Woodside Professorship in Economic Justice and Financial Social Work

The University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) invites applications for the Woodside Professorship in Economic Justice and Financial Social Work, a full-time, tenured, and endowed faculty position at the Associate or Professor level. Guided by the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s core values—respect and integrity; wellbeing and sustainability; innovation and discovery; and equity and justice—UMSSW is committed to advancing bold, community-engaged solutions to the most pressing social challenges.

The Woodside Professor will lead the Financial Social Work Initiative (FSWI) and serve as a key leader within the UMSSW in conducting research on economic justice, teaching our MSW students, and participating in community activities. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of economic justice and wealth-building strategies, working at the intersection of research, practice, policy, and community partnership.

Key Areas of Leadership

• Advance innovative approaches to economic justice, financial capability, and wealth building

• Lead and expand the Financial Social Work Initiative

• Conduct economic justice research that is grounded in our values and will have an impact

• Build and sustain local and national partnerships and coalitions

• Secure external funding to grow programs and conduct research

• Mentor faculty, staff, postdoctoral fellows, and students

• Contribute to policy change and public discourse at local, state, and national levels

UMSSW is one of the largest and most respected schools of social work in the U.S., consistently ranked among the top programs in scholarly productivity and reputation. Our School offers:

• A collaborative and supportive academic environment grounded in respect and integrity

• Opportunities for innovative, interdisciplinary research across the University of Maryland’s professional schools, including Medicine, Nursing, Law, Pharmacy, and Dentistry

• A strong infrastructure for doctoral and postdoctoral training, advancing discovery and leadership in the field

• Deep connections to state and federal partners, supporting policy-relevant and practice-informed scholarship

Located in downtown Baltimore, our School is part of a vibrant academic health and human services campus. In 2027, we will move into a new, state-of-the-art, net-zero building, reflecting our commitment to wellbeing, sustainability, and the future of social work education. https\://www.umaryland.edu/designandconstruction/capital-projects/projects/school-of-social-work-building-project/ 

We seek a visionary, collaborative leader who:

• Has a PhD in social work or a related field

• Brings significant experience in economic justice or financial capability work

• Demonstrates a strong record of leadership, research, teaching, and dissemination

• Is committed to equity, justice, and community-centered approaches

• Thrives in transdisciplinary, partnership-driven environments

For best consideration, applications should be submitted by October 15, 2026. The search will remain open until filled. Appointments are expected to begin July 1, 2027. 

Please include:

1.  A cover letter describing your research, scholarship, teaching, and commitment to equity and inclusion

2.  Curriculum vitae
3.  Three recent writing samples
4.  Contact information for three professional references

The hiring range for this position is $130,000 to $160,000.

UMB is a Maryland state university.  Applicants are expected to reside in or be able to relocate to the State of Maryland. Consideration may also be given to residents of the District of Columbia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia.  This residency requirement also applies to those performing telework.

UMB is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, protected veteran's status, or any other legally protected classification.

 If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contact [email protected]. Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. 

The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Read the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination for more information.