Program Chair - Equine Studies

JOB SUMMARY

The Program Chair (PC) of Equine Studies is a full-time faculty member who administers the B.S. Equine Studies degree program, Equine Veterinary Assistant Certificate, Equine Studies minor, and additional enrichment activities related to the field. This position's key functions are supporting program rigor, academic excellence, and student success through curriculum design, course quality, assessment of student learning outcomes, and teaching. Program Chairs are accountable for program student retention and demonstrating the University's core values of CARE (Connect, Assess, Resolve, Excite). The PC will collaborate with Instructional Design to ensure that courses are properly designed, contain current and engaging content, and are properly released each term. This position reports to the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and collaborates with other faculty and associates across the institution. This position is located on Post University's main campus in Waterbury, CT, and is not a remote opportunity.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and competencies required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Master's degree or terminal degree (preferred) in equine studies or a related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of substantial and diverse experience in the equine industry
• Minimum of 5 years of teaching experience at the college/university level beyond the teaching assistant level.
• Desire and ability to grow a program of study with an innovative curriculum.
• Must be adept in using and applying instructional technology; experience teaching online.
• Passion for education and genuine interest in leading others and having the ability to deploy resources efficiently and effectively.
• Creative and interested in providing an outstanding, equitable, and inclusive learning experience for students with a clear, student-focused approach.
• Experience using assessments to improve teaching or programs is a plus.
• Ability to perform scholarly activities appropriate for a teaching institution.
• Ability to accept and professionally render constructive criticism.
• Ability to work both independently with little supervision and collaboratively in teams required.
• Must be a team-focused leader with a positive attitude.
• Ability to shape the future of a regionally accredited career-focused educational institution.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, MS Power, Python, Azure, AWS, and software applications relevant to the Computer Information System field.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively are required.
• Desire to contribute to shaping the future of a regionally accredited career-focused institution of higher education

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Management:

• Manage all processes in the degree program.
• Manage the Associate Faculty pool, including but not limited to hiring, mentoring, monitoring, evaluating, and disciplining to ensure quality delivery of all courses.
• In collaboration with the Dean and Assistant Dean, prepares reports required by State and Federal government and regulatory agencies.
• In consultation with the Dean and Assistant Dean, supply the supporting offices with necessary information for the program's maintenance and development, such as marketing, admissions, financial aid, and the office of student information and records.
• Maintains general knowledge of degree requirements, program, and course transfer information.
• Works collaboratively with Main Campus Advising and Academic Success Counselors (ASCs) to advise and support and mentor students to ensure personal goals and academic requirements are met.
• Continuously searches for new and innovative ways to improve the quality of CIS academic offerings.
• Provides financial oversight and reviews budgets specifically related to the CIS degree program and relevant course offerings.
• Contribute to School, Academic Affairs, and University strategic initiatives as a member of a collaborative community
• Participates in University governance and serves on at least two university committees or as otherwise determined by the Assistant Dean and Dean in the School of Arts & Sciences
• Assists with addressing and resolving grade appeals, grievances, or other administrative matters as warranted.
• Collaborate regularly with admissions, advising, the registrar, and student affairs departments in support of an outstanding student experience.
• Support program marketing and public relations efforts, including annual presence at Equine Affaire as appropriate to the program's needs.
• Engage in scholarly activity to promote a culture of inquiry, strengthen the program's reputation, and contribute to the equine community.
• Participate in School and University events, including in-person events as needed (e.g., commencement).

Assessment and Curriculum Development:

• Develops curricula in consultation with the Dean and Assistant Dean to achieve the mission, goals, and expected program outcomes.
• Review and assess student learning outcomes for continuous improvement of the program.
• Ensures curricula are developed, implemented, and revised to reflect relevant professional standards.
• Updates and revises course content and teaching methodology to ensure currency and relevance.
• Actively seeks ways to improve instruction and content quality.
• Maintains familiarity with current texts, electronic course materials, teaching aids, and techniques relative to courses and recommends their adoption when appropriate.
• Collaborate with the Dean and Assistant Dean and with annual board meetings as needed.

Teaching:

• The Program Chair will be expected to teach 6-8 courses within a calendar year. However, the teaching load may vary based on the level of activity in other areas of responsibility, and the Dean may approve a different teaching load at the recommendation of the Assistant Dean.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Other duties as assigned by the Assistant Dean in the School of Arts & Sciences, the Dean, or the Office of Academic Affairs.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.