Associate Professor or Professor and Head

Position Function:

The Department of Organizational Leadership and Professional Studies in the College of Professional and Continuing Studies (CPCS) at Mississippi State University invites applications for a twelve-month, tenure-track appointment as Associate or Full Professor and Head. As a newly established department, it is dedicated to serving adult, transfer, and working learners through flexible, career-relevant degree pathways. The department houses the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Organizational Leadership, BAS in Public Management, BAS in Business Office Technology, BAS in Professional Studies, Bachelor in University Studies, Master of Applied Science in Organizational Leadership and Graduate Certificates in Applied Leadership, Engage VR Creator and Veteran Services.

We seek a dynamic, student-centered leader with a strong teaching record and academic leadership experience to build the department. Initially, the appointment is weighted at 75% teaching and 25% administration. As enrollment, faculty, and programs grow, the balance will shift toward administration, with the teaching assignment reduced accordingly.

Salary Grade: UC

For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Anticipated Appointment Date:

May 16, 2027

Tenure Track Status:

Tenured

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Head reports to the Dean of CPCS. The initial assignment is 75% teaching and 25% administration, with administrative effort increasing as the department grows.

Teaching (initially 75%)

1. Teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in organizational leadership and professional studies, primarily in online and hybrid formats
2. Designs and revises courses that apply adult learning principles and connect coursework to workplace practice
3. Advises and mentors students, including adult, transfer, military-affiliated, and degree-completion learners
4. Engages in scholarship, professional development, and service appropriate to rank

Administration (initially 25%, increasing over time)

5. Provides vision and leadership for the department's academic programs and growth
6. Works with the Dean and Associate Dean of CPCS and university administration to set goals for the department and college and to advance the university's missions of teaching, research, and service
7. Leads planning, review, and updating of curriculum, academic programs, and course content, including new program proposals and assessment
8. Recruits faculty, staff, and students, and builds pathways with community colleges, employers, and military partners
9. Provides leadership and mentoring to faculty, staff, and students
10. Manages personnel responsibilities, including performance evaluation, workload management, and promotion and tenure processes
11. Prepares and oversees the departmental budget
12. Develops partnerships with industry, workforce, and community stakeholders that expand enrollment and student opportunity

Minimum Qualifications:

Earned doctorate (PhD or EdD) in Organizational Leadership, Strategic Leadership, Leadership Studies, Adult and Higher Education, Human Resource Development, Management, or a closely related field.

This is a tenure-track position in the College of Professional and Continuing Studies. Must qualify for the rank of Associate or Full Professor, and as such, must have a distinguished record of accomplishments in teaching, scholarship, and service.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Demonstrated academic leadership experience, such as program coordinator, director, or chair
2. Record of effective teaching in online and f2f formats, including course design
3. Experience serving adult, transfer, or nontraditional learners, including degree-completion programs
4. Experience with new program development, curriculum approval, assessment, and accreditation (SACSCOC)
5. Familiarity with credit for prior learning, competency-based education, or workforce-aligned credentials
6. Proven ability to build partnerships with community colleges, employers, and community stakeholders

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of higher education program development, adult learning, and online instruction. Strong communication, collaboration, and budget management skills.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Typical office environment

Instructions for Applying:

All applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach a cover letter, a statement of teaching and leadership philosophy, a current curriculum vitae, and complete contact information for at least three professional references.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.