The Department of Speech and Hearing Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign invites applications for the position of Department Head. The department is recognized as one of the top speech and hearing science departments in the nation with highly ranked academic programs at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels including fully accredited clinical programs in speech-language pathology and audiology. Departmental faculty conduct cutting-edge interdisciplinary research on health, human development and aging, and disability related to speech, language, swallowing, and hearing with a focus on developing new ways to assess, prevent, and treat communication, swallowing, and hearing disabilities. The department maintains a well-equipped research infrastructure with a significant portfolio of externally federally funded research and a thriving Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology clinic. The department is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in professional practice and the professoriate.  

Qualifications

•    Doctorate in Communication Sciences and Disorders or a related discipline
•    Qualified for an appointment as a full professor
•    Established scholarly record of contribution to the field and a compelling vision for the future of the department
•    Experienced in administrative and leadership positions
•    Dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service
•    Committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion

Appointment Information
This is a full-time 9-month faculty appointment with a 12-month department head stipend. The expected start date is August 16, 2025. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate’s experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. The salary range for this position is $175,000 to $200,000 with the final salary offer determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.

Responsibilities
•    Provide visionary leadership and direction for the department.
•    Oversee departmental organization, quality, efficiency of work, and policy and procedural compliance.
•    Develop and implement the department’s strategic goals and policies in consultation with the faculty.
•    Promote a culture of excellence through professional development and mentoring of faculty and staff.
•    Assign teaching, service, and leadership roles for faculty.

•    Support faculty engagement in continuous improvement and evaluation of academic programs, addressing evolving needs in the field.
•    Oversee initiatives to enhance student satisfaction, retention, and success.
•    Oversee accreditation responsibilities and student certification requirements for clinical training programs.
•    Oversee hiring, evaluation, and promotion of faculty and staff.
•    Oversee departmental financial matters, including budget preparation and allocation of funds.
•    Represent the Department at College and campus levels, collaborating to advance research, education, and engagement initiatives and priorities.
•    Build and maintain relationships with alumni, professionals, local and national organizations, clinics, and other partners.
•    Provide leadership for development and advancement (fund raising) activities and priorities.
•    Promote and foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.

Academic Environment
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a world-class public research university. The Department of Speech and Hearing Science is situated in the College of Applied Health Sciences on the main campus of the University of Illinois and includes (a) the recently renovated Speech and Hearing Science Building that houses academic, research, and collaborative spaces; (b) the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Clinic; and (c) the Collaboration Lab that houses clinical faculty offices, a classroom, multiple study spaces for clinical graduate students, and private spaces for telepractice. The department offers an undergraduate degree and three graduate degrees—M.A., Au.D., and Ph.D. Its mission is to engage in research, education, and outreach activities that enhance communication across the lifespan, integrating research and clinical applications. Within the department, faculty research is organized into three major research areas: auditory-hearing science, speech perception and production, and language and cognitive communication. For more information about the department, see
https://ahs.illinois.edu/themes/ahs/pdf/SHS%20position%20posting.pdf.

Departmental activities contribute to the mission of the College, specifically, the advancement of research, instruction, and public engagement that promotes the development of healthy, livable communities, facilitates optimal living with disability, and promotes health and wellness across the lifespan and throughout a diverse society. The College houses two interdisciplinary research centers, the Center on Health, Aging, and Disability, and the Chez Veterans Center, as well as the Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services. Department faculty have interdisciplinary collaborations with colleagues in the College of Education, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences, the Center for Social and Behavioral Science, Family Resiliency Center, Illinois Neurobehavioral Assessment Laboratory, Psychological Services Center and Autism Clinic, the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, and Carle Illinois College of Medicine. Faculty are also supported by the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute which organizes campus efforts to address health and wellness challenges and provides support for research infrastructure.

The University of Illinois offers generous employee benefits(https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/benefits/) including health insurance and retirement programs. In addition, it also offers employees tuition waivers and other development opportunities for personal and professional growth.  The University assists faculty spouses and partners seeking employment through the Dual Career Program
(https://humanresources.illinois.edu/dual-career-program/). To learn more about all Champaign-Urbana has to offer please visit: https://yourewelcomecu.com/.  

Application Procedures & Deadline Information
For full consideration, applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on November 25, 2024. Please apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.  The following materials are required: (1) a cover letter addressing qualifications and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, (2) a curriculum vitae, and (3) names and contact information of 3 references. All requested information must be submitted for an application to be considered. Candidates will be notified before references are contacted and letters requested.  Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

For further information about this specific position, please contact Raksha Mudar (raksha@illinois.edu), Chair of the Search Committee. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.