Associate or Full Professor & Chair, Department of English, Languages, and Media Studies (D-ELMS) at University of Maryland Eastern Shore in University of Eastern Shore, MD

Job description

Job Description Summary Organization's Summary Statement: The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), a Top 10 Public HBCU and Carnegie classified research institution, invites applications for the position of Department Chair of English, Languages, and Media Studies. The position is a 12-month appointment and reports directly to the Dean of the School of Education, Social Sciences, and the Arts (SESA). We seek a visionary and collaborative leader to guide a dynamic department committed to excellence in teaching, research, creative practice, and community engagement. The Chair will oversee undergraduate programs in English, Media Studies, and World Languages, and lead strategic development in emerging areas such as Creative Writing (including comic script writing), Digital Humanities, Documentary Production, and Communication Studies. Salary Range: $140,000 - $149,372 Benefits: The University of Maryland Eastern Shore, as a University System of Maryland institution and a Maryland State agency, provides a comprehensive benefits package to all regular faculty and staff. The Office of Employee Benefits provides consultative services and assistance with benefits planning, enrollment, and changes. Eligible employees may participate in a variety of benefit plans including: • Health insurance, including multiple medical plan options for employees and dependents offered through the State of Maryland Employee Benefits Division. • Prescription drug, dental, and flexible spending accounts, and vision coverage. • Retirement plans: mandatory enrollment in a state pension system or an Optional Retirement Plan with Fidelity or TIAA, Supplemental Retirement Accounts (TIAA, Fidelity, or MSRP-Nationwide) with $600 annual state match, Life Insurance (state sponsored MetLife, USM sponsored MetLife Plan, life insurance and long-term disability insurance). • Tuition remission benefits for eligible employees and, subject to USM policies, spouses and dependents at University System of Maryland institutions. • Exempt positions start at 22 days annual per year, sick leave 15 days per year, personal leave 3 days per year), and paid holidays. • Employee wellness and support resources and access to the State of Maryland wellness programs. Responsibilities: •Provide academic leadership and administrative oversight for the department. •Foster a culture of excellence in teaching, research, and service. •Lead curriculum development and program innovation in traditional and emerging fields. •Support faculty development and mentorship. •Promote interdisciplinary collaboration across the university. •Develop and implement strategic recruitment and retention initiatives. •Manage departmental budget, scheduling, and assessment processes. •Represent the department within the university and to external stakeholders. •Teach undergraduate courses in one or more departmental areas. • Perform other related duties as assigned. Qualifications: •PhD or terminal degree in English, Media Studies, Communication, or a closely related field. •Tenured Associate or Full Professor status (or qualifications commensurate with tenure at that rank) •Demonstrated record of scholarly or creative output in the Humanities •Experience in academic leadership or administration. •Deep knowledge of current trends and practices in Literary and Media Studies. •Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. •Ability to teach undergraduate courses in at least one of the department’s core areas. •Familiarity with HBCU mission and values..+ •Experience developing or leading programs in Creative Writing, Digital Humanities, or Documentary Production. •Proven success in student recruitment and retention strategies. •Experience with interdisciplinary curriculum design. •Record of external funding or grant acquisition. •Experience mentoring junior faculty and supporting faculty research Physical Demands: •May require extended periods of standing, bending, stooping, sitting at d