Stephen F. Austin State University

Francis Marion University is seeking a director to develop, articulate, and implement a plan which establishes the Forestry Program as an integral part of a public comprehensive university that emphasizes a liberal arts curriculum as well preparation for professional programs at the baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral levels. The Director will oversee the Society of American Foresters (SAF) accreditation process that will include designing the curriculum and hiring faculty. As faculty for the inaugural Department of Forestry are hired the Director will assume academic and strategic leadership of the faculty and serve as department chair. He/she will oversee the operations of the Forestry Program including, consulting during the construction of the Environmental Science and Forestry Building (ESFB), establishing professional partnerships within the Pee Dee region, and recruiting students.

Required qualifications and skills: • Ph.D., or terminal degree, in forestry, natural resources, or closely related disciplines. • Extensive research, teaching, service, or practical experience in her/his discipline. • Knowledge of current practices in forest management and related applied fields.

Preferred qualifications and skills: • Prior academic administrative role. • Demonstrated experience with the SAF accreditation process. • Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships within FMU and between University and Community constituents. • Ability to present information to diverse audiences.

Salary and Benefits: Salary and academic rank will be competitive and commensurate with the level of experience.

The state of SC defined-benefit and defined-contribution retirement plans; health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans; and investment options are highly competitive with FMU supplementing the employee’s contribution by 9% of the individual’s gross income to either retirement plan. Current participants in the defined-contribution retirement plan are TIAA, Empower/Mass Mutual, AIG, and VOYA.

Anticipated start date: August 2025