Identifying a Search Committee

The search committee’s role is not to hire a faculty member but to recommend who should continue in the process. There are several roles engaged in the faculty search process that generally have the following responsibilities; however, there may be variations within academic units. 

• Hiring Manager: This role may be a department chair, a program director, a director, a Senior Associate Dean, an Associate Dean, a Dean, or another supervisory role within an academic unit. This role identifies the needs for the new faculty position, ensures the new position goes through the appropriate approval processes, appoints the search committee chair and members, and collaborates with the search committee chair regarding the process associated with the review of applications and recommendation of applicants.
• Search Committee Chair: Generally speaking, this role guides the committee throughout the recruitment process, oversees the professional and timely operation of the committee, leads committee meetings, serves as a liaison between the committee, hiring manager, and the HR recruiter, and updates all parties (including applicants) throughout the search process.
• Search Committee Member(s): This role works in partnership with the search committee chair to generate a strong pool of applicants, identify applicants who are qualified to meet the needs of the academic unit, are involved in the recruitment, interviewing, screening, and evaluation of applicants, and participate fully in committee activities.
• Human Resources Recruiter: This role is a member of the human resources recruitment team who is willing to help the search committee navigate all of the steps of the search and selection process, from the initial planning stage to the final hiring decision to share insights and best practices to ensure a smooth and effective hiring experience.

Best Practice: When establishing a search committee chair and members,

• Include individuals with different perspectives and expertise
• Consider the ranks and types of appointments within the faculty search committee
• Be mindful of overburdening committee members with heavy teaching, research, and service loads.