Salary commensurate with education and experience.
The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) seeks an innovative, visionary, and inclusive leader to chair the Department of World Languages and Literatures. This position begins in Fall 2026. We welcome applications from scholars and educators from all areas of the discipline of World Languages and Literatures.
The successful candidate will enhance departmental efforts to promote student success through mentorship and innovative pedagogies, including proficiency-based learning and preparation for careers. Additionally, the candidate will work to increase student enrollment in the department's major, minor, and certificate programs. Essential proficiencies for this position include supervision and mentorship of both faculty and professional staff and the ability to manage budget models to achieve department and university goals. We seek a leader who communicates effectively; advocates for each of the languages and programs represented in the department; builds strategic relationships throughout the university and the local and larger community; and works collaboratively with all stakeholders to develop visionary initiatives.
A PhD with a specialization in Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Chinese or a comparable field is required, with preference given to candidates able to teach an additional language.
The successful candidate will demonstrate effective leadership experience. They will have a proven track record of effective service, teaching and mentorship, and a distinguished record of scholarly excellence that is consistent with appointment at the rank of Full Professor with tenure. Effective leadership includes demonstrating a collaborative leadership style; engaging with colleagues within and beyond the department; communicating with transparency and clarity; identifying emerging department priorities; engaging in strategic planning and implementation; supporting faculty teaching, research, and creative activity; managing enrollment; and fostering growth in undergraduate programs and beyond.
All applications should include the following documents: (1) a cover letter that specifically addresses your qualifications, (2) current CV, (3) a statement articulating your leadership experience and philosophy, and (4) the names and contact information for three professional references outside the UAB Department of World Languages and Literatures.
Applications received by December 1, 2025, will receive full consideration.
The Department of World Languages and Literatures (DWLL) hosted the first International Symposium on Languages for Specific Purposes in 2012 and offers the only Spanish for Specific Purposes Certificate in Alabama and the Southeast. The DWLL has major tracks in both Applied Professional and Traditional Spanish and is the only department in the state with a major track in Japanese. The UAB DWLL was the first university department in Alabama to offer the Global Seal of Biliteracy proficiency rating to its students and now serves as a local test site to administer this proficiency credential.