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Academic Department Chair Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dallas College

Department Chair, Mathematics

Dallas, TX · On-site

Administrator The Department Chair oversees the academic and operational activities of assigned programs within Dallas College. This includes managing faculty, scheduling courses, overseeing budgets ...

Tower Hill School

Math Department Chair

Wilmington, DE · On-site

Math Department Chair Tower Hill School seeks a qualified candidate for the position of Math ... The ideal candidate will have a strong academic background in mathematics, be versatile enough to ...

Dallas College

Department Chair, Mathematics

Dallas, TX · On-site

$92.70K/yr

The Department Chair provides academic leadership and operational oversight for all Adjunct Faculty and Dual Credit Credentialed Instructors across all campuses and service center locations. This ...

Meharry Medical College

Department Chair

Campus, IL · On-site

The Department Chair is responsible for providing the overall vision for the department, clinical ... Academic Leadership * Foster an environment conducive to teaching, research, and education.

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$66.5K

$102.7K

$155K

How much do academic department chair jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for academic department chair in the United States is $102,706.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Academic Department Chair, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Academic Department Chair, you need advanced academic credentials (typically a doctorate), leadership experience, and expertise in your discipline. Familiarity with academic management systems, budgeting tools, and accreditation processes is often required. Exceptional communication, conflict resolution, and strategic planning skills help foster collaboration and drive departmental growth. These abilities are crucial for effectively leading faculty, managing resources, and supporting both student and institutional success.

What are some of the common challenges faced by an Academic Department Chair, and how can they be addressed?

Academic Department Chairs often navigate the complexities of balancing administrative duties with faculty leadership and departmental advocacy. Common challenges include managing faculty conflicts, aligning departmental goals with institutional priorities, and handling budget constraints. Successful Chairs foster open communication, delegate responsibilities effectively, and engage in transparent decision-making to build trust within the department. Additionally, participating in leadership training and seeking mentorship from experienced Chairs can help address these challenges and promote a healthy departmental environment.

What are Academic Department Chairs?

Academic Department Chairs are faculty members who lead and manage an academic department within a college or university. They oversee curriculum development, faculty hiring and evaluation, budgeting, and departmental operations. Department Chairs act as a bridge between faculty, students, and higher administration, ensuring that the department meets its educational and research goals. They also represent the department in administrative meetings and play a key role in strategic planning.

What is the difference between Academic Department Chair vs Academic Program Coordinator?

AspectAcademic Department ChairAcademic Program Coordinator
Required CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in relevant field, leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's, organizational skills
Work EnvironmentHigher education institutions, administrative officesAcademic departments, administrative support roles
Employer & IndustryColleges and universities, academic institutionsColleges, universities, academic departments
Primary ResponsibilitiesOversee faculty, curriculum, departmental strategyAssist in program logistics, coordinate schedules, support faculty

The Academic Department Chair typically holds a leadership role with strategic and administrative responsibilities, requiring advanced credentials and experience. In contrast, the Academic Program Coordinator focuses on supporting program operations and logistics, often with less seniority and credential requirements. Both roles are essential in academic settings but differ in scope and authority.

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Academic Department Chair jobs near you
Infographic showing various Academic Department Chair job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $102,706 per year, or $49.4 per hour.
Academic Department Specialist (CMAD)

Academic Department Specialist (CMAD)

Morehead State University

Morehead, KY • On-site

$14.27/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Morehead State University rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

304th of 528 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Job Title
Academic Department Specialist (CMAD)
Posting Number
S01413P
Type of Appointment
FTF; Full-Time Fixed
Posting Category
Office/Paraprofessional
Funding Information
MSU Salary Grade
475
Salary Range for Job Posting
$14.27
Recruitment Recommendations
Anticipated Employment Start Date for Position
04/01/2026
Open Date
03/11/2026
Close Date
03/25/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Position details
Advertisement Wording
The department of Communication, Media, Art & Design at Morehead State University is accepting applications for a full-time position as an Academic Department Specialist. The anticipated start date is April 1, 2026.
Morehead State University is located in Morehead, KY, a designated Kentucky Trail Town, nestled in the Daniel Boone National Forest, in close proximity to Cave Run Lake. This location provides opportunities for a wide range of outdoor recreation activities. Morehead State University is recognized as one of the top public universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, Morehead State University is relatively close to a number of larger cities including Lexington, KY, Louisville, KY, and Cincinnati, OH. Morehead State University delivers a strong and affordable education for friendly, ambitious students who thrive in a student-focused learning environment defined by small class sizes and faculty committed to teaching and student success.
RESPONSIBILITIES: With limited supervision, coordinates office operations and reports directly to the chair of the academic department. The Academic Department Specialist has signing and approval duties as identified by the department chair, assists the departmental faculty, and serves as the initial point of contact for students and the public. Manages the office in accordance with departmental and university regulations and directives, performing administrative tasks as needed. The position requires the ability to anticipate tasks, work independently, and take initiative to complete them while simultaneously completing daily routine work. Must be knowledgeable of department and university programs in order to answer inquiries based upon administrative policy. Must be problem-solving oriented. Supervises work study students and/or clerical staff. Dealing with confidential matters is a critical aspect of this position.
REQUIREMENTS: Associate's degree or high school diploma (or GED equivalent) with two years of secretarial experience. Must have experience with and knowledge of various computer software related to department needs.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience in an academic setting or similar setting preferred. Additional experience beyond that minimally required. Specialized experience with payroll, budget monitoring, and the maintenance of bookkeeping records associated with office accounts. Bachelor's degree is desirable.
SPONSORSHIP: This position is not budgeted for Visa Sponsorship.
Morehead State University is a comprehensive, regionally focused university providing high quality instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The University has an enrollment of over 9,000 students. To apply, visit: https://moreheadstate.peopleadmin.com and complete the MSU Application for Employment along with a cover letter, resume, transcripts (unofficial), and the name and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin after the close date and continue until the position is filled. For preferred consideration, apply by March 25, 2026. Contact the Office of Human Resources at (606) 783-2097 should you have questions about our online application. Please contact James Masterson, the search committee chair, at j.masterson@moreheadstate.edu for questions regarding this position. MSU is an Equal Opportunity employer.
Organizational Relationships
The Academic Department Specialist reports to the Department Chair. The Academic Department Specialist supervises work-study students and/or other clerical staff. Interacts with administrators, faculty, staff, students, and the general public.
Physical Requirements
Working Conditions
The Academic Department Specialist works in a highly productive office environment with frequent interruptions and noise from visitors, students, faculty, staff, and callers. Pressure is expected on the job due to the frequency and volume of visitors and callers, and the need to meet multiple deadlines. Campus presence is expected during normal working hours; however, flexible work hours may be required during emergencies. This position requires initiative, sound judgment, a high degree of responsibility and independence, and the ability to handle confidential information. A high degree of accuracy is essential for the academic department specialist to be successful.
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