Chair, Rehabilitation Sciences

About the role

Job Description Summary: The position provides leadership and oversight of the entire department, including multiple programs, scholarly and research initiatives, and service activities. They are responsible for aligning departmental priorities with the broader goals of the College of Health Sciences and the University. The Chair sets long-term vision and strategic direction for the department, working with the Dean and other Chairs to advance the mission of the College. They oversee the programs, faculty, and staff of the programs within the department in a broad administrative and leadership role. The Chair represents the department at the College, University, and external levels, and serves as the primary spokesperson for departmental needs, initiatives, and faculty achievements. Duties and Responsibilities: Duties and Responsibilities: Financial Management: 10% Manages the departmental budget by allocating resources across programs, overseeing facilities, and coordinating efficient scheduling of courses and faculty workloads. Tracks financial performance against budget allocations, addressing variances as they arise while balancing departmental needs with institutional priorities. Leads external relations and partnership development to strengthen the department. Oversees equipment maintenance, negotiates faculty and staff salaries, and secures funding for work-study student positions. Planning: 20% Ensures all programs in the department maintain academic integrity, coherence, and compliance with institutional and accrediting standards. Ensures overall department curriculum aligns with College/University goals. Guides curriculum development across programs and fosters interprofessional/interdisciplinary collaboration. Provides leadership in fostering department vision, philosophy and mission consistent with those of the College/University. Facilitates acquisition of resources for program development, research and externally funded projects. Student Recruitment & Support: 25% Oversees departmental-level student concerns, appeals, and grievances. Ensures academic policies are consistently upheld and that students across all programs receive equitable support. Partners with the enrollment management team to market programs and recruit qualified applicants. Supports program student recruitment in close collaboration with the marketing team. Physical Facilities: 5% Oversees the adequacy and space utilization of classrooms, laboratories, offices, and storage space. Responsible for maintaining equipment in good working order and seeing that programs have the supplies they need for instruction. Human Resources: 10% Recruits, hires, supervises, and oversees evaluation of faculty members and staff. Provides mentorship, promotes faculty/staff development, and addresses performance issues. Responsible for faculty workload assignments and ensuring balance across teaching, scholarship, and service. Reports and Documentation: 10% Maintains departmental compliance with university policies and external accrediting bodies. Provides support to Program Directors in preparing accreditation materials and reports. Responsible for compliance with accreditation policies and procedures. Assures that accreditation fees are paid in a timely fashion. Maintains secure systems for holding student files and records. Teaching, Scholarship, and Service: 20% Teaches courses within area of expertise, Engages in scholarly activities appropriate to rank Actively participates in professional organizations. Education and/or Experience: Ph.D., M.D., D.O., or equivalent terminal degree in a health/science discipline Demonstrated excellence in teaching and scholarly activity in a higher education environment. Prior leadership or administrative experience in an academic setting preferred, especially in roles where clinical and non-clinical programming occurred. Skills & Ability: Knowledge and experience in Administration Management Budget management Curriculum development and assessment Negotiation with internal and external stakeholders Computer and internet use Effective time management, and communication skills. Physical Effort Required: Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds, carry, push, pull, kneel, and stoop. Must be able to move about campus to accomplish tasks Dexterity of the hands and fingers for computer use and handling materials Ability to read, write, compose, and edit complex documents Ability to sit doing deskwork for prolonged periods of time Must be able to talk, express ideas by means of verbal and written communication Ability to receive and interpret detailed information through verbal and written communication Employee Status: Regular Exemption Status: United States of America (Exempt) Time Type: Full time Job Shift: Pay Range: Samuel Merritt University currently provides base salary ranges for all positions-on job advertisements-in the United States based on local requirements. Individua