Faculty / Chair of Health Sciences

Description

DEPARTMENT: 100 – Academics / STATUS: Part-Time, 12-Month - Full-Time in July 2027 / CLASSIFICATION:Exempt / RANK: Faculty rank depends upon degree and experience / LAST UPDATED: February 2026 

Life Pacific University (LPU) seeks candidates for a full-time faculty position to Chair/Direct our Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. This is a new, traditional undergraduate program (TUG) offered on campus in San Dimas, CA. For over 100 years, Life Pacific University has educated a diverse student body for service to God in the Church, the workplace, and the world. The University is looking for a program chair who shares this mission and has a heart to lead our effort to serve our students and the broader community. 

The preferred start-date for this part-time position is July 1, 2026. During the first year, the role will primarily focus on program design and accreditation, requiring only part-time work. The Office of Academic Affairs plans to transition this role to full-time on July 1, 2027. The successful candidate will demonstrate knowledge and experience in health science professions, as well as demonstrate educational leadership expertise. Professional licenses would be a plus, and experience of teaching at the collegiate level is expected. 

The position involves both designing courses and overseeing faculty as the founding chair of Health Sciences. We are looking for someone who can expand our TUG offerings and provide collaborative leadership to a team of faculty. This is a full-time teaching position with release time for administrative tasks. Faculty rank and compensation depend upon degree and experience. The program is on campus, and the faculty member will be expected to be physically present for work at the Life Pacific University San Dimas location. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION 

The Program Chair oversees one or more academic programs including assigned faculty and staff. The Chair’s primary role is in giving significant time and effort to program development by leading and managing the development process, evaluating and assessing programs, and improving curricular offerings. In addition, the Chair oversees faculty training and supervision, budget oversight, and interdepartmental/intradepartmental communication. Finally, the Chair works with other university offices to meet enrollment and retention goals by assisting them in building relationships with external constituents, providing input on content for external communication, and championing the program for long-term sustainability. The position holds academic faculty status and rank. 

The Chair reports to the Dean of Arts and Sciences and the Provost. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serves as a member of the Academic Faculty and on various committees as needed. 
• Chair the Program Committee/s. Schedule and lead meetings for a minimum of once occurrence per month that provide oversight for all personnel, curriculum, and assessment.  
• Teaches 24 units in an academic year (release time applies for program administration).  
• Oversees and directs each aspect of the program, including budgetary planning, faculty course schedules, the design of new courses, and approval of course outlines each semester. 
• Oversee internship site development, student placement, and student/site completion. 
• Oversees the remodeling, stocking, and maintenance of the Science Lab. 
• Promotes the program/s and assures that recruitment and retention targets are achieved in conjunction with the Admissions office. 
• Oversees the recruitment and training of new full-time and adjunct faculty in the program/s. Serves as mentor for new full-time faculty. 
• Models best instructional practices in the classroom setting and guides colleagues in adopting and improving those practices. 
• Leads associated faculty in program assessment including maintaining the Assessment Plan and monitoring progress on annual assessment and Program Review recommendations.  
• Ensures the student experience including accurate advising, robust out of class activities, and career counseling.  
• Engages in scholarly and/or professional activities.  
• Actively integrates Christian faith into professional practice and models caring relationships and Christian example for students as an effective role model of a Christian life. 
• Accomplish other duties assigned by the Dean of Arts and Sciences and Provost. 

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 

• Holds an earned terminal degree in a relevant field (Candidates who are ABD or who hold a master’s degree in relevant fields with significant experience in education may be considered). 
• Possesses experience overseeing a department, group, program, etc. 
• Has a demonstrated history of successful teaching in higher education. 
• Shows willingness and ability to apply the Christian worldview in course design, instruction, and advising. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills. 
• Excellent communication skills and writing ability. 
• Demonstrated commitment to working with and engaging diverse students and colleagues. 
• Computer knowledge/skills: working knowledge of Windows-based computers; Microsoft Word, Excel. 
• Committed to establishing and maintaining positive relationships with students, faculty, and staff, and the general constituency of Life Pacific. 
• Demonstrated Christian faith consistent with Life Pacific University commitment to The Foursquare Church Denomination. Faculty must align to our Pentecostal/Charismatic and Wesleyan Arminian stance (must be able to sign Life Pacific’s Statement of Faith and align with its position on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity). 

This job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee and is subject to revision when necessary. 

Candidates must be Christian believers holding a Pentecostal/charismatic perspective and will be required to adhere to the University’s statement of faith and mission. Though not required, this position is optionally eligible to apply for appointment as a Foursquare minister under certain conditions. If appointed as a minister, the employee will be available to provide pastoral care and prayer. In addition, s/he may be called upon to perform sacerdotal duties upon request of the University. 

No person shall be denied employment at Life Pacific University on the basis of gender, race or ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected classification, except as may be permitted by law.