Associate/Full Professor & Department Chair – English, Languages & Media

About the role

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) seeks an Associate or Full Professor to serve as Chair of the Department of English, Languages, and Media Studies (D‑ELMS). This 12‑month appointment reports to the Dean of the School of Education, Social Sciences, and the Arts and provides academic leadership for a vibrant, interdisciplinary department.

Key responsibilities

• Provide academic leadership and administrative oversight for the department.
• Foster excellence in teaching, research, creative practice, and community engagement.
• Lead curriculum development and program innovation in traditional and emerging fields such as Creative Writing, Digital Humanities, Documentary Production, and Communication Studies.
• Support faculty development, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Develop and implement strategic recruitment and retention initiatives.
• Manage departmental budget, scheduling, and assessment processes.
• Represent the department internally and to external stakeholders.
• Teach undergraduate courses in one or more core areas.

Required profile

• PhD or terminal degree in English, Media Studies, Communication, or a closely related field.
• Tenured Associate or Full Professor status (or equivalent qualifications).
• Demonstrated scholarly or creative output in the humanities.
• Experience in academic leadership or administration.
• Deep knowledge of current trends in literary and media studies.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to teach undergraduate courses in at least one core area.
• Familiarity with HBCU mission and values.

Required skills

What we offer

• Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, prescription, FSA).
• Retirement plans with state match and supplemental options.
• Life and long‑term disability insurance.
• Tuition remission, employee assistance program, and generous paid leave (22 days annual, 15 days sick, 3 days personal).
• Opportunities for professional growth and interdisciplinary collaboration.