Chairperson, Educational Leadership

Position Overview:

Southern University invites applications for the position of Chairperson in the Department of Educational Leadership, overseeing its fully online program. This 12-month administrative role requires a visionary leader with expertise in educational leadership, data-driven decision making, accreditation (CAEP), student advisement, SLLA preparation, and leadership field experience. The Chairperson will provide strategic direction, manage daily operations, and ensure program excellence while fostering innovation, inclusively, and student success. The ideal candidate will ensure the program aligns with the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL) to develop competent and ethical school leaders. 

Job Description:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive vision for the online program aligned with the university’s mission and PSEL leadership competencies.
• Foster academic excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement in curriculum, teaching, and research.
• Ensure that the program remains competitive, relevant, and aligned with the evolving needs of educational leadership professionals.
• Promote the effective use of technology to enhance online teaching, learning experiences, and student engagement.
• Utilize learning management systems (LMS), digital tools, and data analytics to track student performance and improve retention.
• Apply data-driven decision-making to assess program effectiveness and implement necessary enhancements.
• Lead Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accreditation efforts, ensuring program compliance with national and state standards.
• Oversee programmatic assessments, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives related to accreditation requirements.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of education policies, accountability measures, and accreditation compliance procedures.
• Develop and implement strategic recruitment plans to attract a diverse and high-quality student body.
• Establish effective student advisement models, ensuring students receive academic and professional guidance to increase retention and graduation rates.
• Partner with school districts, educational organizations, and stakeholders to strengthen enrollment pipelines.
• Ensure program alignment with SLLA exam requirement, preparing graduates for licensure and professional success.
• Integrate real-world leadership experiences into the online curriculum through case studies, simulations, and field-based learning.
• Strengthen partnerships with K-12 schools, educational agencies, and leadership organizations to enhance practical training opportunities.
• Oversee daily department operations, including budgeting, staffing, and faculty development.
• Lead faculty mentorship and professional development initiatives to ensure high-quality online instruction.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, promoting faculty and staff engagement.
• Implement student-centered policies to enhance engagement, retention, and career preparedness.
• Actively address student feedback, ensuring a supportive and enriching online learning experience.
• Represent the department in community partnerships, university events, and professional organizations to elevate the program’s impact.

Qualifications:

• Earned doctorate in Educational Leadership, Educational Administration, or a closely related field
• Proven leadership experience in an academic or educational setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in online education, including LMS platforms and instructional technologies.
• Strong knowledge of data analysis, student outcomes assessment, and program evaluation.
• Experience with CAEP accreditation processes and leading accreditation reviews.
• Knowledge of SLLA exam requirements and experience in preparing students for certification.
• Commitment to PSEL-aligned leadership practices, diversity, equity, and inclusion in educational leadership
• Experience in recruiting and retaining students in an online program
• Expertise in curriculum development, program assessment, and online learning innovations
• Record of scholarly activity, including publications, grants, and external funding.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage faculty, students, and stakeholders.

 How to Apply:

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter addressing qualification, leadership philosophy, and experience with technology, data analysis, CAEP accreditation, SLLA preparation, and student advertisement. A current curriculum vitae. Contact information for three professional references. Also, complete a Southern University employment Application. External applicants can apply here. Current Southern University employees should apply here.