Southeastern Louisiana University's College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences invites applications for an inspiring, collaborative leader to serve as the Department Head for the Department of English and World Languages. The department offers undergraduate programs in English and World Languages, including study in creative writing, literary studies, English education, French, Spanish, and dual languages, as well as an undergraduate TESOL certificate. The department also offers the Master of Arts in English with areas of study including creative writing, literary studies, literacy and language, professional writing, and publishing studies.
The Department Head is the chief academic and administrative officer of the department, serving a 12-month appointment and reporting to the Dean. The position carries both administrative and faculty responsibilities, including teaching, scholarship/creative activity, and service appropriate to the scope of the department. The successful candidate will provide strategic, transparent, and collaborative leadership for a multidisciplinary department and will work with faculty and staff to advance academic quality, student success, enrollment, and the visibility and impact of the department.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Provide collaborative leadership in curriculum development, program review, assessment, strategic planning, and academic innovation across English and World Languages.
2. Mentor, support, and evaluate faculty and staff; recruit new faculty; and promote professional development, scholarly/creative activity, and a collegial departmental culture.
3. Manage departmental budgets and resources responsibly, establish priorities, and advocate effectively for the department.
4. Oversee course scheduling, enrollment management, academic advising processes, and the effective delivery of undergraduate and graduate programs.
5. Develop and implement strategies that support student recruitment, persistence, retention, graduation, and career readiness.
6. Support the continued strength and development of the department's graduate programs, language programs, writing-focused curricula, dual enrollment, and other distinctive academic initiatives.
7. Foster collaboration across the disciplines represented in the department and build partnerships with other academic units, schools, community organizations, and external stakeholders.
8. Support appropriate use of emerging technologies and evolving pedagogical practices in teaching, learning, and scholarship.
9. Advance the visibility of the department and support outreach, grant development, fundraising, and partnership-building activities as appropriate.
10. Represent the department within the College and University and with community and professional constituencies, while promoting shared governance and transparent decision-making.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Terminal degree from an accredited university in a discipline represented within English, World Languages, or a closely related field by hire date.
Record of teaching, scholarship and/or creative activity, and service warranting appointment as a tenured associate or full professor in an appropriate departmental discipline.
Minimum of six years of successful full-time college or university teaching at the assistant professor level or above.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience effectively leading an academic department or other complex academic unit.
Experience leading or supporting graduate education and/or multidisciplinary programs in English, languages, writing, linguistics, or related fields.
Demonstrated success with student recruitment, enrollment growth, retention, or program revitalization.
Experience mentoring faculty across career stages and supporting faculty research, scholarship, or creative activity.
Evidence of successful interdisciplinary, community, K-12, or external partnerships.
Experience with grant development, fundraising, or securing external resources.
Experience guiding organizational change, curriculum restructuring, or the development of new academic programs or credentials.
A record of leadership that supports both the humanities' intellectual mission and students' preparation for careers and graduate study.
Evidence of excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching and a commitment to student success.
Experience with curriculum development, program review, and assessment.
Experience with personnel, budget, scheduling, or other significant academic
administrative responsibilities.
DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS
Strong interpersonal, organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead collaboratively, build consensus, and work effectively across multiple disciplines and areas of specialization.
Demonstrated academic leadership experience, such as service as a department head/chair, associate or assistant chair, program director/coordinator, or comparable role.
Demonstrated commitment to shared governance, transparency, integrity, and inclusive academic leadership.
Candidates who progress beyond the initial stage will be asked for the names and contact information for three professional references, including email addresses, telephone numbers, their current employers and their positions. At least two references should be able to provide commentary specifically addressing the applicant's interpersonal and communication skills. References will not be contacted until after the initial screening and upon first informing the applicant.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Cover Letter addressing qualifications.
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Copies of Transcripts (Only an unofficial transcript for the Highest degree is required at application. Official transcripts for all degrees will be required upon employment.)
Questions concerning this position should be directed to the search committee Chair, Dr. Ziba Rashidian, ziba.rashidian@selu.edu. The desired start date is July 1, 2027.
Application Deadline: For full consideration, submit materials by November 2, 2027. The search will continue until the position is filled. All applications must be submitted through Southeastern's Workday system.
Posting Close Date
November 2, 2026
Please Note: Applications must be completed and submitted by 11:59 p.m. on the posting close date to ensure consideration.
How to Apply:
Click on the Apply button and complete an electronic application which can be used for this vacancy as well as future vacancies. Any required documents should be attached under the Resume/CV section of your application. If all required documents are not attached you will NOT be considered.
