Chair of the Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences Department / Associate/Full Professor

Job Summary 

A senior tenured faculty member responsible for the vision, leadership, and administration of all academic programs and business activities in the Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences department. Must be a licensed physical therapist and have an advanced post-professional degree with strong research experience. Holds the responsibility and authority for strategic planning, evaluating, and developing faculty/staff, fiscal planning and management, resource administration, fundraising, department advocacy, and improving/maintaining the department’s image, reputation, and quality. Ensures the department’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities are aligned with those of the college and Drexel University. Responsible for negotiating and working with college and Drexel leaders to create a financially viable and sustainable business model, maintain accreditation standards, deliver value and an excellent experience to students, and otherwise keep the department healthy and capable of achieving its mission and vision. Communicates effectively and delegates tasks and duties to department leaders, faculty, and staff. Promotes and supports justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the department, its academic programs, and all activities.

Essential Functions 

• Creates, facilitates, and implements a vision and strategic plan for the department and its programs/ventures in alignment with the college and university strategic plans.
• Promotes a strategic focus within the department where all faculty/staff are working together toward department goals that enhance the department’s and university’s reputation and success.
• Sets goals for the department and its programs/initiatives in collaboration with faculty and college/university leaders. Works to meet standards of excellence in physical therapy and rehabilitation sciences education/research and establish the department as a national leader.
• Oversees and manages the department’s finances and budget to achieve financial goals set collaboratively with college and university leaders.
• Measures and monitors data/benchmarks to ensure the department achieves its academic, financial, and administrative goals and responds effectively to operational challenges.
• Negotiates for, acquires, and maintains resources such as space, equipment and supplies to achieve the teaching, research, service, and clinical missions and goals of the department.
• Recruits, selects, and retains faculty members that strengthen the department in alignment with the vision, values, and strategic goals of the organization with help from search committees and others.
• Appoints, reviews, and delegates to program directors, department administrators, and other department leaders to facilitate effective departmental operations and successful outcomes.
• Establishes an effective department structure including judicious use of committees to achieve department goals with careful consideration of department staffing, workload, and well-being.
• Establishes, reviews, and updates department policies and procedures to create/maintain a sound operational structure that is aligned with college/university policies and procedures, and best practices in the higher education industry.
• Manages faculty and staff assignments and workload in collaboration with program directors and leaders overseeing department and university academic or business services/initiatives.
• Evaluates/manages faculty and staff performance and fosters growth and development of individual talents and interests to help faculty/staff and the organization achieve their goals.
• Initiates promotions and terminations, makes tenure and merit raise recommendations, and manages personnel issues or conflict within the department in collaboration with the college and its HR representatives.
• Promotes department morale, collegiality, and a welcoming environment for faculty, staff, and students where all are respected and can thrive.
• Promotes justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion and works to thread these vital themes across all domains of the department and its programs/activities.
• Facilitates growth, innovation, and excellence in department programs and initiatives to keep the department on the leading-edge in its profession and markets.
• Prepares reports and requested documents for college and university leaders in a timely manner. Submits annual accreditation reports and other administrative reports in a complete and timely manner.
• Advocates for the college/university and serves as its representative in the department to help ensure the department’s activities and mindset are aligned with the broader institution.  
• Promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, interprofessional education, and organizational effectiveness by wor