Director/Professor of Human Ecology

Tennessee Tech University; Cookeville (TN); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Life insurance

Retirement / 401k

Educational benefits

Sick leave

Job summary

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 twelve-month, tenured leadership position with responsibilities to advance the School's mission and impact regionally and nationally.

The Director will provide visionary, entrepreneurial leadership, drive strategic planning, grow programs, secure partnerships and funding, and foster excellence in teaching, scholarship, and

Qualifications

• Earned doctoral degree in family and consumer sciences, human ecology, nutrition and dietetics, human development and family science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of six years of full-time teaching experience in an accredited program in human ecology or family and consumer sciences.
• Must meet tenure requirements and appointment at Associate Professor or higher.
• Strong record of teaching, scholarship, and service with leadership potential.
• Prior administrative leadership experience including strategic planning and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Provide transformative leadership for the School of Human Ecology aligned with university priorities.
• Lead long-range strategic planning, program growth, and external partnerships.
• Oversee annual budget development and resource management; manage new programs.
• Ensure accreditation, assessment, and continuous improvement processes.
• Champion student success, experiential learning, and workforce readiness; promote collaboration across units.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budgeting

Curriculum development

Accreditation

Collaboration

Education

Doctoral degree in related field

Tenure eligibility at Associate Professor or higher

Job description

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 leadership 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. A 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 modalities such as online and hybrid graduate programs, and contribute to teaching within undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as advising student organizations as appropriate. The Director will represent the school in university governance, professional organizations, and community engagement activities to enhance its visibility and reputation and will perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands:

Those typical of any classroom-type environment or office environment.

Special Instructions:

All applicants will be required to electronically upload a (1) cover letter, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) administrative philosophy and vision for the School of Human Ecology, (4) teaching philosophy, (5) copies of transcripts (official transcripts for all degrees conferred required upon hire), and (6) email contact information for three professional references who will be contacted to provide a reference letter if the candidate is selected for interview. Initial review of applications will begin November 16, 2026; position open until filled. Submission of materials is the applicant’s responsibility. Applications without all required materials will be deemed incomplete and will not be considered.

Salary:

Commensurate with education and experience.

Benefits Information:

Tennessee Tech offers a competitive benefits package. Benefits include the accumulation of one (1) sick leave day per month and thirteen (13) University holidays. Other benefits include medical and life insurance (shared cost with the university), retirement, optional 401k, and educational benefits.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

An earned doctoral degree from an accredited institution in family and consumer sciences, human ecology, nutrition and dietetics, human development and family science, or a closely related field is required, with at least one degree in family and consumer sciences or human ecology. The successful candidate must meet the requirements for tenure and appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or higher in the School of Human Ecology. A minimum of six years of full-time teaching experience in an accredited program in human ecology or family and consumer sciences is required, with demonstrated experience in student success, curriculum development, academic program administration, accreditation processes, and program assessment. The candidate must also have a strong record of effective teaching, scholarship, and service, with evidence of excellent interpersonal and communication skills, professional integrity, and the ability to lead and collaborate effectively within an academic environment. Prior administrative leadership experience is required, including demonstrated success in strategic planning, budgeting, faculty and staff evaluation, and program development.

Preferred Qualifications:

The candidate should have a record of effectively building external partnerships, securing funding, and advancing academic initiatives at scale. Evidence of leadership within professional organizations and the ability to enhance the visibility, reputation, and impact of an academic unit are highly desirable. In addition, experience with innovative and technology-enhanced instruction, including the development and delivery of online and hybrid academic programs, is preferred.