Chair, Public Services
This position reports to the Dean, Health Sciences and Public Service.

Appointment Period:

Annually renewable, 12-month appointment.

Responsibilities: The Public Service Chair has the general responsibility for the leadership, strategic planning, operational management, course scheduling, budgeting oversight, faculty support and evaluation, assessment of student learning, and evaluation/continuing development of the Department. The Chair will work collaboratively, generatively and with problem-solving commitments with the Dean and fellow Department Chairs in support of the vision and mission of Division. Overall, the Chair will promote excellence of the Department within the College. In addition, specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Specific Duties:
  1. Directly supervises Criminal Justice, Policy Academy, Emergency Medical Services, and Human Service program.
  2. Ensures the integrity, excellence, reputation, and continuous improvement of the Department through leadership, influence, innovation, partnerships, and the advancement of the disciplines therein.
  3. Manages departmental operations including employment paperwork, faculty workloads, attendance tracking, course scheduling, purchasing requests, equipment inventory, catalog information, travel requests, student advising, classroom and lab use, supplies, and curricular and classroom grievances.
  4. Maintains departmental budget, timely preparation of PARs, and meets regularly with Dean to review budgetary matters.
  5. Develop student-centered schedules each term maximizing enrollment and minimizing costs.
  6. Teaches courses according to expected teaching load for academic chairs.
  7. Addresses student issues in a timely manner following College procedures and policies.
  8. Drives innovation in learning, and curricula by staying abreast of new opportunities related to community and industry interest.
  9. Implements agile curricula design and delivery for all courses embedding industry recognized credentials.
  10. Is expected to develop new courses, certificates, and/or programs, as needed, to meet industry and community needs.
  11. Seeks new partnerships in industry and stays abreast of industry trends in certifications, technology and programming.
  12. Works closely with Workforce Development and Innovation on the creation of new credit and non-credit offerings for distance learning, industry and community.
  13. Is responsible for programmatic or major accreditation and acts as liaison with programmatic accreditation entities.
  14. Reviews student requests for experiential credit.
  15. Facilitates departmental and programmatic outreach by leading advisory committees associated with programs.
  16. Coordinates with initiatives such as Tech Prep and College Credit Plus (dual credit offerings).
  17. Updates yearly or creates new articulation agreements with four year institutions.
  18. Meets all established Division, Academic and College deadlines.
  19. Writes grant proposals with assistance from Grants department. Is expected to explore and recommend grant opportunities relevant to the Department/Division.
  20. Evaluates candidates as faculty members and makes staffing recommendations to the Division Dean.
  21. Maintains ongoing support, professional development, and evaluation of program faculty.
  22. Oversees appropriate delivery of coursework for College Credit Plus (CCP) settings and manages plans of study as needed for the Department.
  23. Initiates and follows through on the OTM/TAG/CTAG application processes for qualified courses.
  24. Performs ongoing curriculum review and assessment of courses, programs and certificates within the Department.
  25. Is expected to propose new courses, viable certificates and programs yearly within their discipline.
  26. Regularly examines Open Educational Resources (OER) for possible textbook adoption for courses in the Department in consultation with department faculty.
  27. Participates in the state-wide and national initiatives which promotes the Department.
  28. Submits strategic plans as part of the College’s planning process and conducts appropriate follow-up documentation.
  29. Promotes the programs and participates in marketing activities and efforts.
  30. Maintains ongoing communication with Student Affairs as it relates to course scheduling adjustments, academic advisement, and evaluation of transfer credits.
  31. Promotes a culture of inclusivity and support for diverse faculty and students.
  32. Represents the Department on campus committees.
  33. Assists the Dean with Divisional initiatives as assigned.
  34. Other duties as assigned.


Major Work Qualifications: Master’s Degree required. Preference given to degrees in Criminal Justice, Human Service, Social Work, Emergency Medical Services or Higher Education. Must have a minimum of five (5) years of industry experience as well as a minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible administrative /supervisory experience. Must have ability to manage people and resources and have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must have exceptional abilities to organize work related duties and tasks. Have a desire to deliver instruction via alternative methods and to design academic schedules to meet the needs of students and stakeholders. Ability to interact positively with students and colleagues is essential. Must be committed to the two-year college mission and quality instruction. Must be committed to diversity and inclusivity. Previous experience fulfilling duties associated with coordination of an academic program is preferred. Familiarity of administrative and instructional software packages is desirable.

Salary: Commensurate with education and experience; plus full benefits package.

Application: Submit materials electronically to the Office of Human Resources, Rhodes State College, at jobs@rhodesstate.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicants must include a letter of interest outlining background and qualifications, unofficial transcripts, a resume and the names, email addresses and telephone numbers (work and home/cell) of at least three (3) professional references. References are contacted at the point when applicants advance through the interview process. Applicants who are invited to the interview process will be required to complete and submit a College employment application and undergo a criminal background screening.

Posted: 3/5/2021


AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/ADA EMPLOYER, M/F, V/D