Talladega College invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor and Chair of Psychology. The Chair will serve as both an academic leader and a faculty member within the Department of Psychology, overseeing the development and delivery of a comprehensive and dynamic psychology curriculum, fostering student success, and leading the department in its strategic goals. The successful candidate will have a strong background in psychology with a commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service, and will be expected to provide vision and leadership for the department. Specific Qualifications: Education: Masters or Ph.D. in Psychology or a closely related field (ABD candidates will be considered, but completion of the Ph.D. is required). Experience: - A demonstrated record of teaching excellence at the undergraduate level. - A proven track record of research and scholarly activity. - Previous administrative experience or leadership in academic settings (e.g., as a department chair, program coordinator, or similar role) is preferred. Other Requirements: - Strong interpersonal and leadership skills. - Excellent communication abilities with students, faculty, and administrators. - A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Preferred Qualifications: - Administrative Experience: Previous experience in a leadership role within higher education, such as department chair, program director, or other relevant positions. - Research Focus: Strong record of research in a specialized area of psychology, with the ability to guide students and faculty in their scholarly endeavors. - Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Experience in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the department, including mentoring underrepresented students and faculty. - Experience with Curriculum Development: Expertise in developing and revising curricula to meet the needs of a diverse student body and align with institutional and accreditation standards. Job Responsibilities: The Assistant Professor and Chair of Psychology will have the following key responsibilities: 1. Department Leadership & Administration: - Lead the Department of Psychology by providing academic vision and direction for the department. - Foster a collaborative and supportive environment for faculty and students. - Oversee department operations, including budget management, course scheduling, and faculty assignments. - Ensure the department meets institutional goals and adheres to accreditation standards. 2. Teaching and Mentoring: - Teach undergraduate courses in psychology, including core courses and specialty areas, depending on expertise. - Mentor and advise students on academic and career development. - Supervise student research projects and internships. - Develop and update curriculum to reflect current trends and best practices in psychology education. 3. Research and Scholarly Activity: - Maintain an active research agenda in the field of psychology, with a focus on scholarly publications and conference presentations. - Support faculty research and promote collaborative research initiatives within the department. - Seek external funding opportunities for research projects and departmental initiatives. 4. Student Recruitment and Retention: - Lead efforts to recruit and retain high-quality students in the psychology program. - Work with admissions and marketing to promote the psychology department and increase student enrollment. - Develop and implement initiatives to improve student success and retention rates in the department. 5. Faculty Development and Mentorship: - Mentor junior faculty and foster professional development through support in research, teaching, and service. - Conduct regular faculty evaluations and provide constructive feedback to support faculty growth. - Lead department meetings and foster a positive, productive department culture. 6. Service and Outreach: - Represent the department in college-wide committees and meetings. - Participate in university governance and contribute to the institution's mission through service. - Build relationships with alumni, community organizations, and other academic institutions to enhance the department’s reputation and influence.