Director/Professor of Human Ecology at Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, TN

Job description

Description of Job Duty: Tennessee Tech University invites applications for the position of Director in the School of Human Ecology at the rank of Associate Professor or Full Professor. This is a full-time, twelve-month, tenured position. The Director serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the School, providing visionary, strategic, and entrepreneurial leadership to advance its mission in alignment with the University’s commitment to student success, academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. This is an opportunity to lead a multidisciplinary School at a pivotal moment of growth and to elevate its impact across the state, region, and nation. The School of Human Ecology offers two undergraduate majors and four programs of study, including Human Ecology (Human Development and Family Science; Nutrition and Dietetics), Design Studies (Architecture and Interior Design; Fashion Merchandising and Design), and graduate programs in Child Life and Community Health and Nutrition. These programs are uniquely positioned to address critical societal challenges related to health, well-being, families, and the built environment. The successful candidate will articulate and implement a bold strategic vision that enhances program quality, expands enrollment, strengthens external partnerships, and elevates the School’s visibility and reputation. The Director will work collaboratively with university leadership, faculty, and external stakeholders to position the School as a regional and national leader in human ecology education and applied scholarship. Tennessee Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Essential Functions: This is a twelve-month, full-time position. The Director will provide transformational leadership for the School of Human Ecology, including long-range strategic planning, program growth, and alignment with university priorities focused on student success, innovation, and workforce readiness. The Director will lead the school in establishing and achieving measurable goals that advance excellence in teaching, scholarly activity, community engagement, and student outcomes, while directing all academic and administrative operations, including preparation and defense of the annual budget, development of fee structures, and advancement of new academic programs and strategic initiatives that respond to emerging societal and workforce needs. The Director will serve as a leader in academic innovation, working collaboratively with faculty to ensure curricula remain current and aligned with accreditation standards and industry expectations, including those associated with the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, and will oversee accreditation, assessment, and continuous improvement processes. The role includes recruiting, supporting, and retaining a diverse and high-performing faculty and staff while fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, accountability, and professional growth. The Director will advance student success and engagement through experiential learning, internships, community-based learning, and career readiness initiatives aligned with Tennessee Tech’s strategic priorities. The position also requires expanding the School’s reach and impact through strategic partnerships with local, state, and national agencies, clinical organizations, industry partners, and professional associations, including facilitating contractual agreements that enhance student opportunities and program relevance. The Director will lead efforts to secure external funding, philanthropic support, and resource development, including grants and partnerships that strengthen academic programs and infrastructure, and will advocate effectively for the School’s priorities within the University and to external audiences. Additionally, the Director will promote interdisciplinary collaboration across colleges and units, support the development and expansion of innovative instructional