Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

George Fox University is seeking a collaborative and mission-driven leader to serve as Department Chair of the Kinesiology Program within the Division of Health and Behavioral Sciences starting August 1st, 2026. As part of the College of Allied Health Sciences, the Department Chair will work closely with faculty in Kinesiology, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), and Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) programs to support interdisciplinary collaboration, student success, and program excellence. The Department Chair reports directly to the Associate Dean of the Division of Health and Behavioral Sciences and partners with University leadership to ensure the mission, goals, and strategic direction of the Kinesiology Program align with the broader mission of the University.

The successful candidate will demonstrate leadership marked by character, competency, calling, and collaboration. This includes exhibiting Christ-centered values and relational leadership; demonstrating strong academic, administrative, and professional expertise; embracing a commitment to Christian higher education and the mission of George Fox University; and fostering a collaborative, team-oriented approach that values diplomacy, service, and mutual respect.

About the Job:

George Fox University, a Christ-centered community, prepares students spiritually, academically, and professionally to think with clarity, act with integrity, and serve with passion. Professors teach all truth as God's truth, integrating all fields of learning around the person and work of Jesus Christ, bringing the divine revelations through sense, reason, and intuition to the confirming test of Scripture. As a Christ-centered community, George Fox University is an institution that values diversity as an essential dimension of God's design for human communities.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Providing leadership, management, and administration for the Kinesiology Program, including fostering effective collaboration among faculty, staff, and administration.
• Leading strategic planning, program development, and continuous improvement for the Kinesiology major and its concentrations in Exercise Science, Physical Activity and Human Performance, and Health Care Administration.
• Overseeing curriculum design, assessment, and program evaluation to ensure academic quality, disciplinary breadth, and alignment with accreditation and institutional standards.
• Monitoring student persistence and retention data and collaborating with the Associate Dean and faculty to implement strategies that support student success across all concentrations.
• Managing program budgets, resource allocation, and operational planning in support of departmental priorities and growth.
• Supporting the recruitment, selection, mentoring, and professional development of faculty and staff.
• Teaching within the area of expertise while maintaining excellence in instruction and student engagement.
• Advising and mentoring undergraduate students, including supporting pathways into DPT, OTD, and other graduate health programs through intentional vertical integration.
• Contributing to the scholarship agenda of the Kinesiology Program through research, collaboration, and student engagement in scholarly activity.
• Engaging in service to the Kinesiology Program, University community, and interprofessional initiatives through committee participation and collaborative activities.
• Supporting student recruitment and outreach efforts through participation in Bruin Preview, Scholarship Summit, and related events.
• Developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with healthcare professionals, community partners, and campus educators to advance program goals and opportunities for students.
• Communicating effectively and courteously with others, including employees, students, and the public, in a spirit of teamwork, respect and customer service.
• By actions, words, and lifestyle, be a Christian role model to students, whether through casual contact or in a formal supervisory role.
• Demonstrated experience working cross culturally with respect, appreciation and humility.
• Other duties as assigned.

We're looking for candidates who have:

• A Doctoral Degree.
• A minimum of four years of experience in a full-time academic appointment with teaching responsibilities.
• Past leadership experience in Christian Higher Education within the area of Kinesiology.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor faculty and students in the integration of faith and the health sciences, fostering a culture of spiritual formation within the department.
• A commitment to the University's Theology of Racial and Ethnic Diversity.
• A desire to work with a diverse community of students and employees who represent various cultures, backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, political views, and expressions of Christian faith.
• A personal commitment to Jesus Christ and express their Christian testimony in a church. In addition, employees agree to live in agreement with the Community Lifestyle Statement and affirm the theological commitments expressed in the Statement of Faith.

Salary and rank:

• Appointment at the Assistant Professor level is anticipated, though candidates with significant teaching experience at previous institutions may be considered for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor. Salary and benefits are competitive with comparable institutions.

Job information:

• Primary Work Location: Newberg Campus
• Working Conditions: Physical requirements are those of a typical office environment.
• Supervisor: Associate Dean of DHBS

Application procedure:

• Kindly apply through the Careers at George Fox University webpage.
• When completing the online application, please upload the following as Word or .pdf documents in the section marked Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae, and Essay Requirement:
  • Letter of Interest
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Philosophy of Teaching Essay
  • Concise Research Agenda Description
  • Integration of Faith and Learning Essay
    • George Fox University is committed to the idea that one of the primary responsibilities of Christian higher education is to help students develop a uniquely Christian worldview. As teachers and mentors, it is important for George Fox University faculty members to integrate Christian faith and principles in all aspects of their lives. As an essential part of the application process, the University will carefully consider your response to the following: In a one-page essay (about 300 words) describe your personal Christian faith, as well as how your faith informs your teaching, scholarship, and service (including service and leadership in your church and/or in Christian ministries).
• Other supporting materials may be requested at a later stage of the review process.

Contact information:

• Have questions or need assistance with our application process? Contact Georgefoxcareers@georgefox.edu

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply at once. Review of applications will begin on a rolling basis and continue until the position is filled. Please note: This position is subject to close at any time, regardless of the date on the posting.

George Fox University has been transforming student's lives for over 125 years. We are a Christ-centered community that prepares students spiritually, academically, and professionally to think with clarity, act with integrity, and serve with passion. Our vision is to be the Christian university of choice known for empowering students to achieve exceptional life outcomes. We put students first, with Christ at the center of our work, embracing change in order to improve. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to join us in creating transformational experiences for our students.

Being a part of our community means a commitment to faith and to a lifestyle that is consistent with the university's mission as described in the Statement of Faith and Community Lifestyle Statement on our website.

As a Christ-centered community, George Fox University is an institution that values diversity as an essential dimension of God's design for human communities. In seeking to become a more inclusive community, we especially encourage applications from women and candidates from racial and ethnic backgrounds that are underrepresented in our community.

What is most appealing about working at George Fox University?

• Faith-friendly: Our culture is unique for higher education. At George Fox you can pursue academic excellence while integrating scriptures, praying with staff members and students at work, and helping to make an impact on the world in a way that promotes Christian values.
• Unapologetically Christian: As a university, we have an enduring commitment to Christ, his kingdom and the truth of God's Word.
• Live out your calling: You are able to use your God-given talents and abilities while having a profound influence on students as they deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Equip students for kingdom work: You can be a part of helping students discover their callings, at which they will be able to glorify the kingdom of God just as they have seen you do.

For your personal well-being we offer:

• A strong Christian vision and mission-led organization with opportunities for your growth and contributions.
• Wonderful Christian peers and a vibrant student population.
• A beautiful, peaceful campus environment with areas to walk and coffee shops and restaurants close by.
• Free Fitness Center membership.
• Free parking.
• Rich employee benefit package.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

The university is an equal-opportunity employer. Every employee has the right to work in surroundings free from all forms of unlawful discrimination. It is our policy to make decisions about applicants and employees without regard to sex, age, race, color, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status to the extent prohibited by applicable local, state, or federal law. This prohibition applies not only to the recruiting and hiring process but to all facets of the employment relationship, including promotion, pay, training, classification, performance reviews, discipline, and termination.

George Fox is owned by the Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends Church and its mission is distinctly Christian. Employees are required to agree with and abide by the university's faith statement and its statement of community responsibilities. Within the context of this agreement and commitment, employment opportunities are otherwise available to all persons on the basis of their experience and skills.

In the recruiting process, the university may make special effort to solicit applicants from underrepresented groups. This is done as an affirmative step to increase the representation of these populations in the university's workforce to better match their availability in the labor market. Hiring decisions are based on the applicants' qualifications as they relate to the needs of the position.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs