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Seattle University

Chair, Department of Kinesiology

Seattle University, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127

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Seattle University invites applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Kinesiology beginning July 1, 2026.

The position rank will be a 9‑month Associate or Full Professor (tenure‑track). This individual will be responsible for the active pursuit and participation in activities related to teaching, scholarly activity, and service and institution building. More specifically, the individual will provide academic, administrative, and strategic leadership to advance the department's teaching, research, and service mission.

The Department of Kinesiology offers both undergraduate and master's degrees and is nationally recognized for excellence in human movement sciences, with signature strengths such as neuromechanics, biomechanics, and performance data science. The department is housed within the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, positioned as a major emphasis area of Seattle University aligned with the institution's Reigniting Strategic Directions.

Seattle University College of Nursing and Health Sciences seeks teacher–scholars motivated to be part of a community‑engaged, creative and dynamic learning organization committed to social justice, teaching innovation, impactful research, and the formation of health professionals endeavoring to create a more humane world by meeting the health and healthcare needs of all people, especially those marginalized and underserved. We are building a team that is inspired and committed to make a difference for the greater good of society, as Seattle University aspires to be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world.

Seattle University, as a whole, continues to strengthen an increasingly diverse campus community spanning faculty, staff, and students. The LIFT SU Inclusive Excellence Action Plan for Racial Equity and Antiracism, led by Seattle University Office of Diversity and Inclusion, fosters meaningful change to assure that people from underrepresented and historically marginalized groups feel a true sense of belonging and value. Intersectional identities and faiths are celebrated.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership for departmental planning and implementation of operations and priorities, in alignment with College and University directions, to advance academic excellence, research productivity, internal and external partnerships, and innovative initiatives that contribute to institutional impact and visibility.

Assure maintenance and delivery of quality academic programs, including facilitating currency and consistency of curriculum to meet institutional, accreditation, and regulatory standards and policies.

Manage student recruitment, engagement, wellness, conduct, retention, progress, and success to provide a quality student experience.

Carry out, in collaboration with other College and University operational units, institutional processes, procedures, and practices related to student affairs and success—including outreach and admissions; retention, progression, and completion; health and wellness—to enrich the inclusive student experience.

Lead, in collaboration with the Dean, the management of human and fiscal resources for the department—including hiring, supervision, and professional development and advancement of faculty and staff; handling of financial budget; and utilization of facilities.

Engage, as a member of the faculty, in teaching, scholarly activity and professional development, and service and institution building, consistent with the University’s mission and strategic priorities.

Qualifications Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to Seattle University’s and the College of Nursing and Health Sciences' mission, vision, and values. The College emphasizes care of communities and populations that are underserved and marginalized. Dedicated to social justice and leadership formation, our faculty employ best practices and innovative approaches to graduating high‑quality health professionals. A track record of holding and successfully carrying out formal leadership roles in higher education is highly desired. Experience in personnel management and development as well as professional mentorship is expected.

Minimum Qualifications

An earned doctorate (PhD or equivalent) in Kinesiology or a closely related discipline.

A record of scholarly achievement and teaching excellence commensurate with appointment as a tenured Associate or Full Professor.

Demonstrated leadership in higher education (e.g., program coordination, academic administration, or equivalent).

Evidence of a sustained program of research with peer‑reviewed publications.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusion.

Strong organizational skills.

Workplace collegiality.

Preferred Qualifications

Research expertise in neuromechanics, biomechanics, or data/performance science; skill acquisition and motor learning; exercise/sport psychology.

Experience mentoring faculty, graduate students, and early‑career scholars.

Success in securing and managing external funding.

Background or collaborations in applied human performance, data acquisition, and data analysis.

Application Instructions

Applications must be submitted through the Careers at SU website: https://www.seattleu.edu/careers/. Review will begin March 15, 2025. Positions open until filled.

Complete submission includes a cover letter of interest speaking to:

Why you are interested in the role and a description of relatable prior roles and accomplishments, explaining why you would be an ideal candidate.

Vision for contributing to the Seattle University mission and commitment to faculty success and inclusive excellence.

Leadership style and approach in context of the role.

Teaching philosophy.

Research/scholarship record and plans.

Explanation of how you understand, embody, and would contribute to the following commitments (at least one paragraph for each prompt):

Our 5‑year Strategic Plan.

Reigniting our Strategic Directions.

Our Mission as a Jesuit and Catholic university.

Our commitment to DEI and Inclusive Academic Excellence.

Our focus on pedagogy, scholarship, service and institution‑building.

Faculty members’ role as teacher‑scholars.

Up‑to‑date curriculum vitae or resume.

Names and contact information of three references (letters may be solicited upon submission of application).

Compensation At a Glance

Salary Range: $81,000 – $84,000.

Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to the total compensation package.

Benefits at a Glance Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Medical, dental, and vision insurance programs; life and disability coverage; up to 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits; 100% paid tuition benefits for employees and dependents; subsidized transportation; wellness program with free access to onsite fitness facility; holiday schedule, paid holiday break closure in December, and paid sick leave. For more information, explore the Benefits website at https://www.seattleu.edu/hr/benefits/.

To apply, please visit: https://seattleu.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/8/home/requisition/3004?c=seattleu.

Seniority Level

Director

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Business Development and Sales

Higher Education

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