The University of Maryland
Director, School of Foreign Languages and Literatures
The University of Maryland is searching for an academic leader of its School of Foreign Languages and Literatures. The newly formed school brings together four previously independent language departments and offers formal courses in the following areas: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Quechua, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, and Yiddish. In addition, the director has supervisory responsibility over FOLA (program in less commonly taught languages), Language Media Services, the Language House, and the Business, Culture, and Languages Program. The director of the school reports directly to the Dean of Arts and Humanities and is assisted by Associate Directors for Academic and Administrative Affairs.
The director of the school is a 12-month, tenured faculty position. The individual who fills the position will also serve as chief administrative officer of the school. The director will promote superior research, teaching, and service, recommend faculty appointments and promotions to the dean, approve non-tenure appointments, encourage and facilitate programs and interdepartmental activities, and ensure cohesive and accessible advising to all students. The director will provide leadership both for broad operation and daily administration, and implement shared governance to the fullest extent possible. She/he will plan and administer the school's budget, act as liaison with University Advancement for fund raising initiatives, recommend staff reclassifications to Personnel Services, administer all staff and support functions, and ensure Affirmative Action policies and equity within the school. The director shall report annually to the School-Wide Assembly on the state of the school, including the school's budget.
The successful candidate must share the institutional vision of the new school as a unique enterprise in higher education, where research and teaching are focused on the myriad aspects of languages, literatures, and cultures. The candidate should be a senior scholar with expertise and a Ph.D. in languages and literatures or a related field and must see him/herself as a builder, committed to turning the school into an innovative and nationally recognized educational model for languages, literatures, and cultures. We seek a leader with strong academic orientation, demonstrated leadership skills with a record of outstanding achievement as a senior member of a leadership team, an appreciation for working within and contributing to a highly collaborative and diverse community that values excellence, an entrepreneurial spirit, and an ability to work productively with the public, including donors and alumni.
Women and minority applicants are encouraged to apply. Review of applications will begin on November 1st, and will continue until the position is filled. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
For best consideration, please send an application by the first of November that includes a letter summarizing qualifications and a current resume or vitae to:
Professor Jonathan Wilkenfeld
Search Committee Chair
Director, School of Foreign Languages and Literatures
Dean's Office, College of Arts and Humanities
The University of Maryland
1102 Francis Scott Key Hall
College Park, Maryland 20742