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Department Chair Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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Department Chair information

See Colorado salary details

$69.9K

$108K

$163K

How much do department chair jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for department chair in Colorado is $107,998.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,300.00 and $142,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a department chair?

Department Chairs are faculty members who lead and manage academic departments at colleges or universities. They are responsible for overseeing faculty, setting departmental goals, managing budgets, coordinating course offerings, and representing their department within the institution. Department Chairs also serve as a liaison between faculty, administration, and students, ensuring the smooth operation and development of the department. Their role often involves balancing administrative duties with teaching and research responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a department chair?

To thrive as a Department Chair, you typically need advanced academic credentials (often a PhD), leadership experience, and a strong record of teaching and research in your discipline. Familiarity with academic management systems, budgeting tools, and accreditation processes is important, as are any relevant professional certifications. Exceptional communication, conflict resolution, and team-building skills help foster a positive departmental culture and manage faculty and student needs. These skills and qualities are critical for effective departmental leadership, strategic planning, and ensuring academic excellence.

What are some of the primary challenges faced by a department chair in balancing administrative duties with faculty leadership?

As a Department Chair, one common challenge is effectively managing administrative responsibilities—such as budgeting, scheduling, and policy compliance—while also serving as a leader and advocate for faculty and students. Balancing these often competing demands requires strong organizational skills, clear communication, and the ability to delegate tasks appropriately. Department Chairs must also foster a collaborative and inclusive departmental culture, all while advancing academic goals and supporting professional development among faculty. This dual role can be demanding but offers opportunities for meaningful impact within the institution.

What is the difference between Department Chair vs Program Director?

AspectDepartment ChairProgram Director
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees in the field, often with academic credentialsUsually holds relevant degrees and certifications, often with specialized training in program management
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, overseeing faculty and departmental operationsEducational or training programs, managing curriculum and student outcomes
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, academic settingsEducational institutions, nonprofit organizations, training centers
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for leadership roles within academic departmentsCompared for overseeing specific programs or courses within institutions

The main difference is that a Department Chair leads an entire academic department, managing faculty and departmental strategy, while a Program Director focuses on managing specific programs or courses within an institution. Both roles require relevant credentials and involve leadership, but their scope and responsibilities differ.

What are popular job titles related to Department Chair jobs in CO?

For Department Chair jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Department Chair jobs near you
Infographic showing various Department Chair job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,998 per year, or $51.9 per hour.

Pediatric Rehabilitation Department Chair, Vice Chair of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, an...

University of Colorado

Aurora, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

University Of Colorado Boulder rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

149th of 621 rated colleges and universities

Job description

University of Colorado Anschutz

Department: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Job Title: Pediatric Rehabilitation Department Chair, Vice Chair of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Associate Professor or Professor (open rank)

Position #:00848866 - Requisition #: 40068

Job Summary:

The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in the CU School of Medicine is seeking a dynamic leader to direct the Pediatric Rehabilitation Department at Children's Hospital Colorado (CHCO) and serve on the Department's Executive Committee as a Vice Chair.  This position may hold an Associate Professor or Professor level faculty appointment (open rank).

The CHCO Pediatric Rehabilitation Department Chair is the director of the Rehabilitation Program at Children's Hospital Colorado appointed by, accountable to and serving at will of the CHCO CEO, in consultation with the appropriate University of Colorado School of Medicine Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department Chair, and the CHCO In-Chief.  The CHCO Department Chair is responsible for working with CHCO senior management and CUSOM leadership in achieving the CHCO and CUSOM strategic goals including fostering academic and clinical program growth and educational excellence, and ensuring the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of patient care.  The CHCO Department Chair will be reviewed annually by the CHCO In-Chief with input from the CHCO CMO and other CHCO leadership, nursing and other applicable staff, and CUSOM faculty in pediatric specialties, as appropriate, and others as applicable.

This position reports directly to the Department Chair and appropriate CHCO In-Chief with dotted line reporting to the CHCO CMO.

Key Responsibilities:

         Provides strategic and operational leadership and program coordination in clinical service, research, teaching and fiscal management for the programs at CHCO.

