| Job Description: |
You belong at a university that’s leading the way!
The University of Florida is a major research institution that is leading the way by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI), leveraging the brightest minds, and educating the next generation of leaders to solve some of the world’s most formidable challenges. UF is ranked the 7th nationally among public universities by U.S. News and World Report.
The Opportunity
The University of Florida’s College of Education, seeks a visionary, servant leader to serve as the next David Lawrence Jr. Endowed Chair in Early Childhood Studies with a faculty appointment in an academic unit (e.g., the School of Special Education, School Psychology, and Early Childhood Studies). This position is a 12-month tenure-track associate or full professor appointment. The Endowed Chair will also hold an administrative appointment as the Executive Director of the Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies. The Center Director plays a key leadership role in shaping the future of early childhood studies and research at the University of Florida. This endowed and internationally recognized Center is committed to advancing knowledge, policy, and practice in early childhood studies, with a focus on children from birth to age five and the systems that support them. Through transdisciplinary collaboration, the Center ensures meaningful and optimal outcomes for young children and their families, particularly those from under-resourced communities and/or with special needs.
The Director and Chair is expected to engage in high-impact research; secure external funding from various sources; mentor doctoral students, postdoctoral associates, and early career faculty; and influence public policy to improve early childhood systems. This public-facing position provides the opportunity to collaborate with faculty across UF’s colleges and research centers, as well as with national and international partners, to advance early childhood research, policies, and practices.
The Center has partnered with UF Early Childhood Collaboratory at Baby Gator to strengthen connections among research, policy, and practice, elevating early childhood studies, including child development and education, as a UF priority. Through these partnerships, the Center implements and shares practical applications that drive transformative change, leading to improved practices and policies. The Center emphasizes the 3R’s of Early Learning: Relationships, Repetition, Routines™, which form the foundation for supporting development, learning, and well-being of young children and their families.
Key Responsibilities:
• Strategic Leadership: Provide vision and leadership as the Director for the Anita Zucker Center and Endowed Chair in Early Childhood Studies, advancing transdisciplinary research and policy initiatives in early childhood.
• Research and Scholarship: Conduct high-quality, impactful research in early childhood studies and maintain a strong record of scholarly publications.
• Policy Engagement: Play a prominent role in national and international discussions on early childhood policy, advocating for optimal outcomes for all young children, their families, and the practitioners that support them
• Collaboration and Outreach: Strengthen partnerships with UF entities, national organizations, and early childhood researchers and practitioners to bridge research, policy, and practice.
• Funding and Resource Development: Secure a broad array of external funding (e.g., grants, contracts, gifts) and partnerships to support the Center’s initiatives. Expand the Center’s impact by identifying and pursuing new opportunities, building capacity, and ensuring the sustainability of its initiatives.
• Mentorship and Professional Development: Mentor faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral associates contributing to programmatic and faculty development.
The University of Florida
The University of Florida is one of America’s leading research universities and the flagship university of the state of Florida. As a Land Grant, Sea Grant, and Space Grant institution, UF encompasses nearly all academic and professional disciplines, offering a comprehensive educational and research environment. UF is a member of the Association of American Universities. UF’s College of Education is dedicated to preparing exemplary practitioners and scholars, generating impactful research, and addressing critical educational challenges through collaborative partnerships. The Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies plays a vital role in this mission, contributing to groundbreaking research, policy advancement, and the preparation of future leaders in early childhood studies.
The City of Gainesville
Gainesville is home to Florida's largest and oldest university, as well as a vibrant hub of education, healthcare, culture, and sports in the state. The University of Florida and UF Health Shands Hospital are major employers, providing jobs for many residents of surrounding counties. The Greater Gainesville area serves as the cultural, educational, and commercial heart of north central Florida region. Gainesville offers a full range of municipal services, including cultural and administrative support. Renowned for its preservation of historic landmarks and natural beauty, the city boasts numerous parks, museums, and lakes that attract thousands of visitors. With its lush urban forest and Tree City USA® designation, Gainesville stands out as one of Florida's most picturesque cities. Its North Central Florida location provides convenient access to both major coastlines, offering easy exploration of Florida's famed beaches as well as the springs, and nature reserves across the state. Explore Gainesville in 60 Seconds.
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| Special Instructions to Applicants: |
Interested applicants must apply online at UF Careers. To be considered, applicants must submit the following materials by 11:55pm Sunday April 6, 2025.
- Cover Letter: A statement summarizing qualifications and interest in the role.
- CV: A detailed overview of professional experience.
- References: Contact information for at least three (3) professional references, including:
- Full Name
- Current Position
- Relationship to Candidate
- Email Address
- Phone Number
Applications received after 11:55pm Sunday April 6, 2025, will be reviewed at the discretion of the search committee. For further inquiries, contact Devan Brown, Talent Consultant with UFHR Strategic Talent Group at STG@hr.ufl.edu. Nominations can be submitted using our Nomination Form.
Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
Our Commitment
The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.
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