at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, United States
Job Description
Director, School of Consumer Sciences
Kansas State University
About This Role
The College of Health and Human Sciences (HHS) is currently seeking a Director to lead the School of Consumer Sciences. This 12-month position at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor serves as a key leader within the college, reporting directly to the Dean. As the primary leader of the school, the Director will have a unique opportunity to chart a course for its future, shaping the vision and direction of the School as it is established following a recent college reorganization. The college recently launched a new strategic plan that charts a course for the future and will guide the college in innovatively meeting the evolving needs of its learners, transforming lives, strengthening communities, and expanding its commitment to excellence and well-being across Kansas.
The Director will provide leadership in teaching, research, service, and engagement - including collaboration with KSRE - actively advancing the college's goals and objectives. The role requires strategic thinking to foster growth across the school's academic programs, research initiatives, and operational capacities. The Director will also foster collaborative relationships with leadership, faculty, staff, and learners within and across schools to drive academic excellence and innovation. Additionally, the Director is responsible for providing fiscal oversight and managing the school's budget to ensure alignment with the college's strategic objectives. Specific responsibilities will include:
School Leadership
- Promote a sense of unity and collaboration across the school's programs, encouraging shared goals and cooperative efforts.
- Work directly with college leadership, collaborate with other school directors, and build partnerships to align goals and initiatives.
- Set the overall strategic direction of the school, aligning school-level priorities and goals in line with the college's strategic plan.
- Interface with advisory committees across the school to leverage expertise, industry knowledge, and professional networks in support of program innovation, student opportunities, and strategic initiatives.
- In coordination with the college ADR, facilitate the advancement of interdisciplinary research, scholarship, and engagement efforts, supporting faculty scholarship, the pursuit of creative opportunities, and enhancing the success of individual faculty members and the school.
- Provide leadership and management oversight of faculty, staff, and academic programs to drive operational and academic excellence.
School Operations and Administrative Oversight
- Provide strategic oversight of fiscal management to advance the college and school's academic mission, ensuring operational health through budgetary management and initiating capital equipment and space improvement requests, annual budget requests, and personnel requests.
- Oversee and lead resource development and external funding initiatives, in coordination with the college Dean and K-State Foundation, college- and university-level advancement efforts, and through external partnerships.
- Lead the development, implementation, and interpretation of policies governing the school's operations, ensuring alignment with broader campus and university-wide guidelines.
College Reorganization
- Oversee and enhance administrative support, processes, and services to advance the academic mission and maximize productivity and collaboration.
For additional information about the expectations of this position, please view the position description.
This 12-month position is eligible for appointment as an Associate Professor or Professor with tenure, dependent upon the successful applicant's qualifications.
About Us
The School of Consumer Sciences transforms lives through education, scholarship, and community engagement in consumer-focused business disciplines. Through the event and hospitality management, fashion studies, personal financial planning, and sensory sciences programs, we prepare learners to live meaningful lives that have a sustainable impact on the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
The College of Health and Human Sciences inspires and prepares passionate and caring individuals for a meaningful life and career that promotes human well-being in the areas of consumer sciences, health sciences, and human sciences. Home to 16 undergraduate and 22 graduate programs, we provide students with the education and skills needed to make an impact in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
Worksite Description
This position is on-site.
What You'll Need to Succeed
Minimum Qualifications:
- Earned doctorate or terminal degree in a discipline represented in the school, or a closely related field
- 5+ years of relevant experience
- Strong record of distinguished academic achievement that merits appointment as a tenured associate or full professor in one of the school's programs, with evidence of professional distinction and national or international recognition in the field
- Strong record of securing extramural resources (e.g., significant grant or philanthropic support)
- Able to effectively lead, coordinate, manage, and motivate a variety of high-performing individuals
- Ability to plan, execute, and finalize projects according to strict deadlines
- Demonstrated success as a strategic and creative leader and collaborator with excellent oral and written communication skills
- Outstanding organizational, problem-solving, management, and decision-making skills
- Commitment to shared governance, transparency, and collaboration throughout the school and college
- Demonstrated ability to exercise judgment, discretion, and sensitivity to confidentiality
- A history of building, enhancing, and sustaining partnerships across the university, local communities, state, region, and nation
The degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience at an R1 institution
- Experience with Extension and engagement
- Demonstrated experience leading programmatic or organizational change across an academic unit
Sponsorship eligibility:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.
How to Apply
Please submit the following documents:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Contact information for three professional references
Inquiries about the position should be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Mindy Markham, at mmarkham@ksu.edu with the subject line: Consumer Sciences Director Search.
Application Window
Applications close on December 12, 2025.
To apply, please visit: https://careers.k-state.edu/jobs/director-school-of-consumer-sciences-manhattan-kansas-united-states
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