         Works in partnership with the CHCO management/administration and nursing leadership, in assessment of current strategy and operations, analysis of growth and business opportunities, financial management and program development.

         Partners collaboratively with key CHCO leadership in nursing, quality improvement, compliance, ancillary services and other clinical, administrative and support services to ensure safe, effective and optimal care delivery to patients.

         Fulfills all obligations related to medical staff office requirements regarding credentialing, privileging and ongoing performance evaluation of faculty and other CHCO medical staff members.

         Is responsible for recruitment and retention of CUSOM faculty and staff after positions have been approved.

         Works with CHCO leadership and CUSOM Departmental Administration regarding Program and Provider Support per the CHCO PPS model.

         Evaluates and oversees appropriate GME education and training programs, and makes recommendations for GME resource requirements.

         Partnering with CHCO Quality and Patient Safety, leads/oversees Departmental quality and safety program that evaluates and provides optimal clinical effectiveness and outcomes.

         Works with Hospital management in meeting expectations and regulations of external regulators and agencies.

         Partners with CHCO Child Health Research leadership regarding CHCO research operations and funding.

         Maintains strong working relationships with CUSOM and University of Colorado Medicine leadership.

         Other job functions not specifically outlined which are related directly to CUSOM and CU Medicine responsibilities may be delineated by CUSOM and CU Medicine leadership.

Work Location:

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, Colorado.

Why Join Us:

Thank you for considering joining our team. The fields of rehabilitation believe in using your whole body to improve your human performance. The department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Colorado (which we affectionately call "CU PM&R") is at the forefront of using team science, regenerative medicine, and exercise treatments. It is uniquely situated in the state-of-the-art CU Anschutz Medical Campus, the first campus in the nation to be built from the ground up to bring research, education, and patient care into one visionary collaboration. Like the Rocky Mountains that provide a backdrop of our institutions, CU PM&R is on the rise! We combine the disciplines of rehabilitation medicine, physical therapy, psychology, speech/language therapy, and rehabilitation sciences into a singular department. The University of Colorado Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation offers an exceptional learning and working environment. Our team of clinicians, researchers, educators, and administrative staff are dedicated to the advancement of physical medicine and rehabilitation and are committed to providing quality patient care. Our department is equipped with the latest technology and specialized equipment, enabling us to provide comprehensive care to our patients.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

  • Medical: Multiple plan options
  • Dental: Multiple plan options
  • Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
  • Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
  • Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
  • Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
  • Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
  • Holiday Days: 11/year
  • Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
  • ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Associate Professor:

         MD/DO from an accredited institution

         Board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Board certified in Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine

         7 years experience in Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine

         2 years experience in a medical leadership role

Professor:

         MD/DO from an accredited institution

         Board certified/Board eligible in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Board certified/Board eligible in Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine

         10 years experience in Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine

         3 years experience in a medical leadership role

Preferred Qualifications

Associate Professor:

         3 years experience in a medical leadership position

Professor:

         5 years experience in a medical leadership position

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

         Clinically active and respected

         Able to motivate excellence and teamwork among all faculty, providers, and staff, while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.  Exemplary leadership with regards to conflict resolution among all team members

         Advocate of excellence in education

         Advocate of excellence in research

         Champion of quality and patient safety

         Experienced and knowledgeable in working within multidisciplinary team structures and promotion of collaborative practice

         Champions medical staff stewardship, including participation in medical staff committees, compliance with CHCO policies and procedures and communication standards and adherence to the CHCO Standards of Behavior

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1.    A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

2.    Curriculum vitae / Resume

3.    Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.

Questions should be directed to: Lauren Collins, lauren.b.collins@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

This position may be seeking multiple candidates. Positions will remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and candidates may be contacted for interviews throughout the posting period. Upon candidate(s) selection, the posting will be closed, and no further applications will be accepted.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:

Associate Professor:

$262,000 to $300,000

Professor:

$300,00 - $435,000

Department Vice Chair:

$40,000 - $50,000

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.

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