Kansas State University’s College of Education invites applications for the Manhattan-based position of Chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. The Chair serves as the spokesperson and promoter for the Department both within and outside the University. This position offers an opportunity for providing dynamic leadership, encouraging creativity and innovation, and supporting colleagues in furthering the work of the Department in a Research I university.
We seek a candidate who is a dynamic leader who will continue the Department’s high standards and state and national reputation. This person should be dedicated to quality teaching and scholarly endeavors, and concerned for the professional development of faculty, staff, and students. The successful candidate will develop, lead, and support both on-campus and online programs and will be expected to provide key leadership in exploring and creating new programming and establishing new partnerships related to the Department’s expertise. The candidate will demonstrate well developed communication and interpersonal, organizational, and management skills.
The vision of the College of Education at Kansas State University is Preparing educators to be knowledgeable, ethical, caring decision makers for a changing world. This position, like all positions in the College of Education, is directly responsible for advancing this vision and that of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction is one of three departments in the College of Education. It is a complex department offering undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, many of which lead to state teaching licenses. The Department provides graduate-level programs in Curriculum and Instruction with emphasis in a variety of areas, some leading to a teaching license or endorsement. Additioanlly, the department provides undergraduate programs in elementary education, secondary education, and educational studies. All programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation and the Kansas State Department of Education. The chair serves as a liaison to accrediting efforts and supports initiatives to ensure programs meet state and national standards.
Kansas State University is a distinguished public, land-grant university renowned for the excellence of its faculty, students, staff, academic programs, research, and service. It is a three-campus system with the main campus located in Manhattan and the other campuses in Olathe and Salina. Online degree programs, professional development conferences and workshops, and enrichment classes and programs are offered through the K-State Global Campus. The university has an enrollment of approximately 21,000 students. The university embraces opportunity for all, encourages engagement, and is committed to the discovery of knowledge, the education of undergraduate and graduate students, and improvement in the quality of life and standard of living of those we serve. The community of Manhattan provides access to a wide range of educational, cultural, medical, and recreational programs and facilities. The local economy is bolstered by K-State and its proximity to Fort Riley, a large U.S. Army installation. Surrounded by the beautiful Flint Hills and home of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), Manhattan is located 50 miles west of the state capital of Topeka and 125 miles west of Kansas City.
For information about the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, see
https://coe.ksu.edu/academics/departments/curriculum-and-instruction/
This position is on-site.
All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Earned doctorate in curriculum and instruction, teacher preparation or related education field;
• Established record of successful leadership experience in undergraduate and graduate programs in higher education;
• Record of teaching and advising, research and creative endeavors, and service commensurate with the rank of Associate Professor and with the ability to be promoted to Professor in a timely manner;
• Effective communication, public relations skills, and collaboration with stakeholders;
• Ability to teach graduate level courses in the department;
• Established external funding record through grants and/or contracts;
• Successful experience in planning and developing programs, including innovative programs, with various partners;
• Effective management and organizational skills related to planning, budgeting, and administration; and
• Ability to engage faculty, staff, and students in professional development.
The degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Knowledge of CAEP and KSDE accreditation processes;
• PI experience on large, complex external funding initiatives;
• Understanding of the needs in the state and nation around rural and urban education;
• Experience in face-to-face and online teaching, advising, and scholarly activity; and
• Record of teaching and advising, research and creative endeavors, and service commensurate with the rank of Professor.
Sponsorship eligibility:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.
Please submit the following documents:
1. A cover letter describing how their educational background and professional experience meet the required and preferred qualifications for the position;
2. A curriculum vitae;
3. Transcripts showing the highest degree earned (unofficial transcripts may be submitted; official transcripts are required prior to an offer);
4. Three letters of reference from individuals who can speak to the specifics of the job description; and
5. Contact information for three different professional references.
Applications close on: February 27, 2026.
Commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements. An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.
Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.
Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.
The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.
*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.
To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.
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