Faculty Chair & Program Director of Public Health

Job Description

Job Description

See bottom of position description for application instructions.

Position Summary
Bluefield University invites applications for a full-time Faculty Chair and Program Director of Public Health. The successful candidate will provide visionary leadership for the University's Public Health programs, including the Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH), Master of Public Health (MPH), and future doctoral-level public health programs. The Faculty Chair and Program Director will be responsible for academic leadership, curriculum development, faculty mentorship, assessment, accreditation preparation, student recruitment and retention, and strategic program growth. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate public health courses, advise and mentor students, engage in scholarship and service, and collaborate with faculty, staff, community partners, and external stakeholders to advance the mission of Bluefield University.

Essent ial Duties and Responsibilities

Teaching and Student Success

• Prepare and deliver engaging instruction in undergraduate and graduate public health courses.

• Develop and maintain course materials that reflect current public health practice, research, and workforce needs.

• Utilize the University's learning management system effectively for course delivery and student engagement.

• Assess student learning outcomes and implement improvements to enhance student success.

• Advise and mentor students regarding academic progression, internships, graduate education, and career opportunities.

• Maintain regular office hours and provide timely communication and support to students.

• Participate in student recruitment, retention, and graduation initiatives.

• Foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment for students from diverse backgrounds.

Scholarship and Professional Engagement

• Maintain active engagement in the field of public health through scholarship, research, professional service, and continuing education.

• Participate in professional organizations and public health initiatives.

• Pursue opportunities for grants, partnerships, and community-based projects that support program growth and student learning.

• Represent Bluefield University at professional conferences, meetings, and community events.

University Service

• Serve on university committees and participate in faculty governance.

• Support institutional accreditation, assessment, and strategic planning efforts.

• Participate in commencement, faculty meetings, student events, and other university activities.

• Uphold and support the mission and values of Bluefield University.

Chair/Director Essential Duties, Responsibilities, And Functions

Academic Leadership

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for all public health academic programs.

• Develop and implement short-term and long-term program goals aligned with the University's strategic plan.

• Lead curriculum development, review, and revision for undergraduate, graduate, and future doctoral programs.

• Ensure academic quality and rigor consistent with regional accreditation standards and public health best practices.

• Coordinate course scheduling, faculty assignments, and program operations.

Program Development and Growth

• Lead the launch, development, and expansion of the BSPH and MPH programs.

• Develop plans for future doctoral-level public health offerings.

• Identify emerging trends and workforce needs to inform program growth and innovation.

• Establish partnerships with healthcare organizations, public health agencies, nonprofits, schools, and governmental entities.

• Develop internship, practicum, field experience, and community engagement opportunities for students.

Accreditation and Assessment

• Lead assessment efforts and continuous improvement processes for all public health programs.

• Prepare and maintain documentation required for institutional and specialized accreditation.

• Develop and monitor student learning outcomes and program effectiveness measures.

• Ensure compliance with state, federal, and accrediting agency requirements.

Faculty Leadership

• Recruit, mentor, and evaluate full-time and adjunct faculty.

• Promote faculty development and scholarly engagement.

• Foster a collaborative culture focused on excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.

• Support faculty in assessment, advising, and student success initiatives.

Enrollment and Community Engagement

• Collaborate with admissions, marketing, and enrollment management teams to recruit students.

• Participate in recruitment events, open houses, community presentations, and outreach activities.

• Build relationships with public health organizations and community partners.

• Serve as an ambassador for the Public Health programs and Bluefield University.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Earned doctoral degree (with Public Health emphasis, or closely related field) from a regionally accredited institution.

• Academic preparation and professional experience in public health or a closely related discipline.

• Minimum of three years of teaching experience in higher education.

• Demonstrated leadership experience in academic, healthcare, governmental, nonprofit, or public health settings.

• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

• Commitment to student success and the mission of Bluefield University.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience launching or leading public health academic programs.

• Experience with CEPH accreditation standards and processes.

• Experience teaching in both undergraduate and graduate public health programs.

• Record of scholarship, grant writing, or funded research.

• Experience developing community partnerships and experiential learning opportunities.

• Administrative experience as a department chair, program director, or similar academic leadership role.

• Experience with online and hybrid education delivery models.

Performance Standards

• Subject to at least annual evaluations, ensuring accountability and alignment with job functions.

Application Instructions

Please complete the electronic employment application and upload:

• Letter of interest
• Resume
• 3 References
• Teaching Philosophy
• Personal statement of Christian faith.

Additional information about Bluefield University is available at To be considered for this position, all application requirements listed above must be completed.

Bluefield University is a Christ-centered learning community developing servant leaders to transform the world. We are looking to hire employees who will embrace this mission.

Bluefield University is a private, not-for-profit institution affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia. Bluefield University shall not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other basis on which the University is prohibited from discrimination under local, state, or federal law, in its employment or in the provision of its services, including but not limited to its programs and activities, admissions, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other University-administered programs. This institution encourages women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply.