Description

The Joint School of Public Health (JSPH) at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia invites applications from experienced, accomplished, and visionary individuals to serve as inaugural Chair of the Department of Health Behavior, Policy, and Management starting in fall of 2025or spring 2026. The Chair is expected to provide visionary leadership in departmental education, research, and service activities in alignment with the School and University’s strategic plan. Salary is negotiable, commensurate with qualifications and experience, and highly competitive with peer institutions.

The JSPH offers two Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accredited programs, the Masters of Public Health (MPH) and the doctoral program (PhD) in Health Services Research programs.  The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health (BSEH), Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH), and Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) programs are also part of the JSPH

The JSPH benefits from a distinguished faculty with extensive expertise in health behavior, policy, and management. Our professors are recognized leaders in their fields, combining rigorous academic training with practical experience in public health practice. They bring a wealth of knowledge from diverse backgrounds, including social and behavioral sciences, policy analysis, and health administration, ensuring a comprehensive and forward-thinking educational experience. Their commitment to mentoring, research, and community engagement enriches the learning environment, preparing students to address complex health challenges with innovative solutions and effective management strategies.

Please note that applications for this position must be submitted by October 31, 2025. 

Requirements

Required experience

Applicants must:

1.       Have an earned terminal doctoral degree (PhD, DrPH, or ScD) in health behavior, health promotion, health policy, health management, or related areas from an accredited program or school. Alternatively, have earned an MD degree from an accredited program and a master’s degree from an accredited public health program or school.

2.       Qualify for appointment at the Associate Professor or Full Professor rank with tenure at ODU.

o   Specific information on ranks and tenure as per ODU faculty handbook

https://itsapps.odu.edu/ao/facultyhandbook/index.php?page=ch02s24.html
3.       Have experience teaching and mentoring students.

4.       Demonstrate a significant scholarly record of publications in health behavior, health promotion, health policy, health management, health services research, or related areas.

5.       Demonstrate successful acquisition and sustainability of external funding and grants, including investigator-initiated and/or unsolicited grants.

6.       Have prior management and administrative experience, including budget planning and management, in an academic setting.

7.       Possess excellent interpersonal skills and written communication.

Preferred experience

Preference will be given to candidates who have:

        Prior experience as a Department Chair or other significant leadership position in an academic setting.

        Familiarity with CEPH accreditation standards and processes.

        The ability to promote increases in sponsored research activity among faculty.

        A clear forward-thinking vision to advance the reputation and visibility of the Department, School, and University.

        Expertise across interdisciplinary areas of health behavior, health promotion, health policy, health management, or health services research.

        Track record of community engagement activities, service to community/profession, collaboration, and research.

        Experience with program and curriculum development and revision.

        Experience with successful student recruitment and retention.

Applicants should submit each of the following required documents:

1.       Cover letter concisely addressing the required and preferred qualification bullets listed above,

2.       Current curriculum vita,

3.       Concise vision statement for department development, and

4.       Contact information for three (3) professional references.  

Application materials should be submitted via the ODU job portal at:  https://jobs.odu.edu/postings/21949 . Applications must be submitted by October 31, 2025 for full consideration.  The position will remain open until it is filled. Questions about the position should be directed to the search committee Chair, Dr. Brian C. Martin, at [email protected].