The Department of Leadership seeks to fill a full-time, 9-month Clinical Assistant Professor position with responsibilities in Leadership Studies, beginning August 16, 2027. The Leadership Studies program will be a new undergraduate program with an emphasis on providing students with a meaningful, experiential education in the field of Leadership. The degree will develop students' capacity to lead with integrity, think critically, and collaborate effectively across diverse contexts. Through interdisciplinary learning and applied practice, the program will prepare graduates to influence positive change, strengthen communities, and excel as ethical, adaptative leaders in a complex world. The program’s emphasis is new to the College of Education, and the individual in this position will play a critical role in developing the curriculum, identifying experiential learning placements, and creating a recruitment plan.
The successful candidate will contribute to the Department of Leadership’s broader instructional mission through teaching courses related to leadership development, group and team development, collaboration, and community-based leadership. Responsibilities may include teaching courses that examine how individuals and groups develop leadership capacity, function effectively as teams, navigate group dynamics, build collaborative relationships, and work collectively to address systemic needs in organizations and communities.
The position provides an opportunity for an innovative educator to contribute to the development our growing catalogue of undergraduate offerings while connecting experiential education with contemporary approaches to leadership, group development, community engagement, and collaborative practice.
ResponsibilitiesThe successful candidate will contribute to the Department of Leadership’s broader instructional mission through teaching courses related to leadership development, group and team development, collaboration, and community-based leadership. Responsibilities may include teaching courses that examine how individuals and groups develop leadership capacity, function effectively as teams, navigate group dynamics, build collaborative relationships, and work collectively to address systemic needs in organizations and communities.
The position provides an opportunity for an innovative educator to contribute to the development our growing catalogue of undergraduate offerings while connecting experiential education with contemporary approaches to leadership, group development, community engagement, and collaborative practice.
QualificationsDoctoral degree in an area that focuses on and includes a broad understanding of leadership (e.g., PhD/EdD in Educational Leadership, Higher Education Administration, Non-Profit Leadership, Organization Leadership, etc.)
Demonstrated experience with teaching, preferably at the collegiate level; leadership development, group development, and/or collaborative learning.
Strong interest in program building, including curriculum and partnership development.
Understanding of theories of leadership development and community building
Preferred:
• Ability to network with other University colleges and departments, community advocates, and local leaders
• Experience with both formal and non-formal/adult learning settings
• Experience with grant writing and securing external project funding
Skills Required
- Doctoral degree in an area focused on leadership, such as Educational Leadership, Higher Education Administration, Non-Profit Leadership, or Organizational Leadership
- Demonstrated teaching experience
- Experience with leadership development, group development, and/or collaborative learning
- Strong interest in program building, including curriculum and partnership development
- Understanding of leadership development and community-building theories
- Ability to network with university departments, community advocates, and local leaders
- Experience in formal and non-formal or adult learning settings
- Experience with grant writing and securing external project funding
What We Do
The University of Memphis is a public research university in Memphis, Tennessee, committed to academic excellence and community engagement. Driven by a philosophy of 'doing,' the institution leverages a diverse workforce of faculty and staff to foster a dynamic learning environment. The university provides a comprehensive range of educational opportunities and maintains a strong commitment to equal employment and institutional equity.
