Program Chair & Ranked Faculty​/SME, Human

Position Information

NWHSU is seeking a dedicated and visionary leader to serve as the Program Chair for the launch and leadership of our new Master of Health Science (MHS) in Human Performance (HP) program. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Health and Wellness, this unique opportunity allows the successful candidate to play a foundational role in designing and building an innovative graduate program that prepares future professionals in the fields of sport science, human performance, performance analytics, rehabilitation, and sports medicine.

The MHS in HP is designed to prepare graduates to support performance, readiness, and recovery through interdisciplinary, evidence‑informed approaches. The curriculum integrates sport science theory, needs analysis, performance assessment and monitoring, and data interpretation to prepare students for careers in sport, clinical, tactical, and applied human performance settings. As a new developing program, this position offers a unique opportunity to shape the curriculum, learning experiences, and strategic direction of a program designed to meet the evolving needs of the human performance profession.

During the program development phase, the Program Chair will serve as a SME and will lead curriculum design, support accreditation and approval processes, establish industry partnerships, and contribute to strategic planning and program growth initiatives. Upon program launch, this position will transition into a Program Chair and Ranked Faculty teaching role, assuming responsibility for academic and operational leadership of the program, including curriculum oversight, teaching, faculty support, student success, and continuous quality improvement.

The ideal candidate combines academic expertise with real‑world experience in human performance and related disciplines. This individual will bring a vision for excellence in human performance education, a commitment to collaboration, and the ability to translate innovative ideas into a successful and sustainable academic program.

Bloomington, MN with flexibility to work 1-2 days per week remotely; must live locally and be able to come to campus as needed.

Initial Primary SME Responsibilities

• Design and development of the program in collaboration with the internal experts, faculty, instructional designers, and other internal/external stakeholders.
  • Build upon and refine current curriculum strategy, mapping, and degree framework
  • Identify, refine, and develop courses and content
  • Advise on industry trends, competencies, and workforce alignment
  • Support and advise Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) processes and mapping
  • Support and advise on certifications and credentialing pathways aligned with career outcomes
  • Recommend instructional materials, assessments, and delivery methodologies
  • Ensure academic rigor, industry relevance, and applied learning integration
  • Participate in scheduled planning meetings and curriculum reviews
  • Identify and connect additional SMEs or industry partners as needed
  • Support development of quality pathways, partnerships, and experiential opportunities

Program Chair/Ranked Faculty Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for the MHS Human Performance program and specialization areas.
• Support curriculum development, assessment, and continuous improvement processes.
• Ensure continuous curriculum alignment with Program Learning Outcomes, industry standards, and workforce expectations.
• Participate in program meetings, planning activities, and university initiatives.
• Budget management for the program.
• Teach assigned graduate‑level courses within the program.
• Facilitate student learning through instruction, feedback, assessment, and course engagement activities.
• Maintain awareness of emerging trends, technologies, and professional standards relevant to the field.
• Support program visibility, partnerships, and industry engagement opportunities.

• Master’s degree in Exercise Science, Human Performance, Athletic Training, Data Analytics (with a focus on human performance), or a closely related field, required
• Doctorate degree (e.g., PhD, DC, DPT, DAT, or other terminal degree) in…