Chair, Department of Kinesiology

Position Description

Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences at Mary Baldwin University invites applications for the Chair, Department of Kinesiology beginning in the fall semester, 2025. (Flexible)

The department chair is responsible for the coordination and supervision of all academic and clinical aspects of the Kinesiology Department including oversight of Exercise Science, Health Sciences, and Physical Education.

Consistent with the mission and values of the institution, this position requires a commitment to a culture that promotes equity and inclusion. Therefore, applicants are expected to emphasize equity and inclusion in their interactions with students, staff, faculty, and community at large.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensuring all aspects within the department align with the mission, vision, and strategic plan for MBU, MDCHS, and the Kinesiology Department.
• Serve as the link between the department and the administration by advocating for the students and faculty to the administration and communicating administrative priorities to the faculty.
• Responsible for assuring compliance with University, college, and school policies and procedures. They will be responsible for implementing University directives. They will ensure that the educational program maximizes the available resources.
• Identify outcomes for the exercise science, health science, and physical education programs in collaboration with faculty that reflect the knowledge and skills necessary for the successful completion of the Programs aligned with industry recognized competencies and achievement of certification as applicable.
• Participate in department and program assessment to evaluate program quality and identify needed curriculum revisions. Work collaboratively with faculty to maintain a vibrant and innovative curriculum based on outcomes, assessment data, and accreditation standards as applicable.
• Recruit, select, and maintain high quality faculty across the disciplines in Kinesiology and according to program needs. Mentor and develop faculty for success across all areas of faculty responsibility.
• The chair holds an academic faculty appointment (9 month) and has administrative, academic, service, and scholarship responsibilities consistent with a faculty appointment. They will maintain a teaching and advising load as appropriate to the professional’s areas of content expertise and department needs.

Required Qualifications

• Doctoral degree required in Kinesiology or a related field.
• 5+ years’ experience in leading or managing education programs (curriculum and student programs) in a university-based health sciences college or equivalent experience; successful experience with innovative approaches to university-based education and research; understanding quality metrics in education.
• Must demonstrate experience in leading a team in developing, implementing, and evaluating strategies to achieve objectives; must be results-oriented; must have dedication to evidence-based decision-making and evaluation.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills and excellent written, verbal, and listening communication skills with ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide variety of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to build a team and delegate effectively.
• Ability to prioritize.
• Ability to represent the College in a variety of internal and external-facing events.
• Must have a commitment to efficiency, effectiveness, and excellence; 
• Commitment to the University and College Mission, Vision, and Values.           

Preferred Qualifications

Professional credential in Exercise Science or Health Sciences field, such as those sponsored by ACSM, NSCA, NCHEC, etc.

About Mary Baldwin University

Founded in 1842, Mary Baldwin University has a proud legacy of innovating to best serve our students as the world changes.

MBU is a small, coeducational university offering a range of degrees from bachelor to doctoral. We serve a diverse student population on our historic Staunton campus in the heart of downtown Staunton, Virginia, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences in nearby Fishersville, and online.

MBU offers unique opportunities for our students to become leaders in the classroom, community, workplace, and in their own lives.

About Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences

Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences (MDCHS) was opened in 2014, with the intention of addressing health care workforce needs and the complex health issues of the region. The college accomplishes this through clinically focused professional programs in Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Physician Assistants programs that concentrate on addressing regional health care needs. We believe that community health issues are best solved by professionals who value interprofessional collaboration and thrive in a culture that embraces inclusivity and equitable access to health care. Our vision is to be recognized as the primary regional partner to develop community-oriented interventions for the education of and provision of services to the public, thereby improving health and life outcomes.

Application Process

Mary Baldwin University is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff, and faculty. The university does not discriminate on the basis sex, gender, nor does the university discriminate on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, color, age, disability, religion, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.

All correspondence relating to the position of Chair, Department of Kinesiology should be directed, in confidence, to:

Tara Miller, Director of Operations for Murphy Deming at twmiller@marybaldwin.edu.

Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences 100 Baldwin Blvd., Fishersville VA 22939

A completed application should include the following:

1. Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position including a statement that reflects your commitment towards supporting a culture of Equity and Inclusion Excellence.
2. Updated CV;
3. Three (3) professional references with contact information, title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)

Applications received by July 1 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.