Program Chair – Equine Studies

Post University is currently accepting applications for a Program Chair – Equine Studies to join our team.

WHY POST?

Post University has an immediate opening for an exceptional Program Chair – Equine Studies. Post University is a legendary, dynamic, growth-oriented organization of passionate, diverse professionals united in pursuit of life-changing service to countless students. Our “Make It Personal” mission is the driving tenet that shapes all aspects of how we treat students and each other. Post University’s success story is well positioned to be second to none. As our amazing story unfolds, the Program Chair – Equine Studies will help build and sustain a distinct, transformative culture that achieves Post’s imagined future priorities.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Program Chair (PC) of Equine Studies is a full-time faculty member who serves as the administrator for the B.S. Equine Studies degree program, Equine Veterinary Assistant Certificate, Equine Studies minor, and additional enrichment activities related to the field. This position’s key functions are supporting program rigor, academic excellence, and student success through curriculum design, course quality, assessment of student learning outcomes, and teaching. Program Chairs are accountable for program student retention and demonstrating the University’s core values of CARE (Connect, Assess, Resolve, Excite). The PC will collaborate with Instructional Design to ensure that courses are properly designed, contain current and engaging content, and are properly released each term. This position reports to the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and collaborates with other faculty and associates across the institution.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Management:

• Manage all processes in the degree program.
• Manage the Associate Faculty pool including but not limited to hiring, mentoring, monitoring, evaluating, and disciplining to ensure quality delivery of all courses.
• In collaboration with the Dean and Assistant Dean, prepares reports required by State and Federal government and regulatory agencies.
• In consultation with the Dean and Assistant Dean, supplies the supporting offices with necessary information vital for the program’s maintenance and development such as marketing, admissions, financial aid, and the office of student information and records.
• Maintains general knowledge of degree requirements, program, and course transfer information.
• Works collaboratively with Main Campus Advising and online Student Success Advisors (SSAs) to advise and provide support and mentoring to students to ensure personal goals and academic requirements are met.
• Continuously searches for new and innovative ways to improve the quality of equine studies academic offerings.
• Provides financial oversight and reviews budgets specifically related to the B.S. Equine Studies degree program and relevant course offerings.
• Contribute to School, Academic Affairs, and University strategic initiatives as a member of a collaborative community
• Participates in University governance and serves on at least two university committees or as otherwise determined by the Dean in the School of Arts & Sciences
• Assists with addressing and resolving grade appeals, grievances, or other administrative matters as warranted.
• Collaborate regularly with admissions, advising, the registrar, and student affairs departments in support of an outstanding student experience.
• Support program marketing and public relations efforts, including annual presence at Equine Affaire as appropriate to the needs of the program.
• Engage in scholarly activity to promote a culture of inquiry, to strengthen the reputation of the program, and to contribute to the equine community.
• Participate in School and University events, including in-person events as needed (e.g commencement).

Assessment and Curriculum Development:

• Develops curricula in consultation with the Dean and Assistant Dean to achieve the mission, goals, and expected program outcomes.
• Reviews and assesses student learning outcomes for continuous improvement of the program.
• Ensures curricula are developed, implemented, and revised to reflect relevant professional standards.
• Updates and revises course content and teaching methodology to ensure currency and relevance.
• Actively seeks ways to improve instruction and content quality.
• Maintains familiarity with current texts, electronic course materials, teaching aids, and techniques relative to courses and recommends their adoption when appropriate.

Organizes semi-annual advisory board meetings to provides program updates and receive feedback on the program and preparing students from the equine industry.

Teaching:

• The Program Chair will be expected to teach 6-8 courses within a calendar year. However, the teaching load may vary based on the level of activity in other areas of responsibility, and the Dean may approve a different teaching load at the recommendation of the Assistant Dean.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Other duties as assigned by the Dean in the School of Arts & Sciences or the Office of Academic Affairs.

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS (As referenced on The Post Way of Life – Associates’ Daily Commitments)

We expect our associates to CARE (Connect–Assess–Resolve–Excite) in every stakeholder interaction. CARE is a framework to guide our every decision and action. CARE also resonates with our diverse associate & student populations – as humans, we know what it means to CARE.

We CONNECT. We believe relationships matter. Not only do we believe relationships matter, we know there is a direct correlation between the quality of our relationships and our outcomes. We invest in our relationships with colleagues, students, and ourselves – we make time to tend to our mental, physical, financial, and professional health.

We ASSESS. We take the time to understand why something happened entirely; we remove assumptions and eliminate confusion or ambiguity by asking questions and creating context, certainty, clarity, and mutual understanding. We collaborate with others throughout the university by understanding their strengths and value to the tribe. When we encounter conflict, we first seek to understand and be understood – and always with respect.

We RESOLVE. We generate the trust of our colleagues, students, regulatory bodies, and our more significant communities by doing the right thing all the time—even when nobody is looking. We honor our promises by following up and following through. We help others learn and grow by sharing information and feedback.

We EXCITE. “Making It Personal” is the experience we promise students and associate with every interaction. Excite is the heart of our experience. We find ways to be resourceful and helpful to Wow, Amaze and Delight others. We embrace change, take risks and innovate. We celebrate successes and recognize the accomplishments of others.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and performance required. Reasonable accommodations may enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Master’s degree or terminal degree (preferred) in equine studies or a related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of substantial and diverse experience in the equine industry
• Minimum of 5 years of teaching experience at the college/university level beyond the teaching assistant level.
• Desire and ability to grow a program of study with an innovative curriculum.
• Must be adept in the use and applications of instructional technology; experience teaching online.
• Passion for education and genuine interest in leading others and having the ability to deploy resources efficiently and effectively.
• Creative and interested in providing an outstanding, equitable, and inclusive learning experience for students; a clear student-focused approach.
• Experience using assessments to improve teaching or programs is a plus.
• Ability to perform scholarly activities appropriate for a teaching institution.
• Ability to accept and render constructive criticism in a professional manner.
• Ability to work both independently with little supervision and collaboratively in teams required.
• Must be a team-focused leader with a positive attitude.
• Ability to shape the future of a regionally accredited career-focused educational institution.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are required.
• Desire to contribute to shaping the future of a regionally accredited career-focused institution of higher education

As a member of our Post University team, the individual will share in a 134-year tradition of helping people achieve their personal and professional goals. Located in Waterbury, Connecticut, Post University has a vibrant campus and an excellent online program. The University offers a competitive salary and benefits package that includes medical, dental, 401(k) and tuition benefits.

Interested candidates should forward cover letter, resume, and three references to Post University Associate Experience.

Disclaimer: This opportunity may be withdrawn and/or amended.

Post University is an equal opportunity employer.

At Post, we embrace differences. We thrive on diversity. We believe our distinctions make us better educators, leaders, and simply better in every way possible. We gladly comply with all applicable laws. We do not discriminate because of sex, sexual orientation, age, race, color, religious creed, marital status, national origin, ancestry, disability, handicap or other legally protected status.

Post University's team members come from various backgrounds, experiences, and expertise. Each perspective helps us collectively evaluate situations from every angle for the best decision-making process available. This is the heart of our culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration.