Director – School of Geography, Development & Environment

The University of Arizona is seeking a Director for the School of Geography, Development & Environment, starting Fall 2024. The role involves leading research and scholarship, mentoring students, and enhancing community engagement. Candidates should have a strong academic record, leadership experience, and a commitment to diversity and collaboration. The position is based in Tucson, AZ, and applications are accepted until filled, with a preference for submissions by December 1, 2023.
Position Highlights

The School of Geography, Development & Environment invites applications for the position of Director starting Fall 2024.

The position offers the opportunity to lead a vibrant and interdisciplinary community into the next generation of research and scholarship in Geography. The successful candidate will have a distinguished record of scholarship and academic achievement; demonstrated leadership and administrative skills and experience, and a demonstrated commitment to collaboration and engagement with diverse scholars and stakeholders. As a faculty member, the candidate will be expected to maintain a strong and productive research program, effectively mentor and advise graduate students, exhibit excellence in graduate and undergraduate teaching, and demonstrate commitments to service to the university and public engagement and outreach. The candidate will also help to develop innovative approaches to enhancing student engagement, fostering diversity, and expanding collaborations with community and business partners.

Field of specialization for this position is open, but preference will be given to candidates who value the full range of theories and methods in Geography (human, physical, GIST), who have strong commitments to interdisciplinary engagement, and who complement the School’s existing intellectual strengths and pursuits.

Applications received by December 1, 2023 will be fully considered. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Senior Associate Professors are encouraged to apply, subject to having a record commensurate with immediate promotion to full professor at the time of appointment.

The School of Geography, Development & Environment is a vibrant and diverse working and learning environment, offering six undergraduate degrees: BA and BS in Geography, BS in Urban and Regional Development, BA in Environmental Studies, BA in Food Studies, and an online BS in Geographic Information Systems Technology, as well as undergraduate minors in Geography, Urban and Regional Development, Geographic Information Science, and Environmental Studies. The School also offers graduate degrees in Geography, both MA and PhD, and a professional master’s degree in Geographic Information Systems Technology. Further information about SGDE can be found at geography.arizona.edu.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; sick leave and holidays;UA/ASU/NAU tuition reductionfor the employee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Duties & Responsibilities
• The Director is expected to be an engaged and visionary leader who can advance the School’s mission by attracting, mentoring, and retaining the highest quality faculty, expanding and broadening the School’s research activities and funding, maintaining innovative educational programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, recruiting and retaining excellent and committed staff, and building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community within SGDE. Fostering effective communication within the School and among university communities and through public engagement and outreach are also key responsibilities of the position.

Minimum Qualifications
• A Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Geography or closely related field
• Hold the rank of full professor with tenure at the time of appointment
• Demonstrated leadership and administrative skills and experience
• Demonstrated experience with and commitment to collaboration and engagement with diverse scholars and stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications
• A strong and productive research program
• Effective mentoring and advising of graduate students
• Excellence in graduate and undergraduate teaching