Director

Position InformationPosition InformationPosition Number 460050 Working Title Director Job Title Director Job Type Full-Time Department Environmental Studies Udrgrd Job PurposeTennessee Tech University invites applications for Director of the School of Environmental Studies (SOES) at the rank of Full Professor to provide administrative leadership and vision for SOES and its undergraduate and graduate degree programs. SOES is one of four academic units housed in the College of Emerging and Integrative Studies. The successful candidate will oversee a growing school that offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental and Sustainability Studies with seven concentrations, three undergraduate minors, a Professional Science Master’s degree with three concentrations, and a PhD degree in Environmental Sciences with five concentrations. SOES currently has six full-time faculty, six adjunct faculty, two administrative support staff, 53 students majoring in the B.S. program, and 56 students enrolled in its graduate programs. SOES enjoys collaborative interdisciplinary interactions with other units in the college and across campus including the Center for the Management, Utilization and Protection of Water Resources, the School of Agriculture, and departments such as Biology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Earth Sciences, Physics, Sociology and Political Science, among others. The school also maintains an external advisory board for the PSM degree program staffed by professionals from industry, government, and non-profit organizations.Tennessee Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.Essential FunctionsLead the department in setting and achieving goals that strengthen its teaching, research, service profile, and reputation. Oversee day-to-day departmental operations and functions in collaboration with the Associate Director, including budget management, course scheduling, recruitment and retention of faculty and students, program assessment and review, and personnel supervision. Promote professional development and mentoring for faculty, staff, and students. Support and enhance student success and satisfaction at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Co-coordinate an external advisory board for the PSM degree program. Advise graduate student thesis and dissertation projects and maintain an externally funded research program. Teach 1-2 courses per year in the successful candidate’s area of disciplinary expertise. Encourage external research funding and collaborative projects across disciplines and with external partners. Actively develop fundraising support for SOES student scholarships and related initiatives. Represent and advocate for SOES in interactions with college and university administration. Serve on college and university committees, participate in alumni and community events, and remain active in professional organizations and service.Minimum QualificationsEarned doctorate from an accredited institution in an environmentally related discipline. Proven track record of scholarly accomplishments consistent with the rank of full professor. Previous administrative and/or leadership experience that includes supervision, budgeting, and strategic planning. Evidence of the ability to effectively oversee undergraduate and graduate degree programs and strong commitment to teaching excellence. Evidence of building and sustaining collaborative relationships.Preferred QualificationsBackground in Natural Resources, with expertise in one or more subdisciplines such as but not limited to Parks and Protected Lands, Human Dimensions of Resource Management, Forest Resources, or other subdisciplines that meet the needs of the School of Environmental Studies.Compensation And BenefitsSalary Commensurate with education and experience. Full-time, nine-month, tenured position to begin August 1, 2026. Benefits InformationThe candidate will be classified as faculty on a nine-month contract with an expectation of summer administrative responsibilities with commensurate remuneration. Eligible for tenure upon appointment pending Tennessee Tech Board approval. The University offers a competitive benefits package. Benefits include the accumulation of one (1) sick leave day per month and thirteen (13) University holidays. Other benefits include medical and life insurance (shared cost with the university), retirement, optional 401k, and educational benefits. Deferred income and benefits over 12 months.Posting DetailsPosting Date 11/17/2025 Screening Date 01/16/2026 Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to ApplicantsAll applicants will be required to electronically upload a (1) cover letter, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) administrative philosophy and vision for the School of Environmental Studies, (4) research plan, (5) teaching philosophy, (6) copies of transcripts (official transcripts for all degrees conferred required upon hire), and (7) email contact information for three professional references who will only be contacted to provide a reference letter if the candidate is selected for interview. Initial review of applications will begin January 16, 2026; position open until filled. Submission of materials is the applicant’s responsibility. Applications without all required materials will be deemed incomplete and will not be considered.Required Documents Cover Letter Curriculum Vitae Administrative Philosophy and Vision Research Plan Teaching Philosophy Copies of Transcripts Email Addresses of 3 Professional ReferencesApplicant DocumentsRequired DocumentsCover LetterCurriculum VitaeTeaching PhilosophyResearch PlanTranscriptsList of ReferencesPhilosophy StatementOptional DocumentsTranscripts 2Other DocumentsSupplemental QuestionsRequired fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).* Do you have, or will you have by start date, an earned doctorate from an accredited institution in an environmentally related discipline?YesNo* How did you hear about this job opportunity? (Open Ended Question)