Department Chair of Kinesiology and Health

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Job Description:

The Department of Kinesiology and Health in the College of Health and Human Sciences at Iowa State University in Ames Iowa seeks a Professor and Chair of the department. Applications are sought for a visionary leader with a commitment to excellence and innovation and demonstrated capacity to lead the department in support of the Colleges mission of expanding human potential in the education of undergraduate and graduate students interdisciplinary/transdisciplinary research and extension and outreach.

The Chair is the designated executive officer of the department with multiple responsibilities for leadership including the creation and implementation of a strategic vision and plan guiding the efforts of tenure-eligible and term faculty staff and management and maintenance of department facilities and spaces. The successful candidate will be a skilled leader with demonstrated capacity in strategic decision making creative problem solving and transparent and timely communication.

Initial Chair appointment is for five years with formal review in the fourth year. This individual serves at the pleasure of the dean and the Chair reports to the Dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences and the position is a 12-month appointment. The proposed start date is July 1 2026.

The successful applicant for this position will:

• Provide visionary leadership to serve the needs of faculty staff students stakeholders and citizens to fulfill the land-grant mission of the department college and university

• Be a collaborative member of college leadership teams across the college and department

• Communicate effectively the mission vision and strengths of the department and college within Iowa State University and to external stakeholders and collaborators in the public and private sectors

• Manage budget personnel and other resources to achieve the mission of the department and comply with college and university-level policies and practices

• Facilitate the professional development of others and provide mentorship

• Foster an environment in which all faculty and staff work toward the departments purposes and are evaluated for their contributions

• Assist faculty staff and graduate students to attain resources through extramural funding by encouraging a culture of collaboration and innovation

• Participate in representational activities on behalf of the department and college

• Contribute to the mission of the department through teaching research extension and/or service

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in disciplines or fields of study within the Department of Kinesiology and Health

• A record of scholarly accomplishment to qualify for tenure in the Department of Kinesiology and Health at the rank of professor

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated accomplishments in mentoring facilitating the professional development of others and team building

• Demonstrated evidence of collaboration and goal planning

• Demonstrated evidence of personnel and budget management

• Leadership experience

• Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate graduate and professional student education

• Demonstrated capability in curricular planning and development

• Demonstrated understanding of advancing research and extension and outreach enterprises

Department/Program & College Description:

The Department of Kinesiology and Health is one of five units in the College of Health and Human Sciences with 12 tenure-track faculty 16 term faculty members and 12 Professional and Scientific staff. Faculty staff and graduate students contribute to a vibrant culture of scholarly inquiry and externally supported research advancing knowledge and practice.

Approximately 1100 undergraduate students pursue majors in kinesiology and health making it one of the largest academic departments in the university. The Department also offers a masters degree in athletic training masters degree in digital health and both masters and Ph.D. degrees in kinesiology. Currently more than 80 graduate students are enrolled in these programs. The Department includes the Exercise Clinic 15 research laboratories (including biomechanics clinical vascular exercise intervention and microscopy and histology) and 5 teaching laboratories (including athletic training biomechanics/motor control and exercise physiology). Department laboratories are well equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Faculty research and teaching interests address biomechanical neuromotor physiological cellular/molecular epidemiological and psychological perspectives of human movement physical activity and health. Engagement with local communities plays a vital role in the Departments mission. Department faculty and staff value a high level of collegiality and a strong commitment to students.

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Kinesiology and Health Department:

College of Health and Human Sciences:

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Application Instructions:

To apply for this position please click on Apply and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
3) Contact Information for Three References

For guaranteed consideration please submit your applications by January 5 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

If you have questions regarding this application process please email or call or Toll Free: 1-.

Why Choose ISU
Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits including medical and dental; as well as:
Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program

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