Associate Professor

Job Title: Associate Professor / Professor of Writing and Department Head

Department: Master of Fine Arts in Writing; College of Arts and Humanities

Evaluation Group: Academic Administrator

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: St. Charles Campus

Reports To: Associate Dean, College of Arts and Humanities

Positions Supervised: Department faculty; adjunct instructors

Job Summary

The College of Arts and Humanities at Lindenwood University invites applications for an associate professor / professor of Writing and Department Head of the Master of Fine Arts in Writing program.

Qualified applicants will possess a terminal degree (MFA, PhD) in Writing / Creative Writing. The successful candidate will be expected to teach 5 courses (15 credit hours) over 12 months with 5 alternative deployments for department head duties. Preference will be given to candidates with experience teaching online. All Lindenwood faculty members are expected to advise and mentor students, continue to develop their expertise through research and scholarship, and participate in faculty governance and campus life.

This position is a full-time, 12-month faculty position that will begin on August 15, 2024. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

The Department Head of the Master of Fine Arts in Writing program is responsible for supporting the college dean in overseeing and assisting students in their academic learning. This position leads and shapes the ongoing strategic direction of the department to include curriculum oversight, assessment, evaluation, and improvement.

The successful candidate will be a team player who is deeply committed to the craft of teaching, creative work, and the work of the program. They will be a published author, inspiring teacher, and strategic leader who is prepared to work with a broad team to deliver high-quality individualized education, experience, and support to the program’s students.

Essential Job Functions and Performance Indicators

The intent of this job description is to provide a representation of the types of duties and level of responsibility that will be required of positions given this title. This job description shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Academic Leadership
Teaching and Learning

Collaborates with dean and administrators on academic and curriculum initiatives
Facilitates department assessment and accreditation
Engages in and provides oversight of faculty and student learning
Oversees development of new academic offerings such as programs, certificates, courses, and credentials
Ensures the department curriculum, content, and delivery methods incorporate emerging practices, changes in discipline and data on instructional effectiveness
Teaches a course load as outlined in the faculty appointment letter
Provides artistic direction for the academic theater season as prescribed in contract
Leadership and Strategic Thinking

Collaborates with appropriate parties in development and execution of department reviews
Oversees department’s academic, personnel, financial and administrative affairs
Leads efforts to build, integrate and grow department
Participates in promotional events to market the department to prospective students, including conferences, informational events, college days, one-on-one meetings, and other similar opportunities
Service
Human Resources Management

Recruits, screens, oversees, and evaluates department faculty and adjunct instructors
Facilitates and conducts classroom observations, providing faculty with constructive feedback
Assists faculty members in developing and improving skills as student advisors, mentors, and teachers
Collaborates with faculty and administrators on performance issues
Supports dean in selection of new full-time faculty members
Administrative Duties

Collaborates on course offerings, deployments, and curriculum within the school
Collaborates on student recruitment and retention efforts
Monitors and engages in student enrollment and retention data
Collaborates on the resolution of student complaints and grade appeals
Oversees department compliance with policies, processes, standards, and deadlines, including appropriate learning management usage
Communication and Collaboration

Supports the mission of the university and serves as an ambassador of the Q2 culture of service excellence
Models, supports, and holds others accountable to university values – integrity, dedication, excellence, creativity, and teamwork
Ensures timely, effective, and professional communications within the school
Subject Matter Expertise and Scholarship
Lifelong Learning and Scholarship

Demonstrates command of subject matter and continuous growth in subject field
Maintains professional development and activities to upgrade and augment existing skills or develop new ones
Maintains necessary affiliation with professional organizations
Job may require other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications – An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered. Additional requirements may be designated by position.

Terminal degree appropriate to the subject area (MFA or PhD in Writing / Creative Writing)
At least three years of experience in leading academic programs
At least three years of effective teaching experience (as documented by student evaluations) at the graduate level
Excellent collaboration, communication, and organizational skills, as well as a commitment to service excellence.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities – May be representative, but not all inclusive, of the knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures
Effective leadership and collaborative skills
Demonstrated record of establishing and maintaining effective relationships with faculty, staff and students
Effective analytical, organizational, and creative skills
Effective initiative and interpersonal skills
Strong skills in communication through speaking, listening, reading, and writing
Proficient technology skills, including but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Learning Management Systems (LMS), Student Information Systems (SIS), Student 360 and Workday
Work Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of this job’s functions.

General office setting
Position requires some work in the evening and on weekends
Physical Abilities – The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform this job’s essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Ability to sit at computer for extended periods of time daily
Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function
Equal Opportunity Employer

Lindenwood University is an Equal Opportunity employer. The University complies with appropriate federal, state, and local laws and provides equal employment opportunities and access to educational programs without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected status to all qualified applicants and employees. Lindenwood University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and dedicated to providing a positive discrimination-free educational work environment.