Program Chair – Master of Sciences in Biomedical Sciences

Job Description:

About The Chicago School 

The Chicago School educates the next generation of change-makers in innovative theory and culturally competent practice to strengthen the integrated health of individuals, organizations, and communities. We enroll over 6,000 students across 40+ academic programs culminating in a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree or a professional certificate, and our unique approach to impact-focused education has made us a leading nonprofit university for over 45 years.

As an employee at The Chicago School, you can become a member of an inclusive community committed to excellence. At The Chicago School, we celebrate individuals of all backgrounds and identities for who they are and what they can contribute. We take pride in hiring and retaining the most dynamic, talented, and passionate professionals who will help us continue to innovate for decades to come.

Position Summary:

The College of Graduate and Professional Studies at The Chicago School is seeking a Program Chair for a new Master of Sciences in Biomedical Sciences. The Program Chair of the Master of Sciences in Biomedical Sciences program is appointed by and is directly responsible to either the Assistant Dean, Associate Dean, or the Dean of the College. The Program Chair is a member of the faculty as an Administrative Faculty member and is responsible for developing and implementing strategies for new student recruitment and enrollment, recruitment and supervision of faculty, course development and course sequencing, and student affairs within the program. The Program Chair works closely with the Academic Affairs Leadership Team as well as with the Student Support and Admissions.

In addition to department meetings, the Program Chair participates in institutional and College committees, provides academic and curricular oversight, and performs duties as assigned by the Assistant Dean, Associate Dean, or College Dean.  As an administrative faculty member, the Program Chair is a member of the Faculty Council.

Main Key Areas of Responsibility

Strategic Growth

• Develop and maintain engagement with the community and develop partnerships to expand awareness and drive new student enrollment at The Chicago School.
• Recruit, hire, and manage qualified and diverse faculty in alignment with budget allowances and university need.
• Ensure timely review of admissions files and the development of materials to achieve new student recruiting goals.
• Lead the program and its faculty to promote student retention and success.

Academic Quality & Innovation

• Develop and launch the Master of Sciences in Biomedical Sciences curriculum.
• In coordination with the university academic leadership, conduct regularly scheduled curriculum reviews and revisions to ensure currency and alignment with professional competencies.
• Develop and implement scheduling and planning strategies including co-teach models for high-risk courses.
• Lead student development efforts (monitoring satisfactory academic progress, supervising department efforts to support student development through Academic Development Plans, and representing the Program at various institutional committees), with the goal of supporting student progress through the curriculum and timely degree completion.
• Lead, in collaboration with academic affairs leaders, the department with any department review or assessment(s) required of the department including participation in research and writing for any necessary self-study or program-related reports.
• Ensure student concerns are effectively addressed in a timely and responsive manner in support of student satisfaction and retention.
• Teach up to 12 credits per academic year, depending upon the level of appointment and scope of administrative responsibilities.

People Management

• Build and manage a faculty team that is inclusive and welcoming of diverse voices, new perspectives, and innovation.
• Develop and apply a structured, data-driven system for mentoring, supervising and evaluating, teaching, advisement, and other duties performed by faculty members to ensure student achievement of program and institutional learning outcomes.
• Ensure department faculty remain active in scholarship and service as evidenced by membership in committee work, professional organizations, publications, presentations, and colloquia.

Academic Operations & Budget Management

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the program to ensure quality student experience and faculty performance expectations are maintained.
• Direct course scheduling in a manner that supports the student experience via ensuring adequate class size and assigning faculty who are properly credentialed and trained to deliver.
• Represent the program at meetings, student events, and other related events to facilitate collaborative decision-making, student engagement, and to build program and university awareness in the community.
• In collaboration with university academic leadership, lead the development of strategic academic and budget plans for the department, including recommendations from the assessment and department review process to inform student enrollment growth targets and program staffing needs.
• In collaboration with the university academic leadership, seek and implement opportunities to integrate emerging instructional technology into the curriculum delivery model.

Position Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications:

• A terminal degree from an accredited college or university in biomedical sciences or other related discipline.
• A minimum of three years of administrative experience.
• Strong background in research and scholarly activity, including publications, presenting at conferences, and developing successful proposals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with instructional technology (e.g., AI) to support ongoing innovation and instructional excellence.
• Experience developing, managing, and assessing a biomedical program.

Compensation & Benefits

https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/career-opportunities/

The Chicago School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please note: For the protection of faculty, staff, students, and all who enter our facilities, The Chicago School strongly recommends that all employees are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 per CDC guidance.