Program Chair & Ranked Faculty/SME, Human Performance

Why NWHSU?

When you join NWHSU you're not simply doing a job, you're making a difference. You'll see passion for our mission, our work, and our future growth opportunities all around you. Culture is extremely important to us. We're a small enough organization that you'll get to know everyone, have a voice, make an impact, and feel the enthusiasm of everyone you work with. Yet we're large enough to offer exceptional benefits including a university contribution to our 403(b), generous PTO and a flexible environment. It's all part of our person-centered philosophy- and it's an ideal blend and a superb organization to expand your career.

What can you expect?

The person-centered approach we take to healthcare education and practice extends to our NWHSU team. That means:

• Every role and individual contributes to our success. No matter what department you work in, you'll see passion for our work and respect for one another.
• Belonging is important to us - we all bring different backgrounds, perspectives, and value to the organization. And that makes us stronger.
• We're committed and engaged. You'll see that in every meeting, every discussion and everything we do. It shows and we're proud of it.
• We don't simply say we have a team environment - we live it. Your ideas and suggestions matter. We listen to one another and when something makes sense, we do it.
• We've still got that entrepreneurial spirit, even though we've been around for 80+ years. And we like that.
• We build in flexibility in roles whenever we can. We work in a hybrid environment. Each manager works with their team members to ensure there is a healthy work-life balance.
• Your personal and professional work opportunities are important to us - we provide these benefits so you can continue to excel in your career.

Our goal? Preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals to deliver and advance healthcare.

Position Information:

NWHSU is seeking a dedicated and visionary leader to serve as the Program Chair for the launch and leadership of our new Master of Health Science (MHS) in Human Performance (HP) program. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Health and Wellness, this unique opportunity allows the successful candidate to play a foundational role in designing and building an innovative graduate program that prepares future professionals in the fields of sport science, human performance, performance analytics, rehabilitation, and sports medicine.

The MHS in HP is designed to prepare graduates to support performance, readiness, and recovery through interdisciplinary, evidence-informed approaches. The curriculum integrates sport science theory, needs analysis, performance assessment and monitoring, and data interpretation to prepare students for careers in sport, clinical, tactical, and applied human performance settings. As a new developing program, this position offers a unique opportunity to shape the curriculum, learning experiences, and strategic direction of a program designed to meet the evolving needs of the human performance profession.

During the program development phase, the Program Chair will serve as a SME and will lead curriculum design, support accreditation and approval processes, establish industry partnerships, and contribute to strategic planning and program growth initiatives. Upon program launch, this position will transition into a Program Chair and Ranked Faculty teaching role, assuming responsibility for academic and operational leadership of the program, including curriculum oversight, teaching, faculty support, student success, and continuous quality improvement.

The ideal candidate combines academic expertise with real-world experience in human performance and related disciplines.This individual will bring a vision for excellence in human performance education, a commitment to collaboration, and the ability to translate innovative ideas into a successful and sustainable academic program.

Work Location: Bloomington, MN with flexibility to work 1-2 days per week remotely; must live local and be able to come to campus as needed.

Duties:

Initial Primary SME Responsibilities,

• Design and development of the program in collaboration with the internal experts, faculty, instructional designers, and other internal/external stakeholders.
  • Build upon and refine current curriculum strategy, mapping, and degree framework
  • Identify, refine, and develop courses and content
  • Advise on industry trends, competencies, and workforce alignment
  • Support & advise Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) processes and mapping
  • Support & advise on certifications and credentialing pathways aligned with career outcomes
  • Recommend instructional materials, assessments, and delivery methodologies
  • Ensure academic rigor, industry relevance, and applied learning integration
  • Participate in scheduled planning meetings and curriculum reviews
  • Identify and connect additional SMEs or industry partners as needed
  • Support development of quality pathways, partnerships, and experiential opportunities

Program Chair/Ranked Faculty Responsibilities,

• Provide leadership and oversight for the MHS Human Performance program and specialization areas.
• Support curriculum development, assessment, and continuous improvement processes.
• Ensure continuous curriculum alignment with Program Learning Outcomes, industry standards, and workforce expectations.
• Participate in program meetings, planning activities, and university initiatives.
• Budget management for the program.
• Teach assigned graduate-level courses within the program.
• Facilitate student learning through instruction, feedback, assessment, and course engagement activities.
• Maintain awareness of emerging trends, technologies, and professional standards relevant to the field.
• Support program visibility, partnerships, and industry engagement opportunities.

