Description

Posting Details

Posting Number

F2768P

Working Title

Department Head of Human Development and Family Science

Department

UHR-HR Search Services

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 20 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

As one of the top public universities in the nation, UGA offers a culture of academic excellence and opportunity made all the richer by our renowned faculty, community of scholar-citizens, and vibrant student life program.

About the College/Unit/Department

The College of Family and Consumer Sciences ( FACS ) is committed to student success, rigorous scholarly research, and effective outreach based on science to improve people's lives. FACS develops leaders who focus on the science and art of helping individuals live well in a complex society. In the more than 100 years since its founding, the College has grown and now comprises four departments, the Ralston Institute for Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, several research labs and centers (including the Georgia Center for Developmental Science). Established collaborative associations with campus resources offer excellent research development opportunities. Campus research partners include the Owens Institute for Behavioral Research, the Institute of Gerontology, the Bioimaging Research Center, the Integrated Life Sciences program, the Georgia Clinical and Translational Science Alliance, and the Biomedical and Health Sciences Institute. Additional information about FACS may be found at: https://www.fcs.uga.edu/.

The Department of Human Development and Family Science ( HDFS ) provides leadership in the field via cutting edge research, pedagogy, and service. Faculty currently lead federally funded research and service projects with cumulative budgets exceeding $3.4M per year. The national impact of faculty research and service activities are complemented by a focus on excellence in instruction at the graduate and undergraduate levels as evidenced by instructional and clinical faculty recognized across the university for their applied and pedagogical contributions. Currently, HDFS has 26 faculty members, 35 graduate students, and 425 undergraduate majors working in a collegial and nurturing environment. The doctoral and master's degrees include an accredited doctoral program in Couple and Family Therapy, a new Master's degree program in Couple and Family Therapy, and an endorsed Master's degree program designed to prepare students to be Child Life Specialists. Minors in Behavioral Health, HDFS , and graduate certificate in Quantitative Methods in Family and Social Science and in Relational Therapy Practice are offered through the department. Faculty with Extension and Outreach appointments combine their scholarly work with delivery of evidence-based educational programs. Additional information about the department may be found at: https://www.fcs.uga.edu/hdfs/.

College/Unit/Department website

https://www.fcs.uga.edu/hdfs/

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with Experience

Anticipated Start Date

07/01/2027

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

08/05/2026

Job Closing Date

Open until filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications: Applicant screening will begin immediately. Candidates are encouraged to submit their materials by Thursday, September 24, 2026; however, screening will continue until the position is filled. The application packet should include a cover letter detailing how the applicant's credentials and experience meet the needs, responsibilities, and qualifications stated above; a current resume; and contact information for three references (who will not be contacted without further correspondence with the applicant).

To provide a nomination or seek additional information, please contact Zane Dockweiler, Primary Consultant with the UGA Search Group, 678-490-5660 or zane.dockweiler@uga.edu. Letters of recommendation or a simple nomination should include the name and contact information for the nominee.

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Department Chair/Head AC

FLSA

Faculty Rank

Open Rank

Contract Type

Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status

Tenured

Minimum Qualifications

All candidates must have an earned doctorate in Human Development and Family Science, Psychology, or a related area.

Position Summary

The College of Family and Consumer Sciences ( FACS ) at the University of Georgia ( UGA ) is seeking applications for the Department Head of Human Development and Family Science ( HDFS ).

The Department Head will inspire an expansive vision for the future and effectively interact with constituencies associated with academia, government, industry, and alumni, as well as faculty, staff, and students. Central to the department head's leadership is the promotion of policies and everyday practices that address the needs of communities. This position requires strong leadership capabilities and the ability to foster success in research, service, and development funding. It is expected that the successful candidate will lead the faculty and its programs to a higher level of excellence.

The Department Head reports directly to the Dean of the College of Family and Consumer Sciences with annual reviews and third year administrative reviews informed by the faculty of the unit. The Department Head is a member of a College leadership team committed to the integration of the missions of research, instruction, and extension and outreach in a research land-grant institution.

The position is a nine-month academic year appointment with administrative and summer month salary supplement while serving as Department Head. Time allocation is 60-70% administration,30-40% research or teaching, and 5% service, to be determined based on the interests and strengths of the candidate and fit with the needs of the unit at the time of hire.

Additional Requirements

• Internal candidates must be a full professor with tenure by the effective date of the appointment.
• External candidates must be:
  • a full professor or associate professor with at least five years of experience to qualify for appointment at the rank of full professor, and
  • eligible for tenure upon appointment at the time of hire. To be eligible for tenure upon appointment, candidates must have been tenured at a prior institution and bring a demonstrably national reputation to UGA .

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

• Outstanding scholarly achievements and research productivity as well as a record of submitting and obtaining federally-funded grants.
• Involvement in pivotal networks in the discipline.
• A proven record of scholarly achievement, clear and convincing evidence of leadership and administrative effectiveness, and a commitment to excellence in research, undergraduate and graduate education, and public service.
• A demonstrated track record of supporting student-centered development as it relates to student retention, persistence, graduation, and job placement.
• Demonstrated leadership at a management level including program development and leadership of accredited programs.
• Evidence of a national and/or international reputation in a substantive area of the discipline.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Demonstrated administrative and organizational skills, as evidenced by successful performance in: personnel management; budget and fiscal management; program planning, management, oversight and evaluation; and resource procurement including grants and contracts.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, communication, and managerial skills.

Physical Demands

Is this a Position of Trust?

No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

Yes

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

• Provide outstanding leadership and administrative oversight, understand complex finance and budgetary matters, handle sensitive personnel matters, and provide effective and responsible management of resources;
• Recruit, mentor, and advance faculty and staff through the steps of appointment, reappointment, promotion and tenure, and support recognition appropriate to position and rank, thereby building a high quality and cohesive faculty;
• Serve as a strong advocate for the Department, actively engaging faculty, alumni, and donors; provide intentional and active leadership to initiatives and work collaboratively with external relations to maximize the visibility and the reputation of the unit;
• Support the department's clinical training programs, including the CFT doctoral and master's programs and the Child Life master's program, by partnering with program directors to ensure these programs have the resources, infrastructure, and administrative support needed to meet accreditation standards and advance clinical education.
• Report annually to the Dean on the research, teaching, and public service programs of the unit including assessments of the performance of faculty members in the department;
• Build relationships with disciplinary professionals, agencies, and associations in the state, region, and nation;
• Communicate and work effectively and collegially with individuals on and off campus;
• Build on existing strengths in the College and UGA including the Child Development Lab and the Love and Money Center (https://www.fcs.uga.edu/loveandmoneycenter/) as well as entrepreneurship, data literacy, and communications initiatives.
• Provide support and leadership to departmental programs including the CFT specialization, Child Life specialization, and Extension services.
• Foster innovation and entrepreneurship while building consensus for new initiatives and ideas;
• Maintain a student-centered environment and seek to improve student success measures including retention, persistence, graduation, and job placement
• Appreciate and respect the various disciplines and missions of the College.

Percentage Of Time

100

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume/CV
3. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents

1. Other Documents #1