Chair of the School of Social Work at the University of St. Thomas
The University of St. Thomas, Minnesota’s largest private university, seeks an inclusive, dynamic, and visionary leader for its renowned School of Social Work. Grounded in social justice and inspired by Catholic social thought, our mission is to educate and engage students to learn, grow, and develop their professional skills as they prepare for social work practice in support of health, well-being, and the common good.
As part of the Morrison Family College of Health (MFCOH), the School of Social Work collaborates with the School of Nursing, the Graduate School of Professional Psychology, and the Department of Health and Exercise Science to prepare highly skilled and caring professionals who are culturally responsive, practice with ingenuity, and proactively advance health equity and social justice.
Reporting to the Vice President and Founding Dean, the Chair of the School of Social Work will provide mission-driven and values-based direction to distinguish the School of Social Work among a wide field of related programs while also providing leadership to further build the interprofessional collaboration between the schools and departments of the MFCOH. The role serves on the leadership team of the Morrison Family College of Health and is a critical leader in helping to set the strategic direction of the college.
Position Summary
The University of St. Thomas invites qualified candidates to apply for the Chair of the School of Social Work, a 9-month faculty appointment with administrative compensation which goes 12-months. This position will begin in the summer of 2026. Candidates will build on the strengths of the School of Social Work and chart a path forward. The Chair will support the success of all social work students, faculty, and staff through their leadership and guidance. They will have a track record of excellence in teaching and scholarship, success in operations and talent management, and experience in managing many stakeholders to provide clear communication and execute high-profile initiatives.
The Chair of the School of Social Work will play an integral role in establishing the vision, strategic priorities, program direction, and administration with the 2030 Strategic Plan. A mission-driven and values-based leader, the Chair will work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and key stakeholders to develop and execute the core and strategic priorities of the School of Social Work in alignment with the strategic plan of the MFCOH and the University.
The University of St. Thomas
The University of St. Thomas is a vibrant, mission-driven, urban university. The main campus is located in a historic St. Paul neighborhood with easy access to downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis. In addition to being Minnesota’s largest private university, we are one of the largest Catholic colleges or universities in the nation, with more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students at our eight schools and colleges. Learn more about life as a faculty member at St. Thomas.
The University of St. Thomas embraces belonging and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity, and personal attention call us to embody and champion an inclusive environment. The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic. This commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good. A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission.
Key Responsibilities
Teaching and Scholarship
Vision and Strategic Planning
Day-to-Day Operations
Supervision of Faculty and Staff
Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Management
Minimum Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
The annual salary range for this position is $83,000 - $122,000 with a 9-month contract, depending on determined rank. Additional administrative compensation for the Chair role is between $6200-$18,000 and depends on the scope of responsibility throughout a 12-month period. One term as Chair of SSW is 4 years, with this appointment renewable upon mutual agreement with formal consultation from the faculty.
The University of St. Thomas has provided a salary range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The specific salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.
How to Apply
Applicants must apply online at www.stthomas.edu/jobs. The application process is in two steps: first, creating an online profile and second, completing four application forms.
When first creating your oline profile, please upload the following:
Established in 1885, the University of St. Thomas is located in the major metropolitan area of Minneapolis-St. Paul, and is Minnesota’s largest private university. Its 10,000 students pursue degrees in a wide range of liberal arts, professional, and graduate programs.
Official job posting is available at https://www.stthomas.edu/jobs/.
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