Job Description

Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement:

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), a Top 10 Public HBCU and Carnegie classified research institution, invites applications for the position of Department Chair of English, Languages, and Media Studies. The position is a 12-month appointment and reports directly to the Dean of the School of Education, Social Sciences, and the Arts (SESA). We seek a visionary and collaborative leader to guide a dynamic department committed to excellence in teaching, research, creative practice, and community engagement.

The Chair will oversee undergraduate programs in English, Media Studies, and World Languages, and lead strategic development in emerging areas such as Creative Writing (including comic script writing), Digital Humanities, Documentary Production, and Communication Studies.

Salary Range: $140,000 - $149,372

Benefits: The University of Maryland Eastern Shore, as a University System of Maryland institution and a Maryland State agency, provides a comprehensive benefits package to all regular faculty and staff. The Office of Employee Benefits provides consultative services and assistance with benefits planning, enrollment, and changes. Eligible employees may participate in a variety of benefit plans including:

• Health insurance, including multiple medical plan options for employees

and dependents offered through the State of Maryland Employee Benefits

Division.

• Prescription drug, dental, and flexible spending accounts, and vision

coverage.

• Retirement plans: mandatory enrollment in a state pension system or an

Optional Retirement Plan with Fidelity or TIAA, Supplemental Retirement

Accounts (TIAA, Fidelity, or MSRP-Nationwide) with $600 annual state

match, Life Insurance (state sponsored MetLife, USM sponsored MetLife

Plan, life insurance and long-term disability insurance).

• Tuition remission benefits for eligible employees and, subject to USM

policies, spouses and dependents at University System of Maryland

institutions.

• Exempt positions start at 22 days annual per year, sick leave 15 days per

year, personal leave 3 days per year), and paid holidays.

• Employee wellness and support resources and access to the State of

Maryland wellness programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic leadership and administrative oversight for the department.
• Foster a culture of excellence in teaching, research, and service.
• Lead curriculum development and program innovation in traditional and

emerging fields.

• Support faculty development and mentorship.
• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration across the university.
• Develop and implement strategic recruitment and retention initiatives.
• Manage departmental budget, scheduling, and assessment processes.
• Represent the department within the university and to external stakeholders.
• Teach undergraduate courses in one or more departmental areas.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• PhD or terminal degree in English, Media Studies, Communication, or a closely

related field.

• Tenured Associate or Full Professor status (or qualifications commensurate

with tenure at that rank)

• Demonstrated record of scholarly or creative output in the Humanities
• Experience in academic leadership or administration.
• Deep knowledge of current trends and practices in Literary and Media Studies.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.
• Ability to teach undergraduate courses in at least one of the department’s core

areas.

• Familiarity with HBCU mission and values..+
• Experience developing or leading programs in Creative Writing, Digital

Humanities, or Documentary Production.

• Proven success in student recruitment and retention strategies.
• Experience with interdisciplinary curriculum design.
• Record of external funding or grant acquisition.
• Experience mentoring junior faculty and supporting faculty research

Physical Demands:

• May require extended periods of standing, bending, stooping, sitting at desk.
• May require lifting.
• Requires communication with a variety of constituents externally and internally.
• Requires operation of a variety of office equipment.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to foster a collegial environment that encourages professionalism and

teamwork.

• Ability to manage the details involved in running a department.

Additional Job Details

Required Application Materials: Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter addressing qualifications and vision for the department, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching and leadership philosophy, and a list of names of three current professional references (current or past supervisor) including e-mail address, and telephone number (current supervisor will not be contacted without the candidate’s prior consent). All applicants must apply using the new online application system. Please visit https://umd.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UMES to apply. The successful candidate must be able to show acceptable documentation establishing the right to accept employment in the United States of America without employer sponsorship.

Best Consideration Date: N/A

Posting Close Date: N/A

Open Until Filled: Yes

Department

UMES-SESA-School of Education, Social Sciences & the Arts

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty Regular

Salary Range

$140,000 - $149,372

EEO Statement

UMES is an EEO/AA employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate must be able to show acceptable documentation establishing the right to accept employment in the United States of America without employer sponsorship.

Diversity Statement

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is an equal access, equal opportunity institution fully committed to diversity in education and employment. All students, employees, and the campus community at UMES are valued, respected, and have the opportunity to receive an equitable experience in an inclusive, welcoming environment of openness and appreciation.

Title IX Statement

It is the policy of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination (including sexual harassment and sexual violence) based on sex in the University's educational programs and activities. Title IX also prohibits retaliation for asserting or otherwise participating in claims of sex discriminations or harassment.