Position Summary

Michigan State University actively promotes a dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

The MSU School of Social Work, within the College of Social Science, is dedicated to educating students for ethical, competent, responsive, and innovative social work practice, and to conducting and disseminating high quality research that improves the well-being of the most vulnerable in society. Our teaching, research, and outreach synergistically promote social justice, positive change, and solutions to the problems facing diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. More than 600 students are enrolled in our CSWE-accredited BASW and MSW programs, and our PhD program.

The School is home to more than 50 faculty members in the tenure, continuing, and fixed-term systems. Faculty members within the School are extramurally funded to undertake research and train the nations’ next generation of social workers and social work scholars. In addition to the academic programs on the East Lansing campus, we offer a statewide blended MSW program that provides a hybrid learning experience with both synchronous and asynchronous online courses. We are involved in partnerships with other academic units such as the College of Law and School of Public Health. The School is active in community-engaged research and service, including administering four community programs providing outreach, research and/or service to over 4600 people annually.

The School of Social Work Director reports to the Dean of the College of Social Science and is responsible for overall administration of the research, academic/educational, and service/ outreach programs of the School, in consultation with the faculty. The SSW Director is responsible for:

1. Promoting strategies for student success and engagement including a commitment to a School culture that values high quality teaching, responsiveness to student learning, and instructional development;
2. Fostering a strong research culture and continuing to build research infrastructure that supports the research productivity of faculty and students;
3. Facilitating and supporting a culture of extramural grant-seeking, entrepreneurial program development, and actively leading fundraising activities; these responsibilities include growing and managing the School’s endowments and financial resources;
4. Demonstrating a strong commitment to social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion;
5. Managing the multiple aspects of a professional School within a major University, including program operations, budget management, physical facilities oversight, and personnel management;
6. Enhancing the School’s state and national reputation and supporting the development of faculty accomplishments and expertise; and
7. Advancing the mission and vision of the School of Social Work and the strategic plan of the College through transparent and proactive communication and collaboration with all stakeholders.  

We are searching for a visionary academic leader with excellent communication, leadership and administrative skills, an inclusive and strengths-based leadership style, and abilities in strategic planning, budgeting, and personnel development and management, who can lead in a complex and changing environment. This candidate should be able to bring together students, staff, and faculty to build a positive School culture. They should be able to build strong partnerships and relationships within the University and in the broader community through relating effectively to our alumni, our donor community, and agency partners. The successful candidate will be able to lead the School’s development of innovative educational programs, both campus-based and online. A commitment to a global perspective and engagement is also valued.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -a DSW, PsyD, EdD, MD, JD

Minimum Requirements

• The successful candidate must be a Full or Associate Professor at MSU and hold a PhD in Social Work or a PhD or commensurate degree (such as a DSW, PsyD, EdD, MD, JD) in a closely related field.
• They must have a record of scholarly work as demonstrated in publications, presentations and/or related products, as well as a record of federal, state and/or privately funded research.
• They must also demonstrate effective, ethical leadership in academic and/or community-based settings.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working in a School of Social Work, commitment to the social work profession, and familiarity with accreditation and licensing standards.
• The candidate has leadership skills, including excellent communication skills, and capacity to engage stakeholders in developing and implementing a shared vision for the SSW that includes promoting student, faculty and staff success, financial stability of the School, growth and innovation.
• The desired candidate also has administrative skills for effectively managing an academic unit, including but not limited to personnel management and financial management, and for working cooperatively with the governance structure of the School; College; alumni; and other key stakeholders.

Required Application Materials

1. Statement addressing qualifications;
2. Current curriculum vitae;
3. Statement addressing how past and future contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion will advance MSU’s commitment to inclusive excellence;
4. Names and contact information for three references.

Special Instructions

Review of applications will begin in February 2025 and remain open until filled. Appointment will begin on August 16, 2025. Questions about the application process may be directed to Sacha Klein, PhD, at kleinsa@msu.edu or Cheryl Williams-Hecksel, LMSW at will1534@msu.edu, Co-Chairs of the Search Committee

Review of Applications Begins On

02/11/2025

Website

www.socialwork.msu.edu

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.