Job Description / Duties

The Department Head serves as the department's chief academic and administrative officer and provides collaborative leadership that advances excellence across teaching, research, creative activity, clinical education, outreach, and service. The positions will have the opportunity to collaborate with the college’s Executive Council and help shape the administrative landscape of the college which includes a dean, two associate deans, nine academic units

Working closely with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and college leadership, the Department Head will
• articulate and implement a strategic vision for the department;
• support faculty success across teaching, scholarship, creative activity, and service;
• recruit, mentor, and retain outstanding faculty and staff;
• promote interdisciplinary research and external funding;
• strengthen undergraduate and graduate education;
• oversee budgeting, personnel, and departmental operations;
• maintain accreditation and continuous program improvement;
• cultivate partnerships across campus and throughout the Borderland; and
• foster a culture grounded in collaboration, innovation, transparency, accountability, and shared governance.

Qualifications / Required Skills

Required Qualifications

The successful candidate will possess:
• An earned doctorate in kinesiology, exercise science, athletic training, physical education, sport science, biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor behavior, sport and exercise psychology, dance science, or a closely related discipline.
• Qualifications sufficient for appointment as a tenured Associate Professor or Professor at New Mexico State University and the Department of Kinesiology.
• Demonstrated academic leadership experience at an accredited institution of higher education.
• Evidence of excellence in research, teaching, and service appropriate for appointment with tenure.
• Experience supporting faculty development and student success.
• Demonstrated administrative experience that may include budgeting, personnel management, accreditation, assessment, curriculum development, strategic planning, or related leadership responsibilities.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with experience
• leading multidisciplinary academic units;
• supporting doctoral education;
• mentoring faculty through promotion and tenure;
• securing external funding;
• leading accredited academic programs;
• fostering interdisciplinary research collaborations;
• supporting enrollment growth and academic innovation; and
• working at Research 1 universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, land-grant universities, or institutions serving diverse communities.

Additional Information

The Department of Kinesiology is well positioned for its next era of leadership.

Over the past several years, the department has sustained enrollment growth, expanded its faculty and staff, strengthened its academic programs, invested significantly in research infrastructure, and enhanced opportunities for student success. Today, the department stands on a strong foundation built by dedicated faculty, staff, students, and college leadership.

The next Department Head will have the opportunity to build upon that momentum by fostering faculty excellence, strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations, expanding research productivity and graduate education, cultivating strategic partnerships, and advancing the department's national reputation as a leader in kinesiology, athletic training, dance, and human movement science.

For an academic leader who enjoys mentoring faculty, supporting student success, developing innovative programs, and guiding a thriving department toward even greater distinction, this position offers an exceptional opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Apply now! https://careers.nmsu.edu/jobs/academic-department-head-las-cruces-new-mexico-united-states

For any questions about the position, please contact Christopher Aiken (aiken@nmsu.edu). Applications are due by September 15, 2026. The anticipated salary range for this position is $135,000 – 150,000 with a department head differential pay of $21,000. The anticipated start date in January 1, 2027 with a start date no later than July 1, 2027.

Salary: $135,000 – 150,000 with a department head differential pay of an additional $21,000

Contact Information

Christopher Aiken (aiken@nmsu.edu)