Director, Department of Exercise Science

The Department of Exercise Science seeks a Director to serve as the academic and administrative leader of the Department of Exercise Science (EXSI), overseeing both the undergraduate Exercise Science program and the Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning program. The Director provides leadership in promoting excellence in teaching, learning, service, and research while ensuring that professional and accreditation standards are maintained. The position is responsible for the management, coordination, and supervision of daily departmental operations and functions in support of the mission of the University. This is a 10-month, tenure-track, campus-based position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and vision for creating a high-quality teaching and learning environment for future allied healthcare professionals.
• Promote initiatives that support healthy lifestyles and wellness across the University community.
• Develop and implement departmental goals aligned with the mission of the University and accreditation standards for allied health professions.
• Establish long-range and short-range strategic goals for the Exercise Science programs and monitor progress toward achieving those goals.
• Communicate program goals and evaluate program effectiveness through ongoing assessment and planning processes.
• Implement and review curriculum changes in accordance with institutional and accreditation expectations.
• Develop new academic program proposals and oversee program development initiatives.
• Evaluate academic programs and make recommendations for improvement and growth.
• Coordinate course scheduling in collaboration with the Dean and monitor faculty teaching loads.
• Monitor and track enrollment trends, major declarations, and curricular progression of Exercise Science students.
• Ensure compliance with accreditation and professional standards for the undergraduate Exercise Science program.
• Maintain and complete annual reporting requirements for CoAES and CAAHEP through data collection, survey deployment, advisory board coordination, and program outcome assessment activities.
• Lead assessment initiatives designed to improve student learning outcomes and program quality.
• Manage fiscal, operational, and human resources within the department, including faculty, graduate assistants, and work-study students.
• Develop and monitor departmental budgets and operational expenditures.
• Coordinate the allocation and utilization of instructional resources, equipment, facilities, and laboratory spaces.
• Assess faculty staffing needs and participate in hiring, onboarding, and orientation processes.
• Support faculty professional growth and development through mentoring, evaluation, and professional development planning.
• Assist faculty in addressing student needs and implementing effective instructional strategies.
• Collaborate with departments, schools, employers, agencies, and professional organizations to support curriculum development and program quality.
• Serve as a professional representative of the University through community outreach and public relations activities that promote the Exercise Science programs.
• Foster relationships with local, state, and national organizations to support experiential learning opportunities and program advancement.
• Perform other related duties as assigned that support the mission and goals of the department and University.

Future Strategic Initiatives:

• Pursue CASCE accreditation for the Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning program.
• Expand academic program offerings.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in Exercise Science or related discipline, with qualifications appropriate for faculty appointment.
• Experience in higher education teaching and academic administration.
• Knowledge of accreditation standards and assessment processes related to Exercise Science including CoAES, CAAHEP, and/or CASCE.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Earned Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the NSCA.
• Experience with budget management, faculty supervision, and curriculum development.
• Evidence of scholarly activity, professional service, and community engagement.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Candidates should complete the application and include a cover letter, Curriculum Vitae (CV), unofficial transcripts (official transcripts will be required upon employment), and the names of three references.

Competitive Benefits:

• Retirement matching
• Tuition remission
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Short term/long term disability
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid sick leave
• 17 paid holidays
• Wellness opportunities
• On-campus health center

Gardner-Webb University is a Christian university committed to helping individuals become more in faith, learning, and service. Located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, GWU offers the benefits of a close-knit community with easy access to Charlotte, Asheville, and the greater Greenville-Spartanburg region.

Founded in 1905 and rooted in the Baptist tradition, the University now serves approximately 3,000 students across more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs. As a Carnegie Doctoral/Professional institution, Gardner-Webb is dedicated to academic excellence, leadership development, and meaningful service to others.

Our community reflects a shared commitment to One Webb, creating an environment where people support one another, pursue their purpose, and work together to make a lasting impact. GWU attracts students from across the nation and around the world and competes in NCAA Division I athletics with 22 teams and more than 500 student-athletes.