Department Head of Social Work

University of Northern Iowa seeks a Department Head of Social Work
Click here to view position profile: https://summitsearchsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/UNI_Dept Head_Social Work_Profile.pdf
Location: Cedar Falls, Iowa

The Position:
The University of Northern Iowa invites applications for the position of Department Head of Social Work. The Department Head reports to the Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Responsibilities:
The Department Head is responsible for providing leadership and vision as well as oversight of the general operations of the department, including the departmental budget, class schedules, evaluation of faculty, and supervision of departmental staff.

Qualifications:

• Masters degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education accredited program and a doctorate in social work or related field.
• Record of teaching and scholarly achievements commensurate with a tenured appointment at the rank of associate or full professor.
• Evidence of academic administrative, or supervisory experience.
• Experience with student recruitment and successful retention.
• Understanding of CSWE accreditation.
• Two years of post-MSW practice experience is preferred.

About the Department of Social Work:
The Department of Social Work at the University of Northern Iowa is a dynamic department within the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, with an open and friendly culture dedicated to serving students from diverse backgrounds. The Department features well-regarded programs, a dynamic faculty, and many opportunities for innovation.

CSWE-accredited programs serve approximately 130 BSW and around 60 MSW students. The MSW program consists of both a foundation (online only) and an advanced standing (online and in-person) track. Courses are delivered by eight tenured or tenure-track faculty, a full-time instructor, a full-time field director, and several long-standing adjunct faculty.

The department is housed in Sabin Hall, a renovated building originally constructed in 1912 in the center of campus near the student union and library. Sabin features modern offices with access to lab and conference space. The department has a kitchenette with an informal gathering room, as well as a gathering space for students. Social work courses are taught in the building or in neighboring buildings.

The department is supported by active community partnerships in various capacities around the state, including field placements, cooperative education, and volunteer opportunities. These partnerships also provide opportunities for faculty that include research, advisory board membership, guest speaking, conference keynotes, and consultation services.

Mission
The mission of the University of Northern Iowa's Masters of Social Work Program is to provide students with a trauma-informed foundation that prepares them to identify, evaluate, and address the personal, social, and systemic conditions that perpetuate individual, family, organizational, and community-based trauma using evidence-informed interventions. Curriculum is based on the perspective that effective change within this paradigm requires upholding the dignity and worth of the individual, advocating for human rights and social and economic justice, challenging oppression, promoting human relationships, practicing multi-cultural responsiveness, and identifying factors that mitigate the effects of trauma and enhance strengths, competencies, and resilience. Students obtain an in-depth understanding of these values and practices through in-person and online coursework and instruction that promotes critical thinking, self-reflection, and ethical decision-making, along with intensive experiential learning through local, state, national, and international field placements.

About University of Northern Iowa:
The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) is one of three (3) public universities in the state and the only regional, comprehensive university. UNI offers more than 90 degree programs to over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students with the goal of providing high-quality education, purposefully guiding students to find and develop their strengths, and preparing them for success after college. Building on its historic excellence in teacher education, the university has developed outstanding programs in business, natural sciences, humanities and fine arts, and social and behavioral sciences, with advanced degrees available in many programs. Located in Cedar Falls/Waterloo, the campus is comprised of more than 40 buildings on 940 acres and offers faculty, facilities, and academic choices characteristic of a much larger university while retaining a friendly, small college atmosphere on a park-like campus. The university is consistently ranked second in the Top Public Schools Regional University (Midwest) category by U.S. News and World Report.

The university includes the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, which features performances by the School of Music, the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra, and national touring acts. Panther athletes compete at the NCAA Division I level in 15 different sports. A Wellness and Recreation Center, featuring multiple courts, exercise rooms, two swimming pools, and a climbing wall, is available to students, staff and community members.

UNI honors the ancestral stewards of the land on which their university rests. Among these stewards are the Iowa, Sauk, Fox, Sioux, Omaha and Ho-Chunk, as well as those tribal nations who are contemporary caretakers of land in Iowa, including Meskwaki: Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa.

Vision
UNI serves the public good through excellence in teaching and learning, scholarship, and service.

Check out the 2023-28 Strategic Plan.

Why Apply?

• Strong leadership in the College, including a long-serving dean with a commitment to social work programs and a presidential administration invested in these programs.
• A financially stable and thriving College considered integral to the institutions mission and strategy.
• Significant opportunity to lead in this role, not just manage the Department Head will bring vision, set strategic direction, and mentor/motivate the team to advance initiatives and expansion of the programs.
• Very competitive employee benefits, including multiple health insurance plan options, a strong local healthcare service environment, and access to two top hospital systems.
• High quality of life in a safe, friendly, affordable community with abundant social and recreational opportunities.

To Apply:
A confidential review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled. Please apply online by submitting a PDF version of your resume/CV and a cover letter outlining your interest, related qualifications and experience, and your approach to academic leadership. For full consideration, individuals are encouraged to apply by October 31^st.

To Apply Online: https://theapplicantmanager.com/jobs?pos=su474

For more information or to offer recommendations or nominations:
Cori Anderson, BA
Senior Consultant
Summit Search Solutions, Inc.
828.545.4508
canderson@summitsearchsolutions.com

UNI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University encourages applications from persons of color, women, individuals living with disabilities, and veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or any other basis protected by federal and/or state law.

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