mutually supportive, encouraging, diverse, and intellectually stimulating environment for students, staff, and faculty.
Lead faculty and staff in implementing and enhancing the Departments undergraduate and graduate education programs, Cooperative Extension, and outreach initiatives to ensure programs are responsive to the evolving interests and needs of students and society.
Guide and enhance the Departments research environment to assure that programs meet the needs of stakeholders and sponsors.
Proactively engage Extension, and enhance the Departments state, national, and international reputation.
Administer and manage the Departments academic affairs, personn l, finances, endowments, and physical facilities including oversight of beef, dairy, equine, poultry, sheep, swine, whitetail deer, and meat science units.
Represent, promote, and advocate for the Department within the College and University, and with interdisciplinary groups, alumni, and other private and public stakeholders within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and beyond.
Support development programs to attract external support for educational programs, research initiatives, centers and institutes, and Extension engagement strategies.

Qualifications:
Earned doctorate and a record of scholarly activity with a proven record of peer-reviewed publications, extramural funding, and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students, and that would qualify for the rank of professor with tenure.
Demonstrated ability to effectively manage and provide administrative leadership to multi-disciplinary, multi-function teams.
Significant understanding and appreciation of the evolving mission of the land-grant university system, and of expectations, opportunities, and constraints facing faculty and departments in public research and education institutions.
Demonstrated ability to manage budget priorities and balance a diverse array of needs.
Demonstrated ability in and commitment to effective leadership that stresses participatory decision-making.
Strong personnel management experience.
Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Proven ability and commitment to mentoring faculty, staff, and departmental personnel at all career stages and providing support for professional development.

Applications should include:
A letter of application that states an applicants specific interest in the position, qualifications, previous professional and administrative responsibilities, and achievements.
Statement of leadership philosophy.
Statement describing leadership in, and approaches to, enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Curriculum vitae (C.V.) which includes statement of current position and responsibilities.
Contact information for at least three professional references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable applicant is identified. The salary will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the applicant. Inquiries can be addressed to Dr. Dave Abler, Chair of the search committee (dga2@psu.edu). To learn more about the Department of Animal Science, visit: https://animalscience.psu.edu/

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Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

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