What you need to have?

• Master's degree in Exercise Science, Human Performance, Athletic Training, Data Analytics (with a focus on human performance), or a closely related field, required
• Doctorate degree (e.g. PhD, DC, DPT, DAT, or other terminal degree) in Exercise Science, Human Performance, Athletic Training, Physical Therapy, Chiropractic, Data Analytics, or a closely related discipline, preferred
• Relevant industry certifications such as CSCS, CCSP, DACBSP, FICS/ICSC, ATC, or other specialization-related credentials, required
• Professional licensure relevant to the specialization area (e.g. DC, PT, ATC), preferred
• Experience in sports science, human performance, rehabilitation, performance analytics, sports medicine, or a related field, required
• Teaching, curriculum development, leadership, and higher education experience including leading faculty, supporting program operations, and collaborating across interdisciplinary teams, preferred

Other Specialized Knowledge/Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks in a logical and efficient manner.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty and other stakeholders.
• Ability to build and foster positive relationships across the institution using sound judgement and diplomacy.
• Proven capacity to coordinate complex activities while maintaining a high-level attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn and effectively use university enterprise management systems and other relevant technologies.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, with a commitment to supporting academic excellence and institutional goals.

Does this sound like the type of role you could excel in? Where your background and experience may contribute to the growth of our organization? A role where you can add your passion and enthusiasm, and make a difference? If you believe you have the education and experience to meet the qualifications for this role, we'd value talking to you. Non-traditional backgrounds are welcome.

Compensation:

$60,000-$70,000 (Assistant Professor); Associate or Full Professor compensation and academic rank will be commensurate with the candidate's education, related professional experience, and internal equity considerations.

NWHSU is committed to fair and equitable pay practices and does not base compensation decisions on gender or any other protected status.

Our Benefits:

NWHSU is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to meet your current needs and anticipate your future needs. Our generous time away helps you enjoy a healthy work life rhythm.

• Paid Time Off (earn 27days per year)
• Holiday (16days in 2026)
• 403(b) Plan
• Medical, dental, vision
• Discounted and free on-site clinic services for you and your family
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Life insurance
• EAP and other wellness benefits
• Tuition Reimbursement for external programs
• Tuition Reduction for internal programs (includes family members)
• Employee discount at our campus store
• On-site fitness center

NWHSU is a nonprofit organization and full-time employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) through the U.S. Department of Education. For further information please click on this link.

NWHSU Overview:

Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU) based in Bloomington, MN, has been a national leader in person-centered healthcare education for over 80 years. The University has more than 10,000 graduates throughout the U.S. and in 21 countries. For more information, please visit nwhealth.edu.

We offer a diverse range of evidence-informed programs and experiences including: Doctor of Chiropractic, Doctor of Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Functional and Integrative Nutrition, and Integrative Care, and undergraduate offerings in massage therapy, health sciences, and allied health professions – medical laboratory science, medical laboratory technology, radiation therapy, and radiologic technology. We are a mission- and vision- driven university leading the way in person-centered care.

How to Apply:

Complete our online application and attach your cover letter and resume.

If you have any questions submitting your application, please contact talent@nwhealth.edu.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Northwestern Health Sciences University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment that values the diversity of its employees and does not discriminate against any employee or candidate. Further, NWHSU prohibits all forms of discrimination is any education program or activity that it operates. The Notice of Non-Discrimination is located on our website. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Please refer to our website for further information.