Logo
New River Community College

Department Head, Tenured Professor Department of Disability and Human Developmen

New River Community College, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290

Save Job

Overview

Head of the Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) within the College of Applied Health Sciences. The Head will promote the department, college, and university values and lead on the Chicago campus with a preferred start date of June 16, 2026 (negotiable). About the Department

The Department of Disability and Human Development is a leader in disability research, scholarship, and education. It emphasizes interdisciplinary and interprofessional collaboration across health and human service professions, the social sciences, the arts and humanities, and offers individualized mentorship and resources to students. The department values individual differences, self-determination, and social justice as foundational to training, public service, and research. We are internationally recognized for interdisciplinary study of disability, with scholarship and community-engaged service spanning advocacy, culture, education, history, policy, technology, and health across the lifespan. The department offers a comprehensive range of programs including an undergraduate Minor in Disability Inclusion, an undergraduate Major in Disability and Human Development, a Master of Science in Disability Access and Inclusion, an accredited Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Assistive Technology, and a PhD in Disability Studies, integrating research with community engagement and universal design. Research and Clinical Services

The department hosts a robust portfolio of nationally funded centers and programs, including the Assistive Technology Unit (ATU), the Great Lakes ADA Center, Illinois Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (IL LEND), the Institute on Disability and Human Development (IDHD), the Program on Disability Arts, Culture, and the Humanities (PDACH), and the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service (UCEDD). The department also provides clinical services through a multidisciplinary clinic offering occupational, physical, speech, and mental health therapies for individuals with developmental disabilities across the lifespan, including autism. About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is a large urban public research university located in Chicago, with 16 colleges and about 34,000 students. The university is a major producer of health professionals and a major healthcare provider to Chicago communities. UIC is recognized for significant research funding and is connected to downtown Chicago with strong ties to local communities and a broad range of disciplines. UIC has a history of disability activism and close ties to independent living centers and community organizations. The campus is integrated into Chicago’s urban environment and surrounding neighborhoods. The Position

The Department Head serves as the executive officer, setting the department’s vision and guiding research, education, and service to realize its mission. Responsibilities include: Provide leadership through strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of all departmental programs to increase capacity and effectiveness. Oversee fiscal and academic administration in collaboration with program directors and clinical managers. Support the professional growth of faculty, staff, and students within the department. Facilitate communication and implementation of university and department policies and procedures. Represent faculty, staff, and student needs to college and campus administration. The Head is expected to maintain an independent program of research, identify funding opportunities, lead collaborative teams in grant development, and engage in published scholarship. The role emphasizes teaching, curriculum development, inclusive excellence, and universal design as core values. Qualifications

Required: Earned doctorate (PhD or equivalent) National and international reputation for scholarly contributions Engagement in disability-related research, education, policy, and/or practice Scholarly record sufficient for appointment as a full Professor with tenure Record of external and/or internal grants where appropriate Strong record of refereed publications Administrative or leadership experience including financial and personnel management Experience mentoring faculty, graduate students, and staff Excellence in teaching, course, or curriculum Substantive professional service at local, state, national, and/or international levels Preferred: Experience as a faculty member in an academic department Experience in interdisciplinary/interprofessional environments Knowledge of disability studies as an academic discipline Ability to work with graduate and undergraduate program directors Strong communication skills Ability to adapt to evolving institutional and departmental systems This is a full-time, tenured position with a 9-month appointment and a summer stipend, comprising teaching, research, and service during the academic year. Salary and benefits:

The salary range is $175,000 to $225,000 and is negotiable based on qualifications and experience. This position is eligible for benefits, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Application:

Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names of three professional references. Applications received by January 5, 2026, will receive fullest consideration. For questions, contact the Search Committee Chair, Renee Taylor, at the provided email address. UIC is an EOE including Disability/Vets. Offers of employment may be subject to pre-employment background checks and other assessments, as applicable. The University requires disclosure of any documented findings of sexual misconduct or harassment and may involve inquiries to current or former employers. More information is available through the university HR site.

#J-18808-Ljbffr