The Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders (SECD) is housed in the Barkley Memorial Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. SECD is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with special needs, their families, schools, and communities. The department has academic programs in audiology, special education, and speech and language pathology within the College of Education and Human Sciences. The Barkley Memorial Center is an exceptional facility with faculty who enjoy national and international reputations for research and teaching excellence. Several programs have high national rankings. Graduates are in great demand with almost 100% placement. There is more than the usual budgetary flexibility due to grant, foundation, and state support. The position includes administrative responsibilities as department chair and director of the Barkley Memorial Center as well as teaching, research/creative activity or outreach as professor, based on the successful applicant’s strengths and interests, and the needs of the department and the college. Application review date is December 2, 2019.  Anticipated start date is July 2020. For information on the College of Education and Human Sciences visit https://cehs.unl.edu/. For information on the department and the Barkley Memorial Center visit https://cehs.unl.edu/secd/.

Responsibilities

1) Leadership and Administration:
a. Provide leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the department’s three programs;
b. Support research, teaching, outreach, public service, international programs, diversity and inclusion;
c. Oversee the direction of the department’s clinics;
d. Foster an inclusive culture in which contributions to the team are appreciated and recognized, collaboration and innovation are encouraged, and the abilities of all are engaged to fully recognize the potential of the team;
e. Maintain compliance with university, state, and federal regulations including licensing, accreditation, and safety.

2) Vision:
a. Synthesize a vision for the department with input from faculty, staff and stakeholders that encompasses all programs, seeks and deploys personnel and financial resources strategically, and is continuously examined for relevancy and refreshed as needed;
b. Develop the future direction for the department and the Barkley Center with input from the department and Barkley Trust;
c. Provide support and leadership for the department’s vision for academic, research, and outreach programs;
d. Work with faculty and others in developing and implementing a comprehensive research agenda and plan for enrollment growth;
e. Work with faculty and others to enhance inclusive excellence.

3) Personnel and Resource Management:
a. Facilitate and recognize achievement among faculty, staff, and students;
b. Develop, retain, and attract a diverse faculty and staff within the department;
c. Coordinate workloads, supervise and evaluate faculty and staff;
d. Maintain a positive, productive environment;
e. Support professional development for faculty, staff, and students;
f. Manage financial and physical resources responsibly to maximize the effectiveness of these resources;
g. Develop and administer budgets for the department, clinics and Barkley Trust with appropriate input.

4) Communication and Collaboration:
a. Ensure opportunities are open to all, programs are inclusive of all constituencies and efforts are made to engage diverse audiences, especially those that are traditionally underrepresented;
b. Maintain a strong relationship with members of the Barkley Trust Board and NU Foundation;
c. Inform the dean, NU Foundation, and Barkley Trust board members about use of the Barkley Trust funds consistent with the intent of the donor;
d. Foster collaborative efforts within and across the department, college, community, and schools;
e. Serve as liaison between faculty and university administrators;
f. Maintain a positive working relationship with the special education and communication disorders program directors at other institutions in the state;
g. Facilitate linkages with external groups to strengthen ties with alumni; relevant professionals and organizations; private companies; industry, state and federal agencies; and citizens of Nebraska.

5) Teaching, Research, and Outreach:
a. Engage in academic activities based on applicant’s strengths, interests and needs of the department and college.