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Internal Search for Interim Divisional Dean, School of Public and Population Health, College of Health Sciences

Boise State University, powered by creativity and innovation, and uniquely positioned in the Northwest as an innovative metropolitan an innovative research university of distinction, seeks an Interim Divisional Dean for the new School of Public and Population Health (SPPH), within the College of Health Sciences. The new School of Public and Population Health is an evolution of the thriving and productive Department of Public Health and Population Science. The Department was just recently approved to be a School by the Idaho State Board of Education. The School will build on the Department’s history of success in community engagement, applied scholarship, and research; lead and continue to grow the thriving undergraduate and the MPH programs; and implement new doctoral programming.

SPPH envisions creating the pathways and conditions necessary for every Idahoan to achieve health, happiness, and prosperity. The mission of the School is to strengthen and improve the health of all Idahoans in the communities wherever they live, work, and play through excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.

SPPH prepares graduates in Idaho and beyond for careers in public health and with other health promoting organizations and/or for advanced study. Programs include undergraduate degrees in Health Studies and a BS and BA in Public Health as well as certificates and minors. The graduate program includes a Master in Public Health (MPH) degree with three concentrations in Prevention and Intervention Programming, Management and Leadership, and Systems Analysis and Innovation, as well as a certificate in leadership. The approximate 1200 undergraduate and 50 graduate students are served by 20 faculty and five professional and administrative staff. The School is also in the process of developing a PhD program in Leadership in Public and Population Health and bringing in new faculty to support this effort.

The School operationalizes the following values:

  • Dignity and Respect. We believe effective public health action begins with valuing every community member, treating everyone with respect, and developing solutions that consider and preserve the dignity of those we serve.
  • Engagement. We believe sustained engagement is central to effectively promoting the public’s health and to the professional preparation of future public health and clinical providers – engaging challenging problems and engaging with anyone we serve in an open, authentic, and collaborative manner.
  • Opportunity. We believe all Idahoans deserve to start life with a strong foundation of health and to have access to viable pathways to living, working, and playing in communities, families, and workplaces that support their health and wellbeing throughout the lifespan.
  • Innovation. We believe that solving complex challenges demands an openness to new ideas, partners, and perspectives. Unique, collaborative partnerships fuel innovation throughout our teaching, research, and service.

For additional information about the School of Public and Population Health, please visit https://www.boisestate.edu/phps.

The Position

As the executive leader for the School of Public and Population Health, the Interim Divisional Dean provides leadership for the School and exercises responsibility for its academic and administrative operations; including budget, personnel, programs, and physical facilities. Through consultation with the college dean, School faculty and staff, the Divisional Dean establishes a vision in setting priorities, maintaining academic standards, and strengthening faculty scholarship and research.

Areas of responsibility include leadership functions associated with overall direction and strategic planning; fiscal management and resource development; new school, program, and partner development; coordinating with leaders and partners outside of the department; working with leadership to raise funds; and mentoring faculty and staff and assessing team members’ performance. The Divisional Dean reports directly to the Dean of the College of Health Sciences and participates in a shared governance system with faculty, staff, and students.

Key Responsibilities

95% of Time the Position must:

  • Lead expansion and development of the School and associated programs.
  • Manage complex budgets, develop resources, and prioritize resources in alignment with strategic goals across the School in a financially sustainable manner.
  • Interface with the dean, university, and community.
  • Provide oversight and management for all staff and budget assigned to the SPPH.
  • Collaborate with internal and external partners to develop new programs and initiatives.
  • Lead the development and implementation of the SPPH strategic plan.
  • Provide effective, transparent and participatory administrative leadership and promote shared governance.
  • Provide leadership in strategic enrollment management and participate on the COHS leadership team.
  • Lead the annual evaluation process and evaluate faculty.

5% of Time the Position must:

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

The Qualifications

This is an internal search. The University seeks Boise State University employees with solid records of academic and administrative accomplishment; commitment to excellence in research and teaching; administrative, budget, accreditations; leadership skills; a high standard of excellence, and strong administrative skills.

Required Qualifications

  • Doctoral degree and rank of at least an associate professor (clinical and non-clinical faculty are all acceptable).
  • Administrative/leadership experience in higher education.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Proven skills in leadership and a commitment to excellence and innovation with a vision for the future of education in public health and health sciences.
  • Program development and management in face-to-face, online, and distance education.
  • Ability to secure external research funding and assist and support faculty and students applying for external research grants and opportunities.
  • Evidence of success in developing and maintaining successful partnerships.
  • Capability in supporting innovative curriculum, research, and program development.
  • Track record of work with doctoral programming (DrPH and/or PhD).
  • Ability to communicate consistently in a timely and transparent manner.
  • Capacity to make bold leadership decisions that support growth in spite of the changing climate in higher education.
  • Willingness to manage challenges and conflict in a way that supports an open climate and collaboration within faculty governance.
  • Success in recruitment and retention of talented and diverse faculty, staff, and researchers.
  • Experience with academic planning, enrollment management, and student success.

Application

To apply, please submit a letter of interest and a current CV by June 6, 2022, to Leslie Black, at lblack@boisestate.edu. Also, please feel free to contact Leslie with any questions.