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Department Chair Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

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Department Chair information

See Florida salary details

$49.7K

$76.8K

$115.8K

How much do department chair jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for department chair in Florida is $76,752.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,900.00 and $101,300.00 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 cities in Florida are hiring for Department Chair jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Department Chair job openings:

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

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

Department Chair jobs near you
Infographic showing various Department Chair job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $76,752 per year, or $36.9 per hour.

Chair, Department of Marketing

Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers, FL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Summary
Florida Gulf Coast University's Lutgert College of Business invites application for the position of Chair of the Department of Marketing. This is an out-of- unit faculty appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor.
This position provides an opportunity to join a dynamic and growing department that values excellence in teaching, research, and service. The Marketing department currently has ten full-time faculty members and several adjunct faculty members. Candidates should demonstrate strong teaching, and an established record of quality scholarly publications. Candidates with a strong commitment to student success and collegial collaboration are especially encouraged to apply. The Chair will participate in service activities and/or initiatives that support the mission of the LCOB and FGCU.
Academic Department Chairs occupy a unique place in the continuum of academic administrators, as the facilitating link among Department faculty members, students, and higher administration. Chairpersons play five essential roles, serving as academic leaders of Department/Schools; representatives of their Department and faculty members to the rest of the University, especially higher administration; representatives of higher administration to their faculty members and Department; managers of Department resources; and representatives of the Department and University to external bodies.
Florida Gulf Coast University is a comprehensive university dedicated to quality education, research, and service. All faculty are expected to be excellent teachers, responsive to changing professional needs; committed to innovative delivery of instruction resulting in improved student learning; committed to effective use of technology including distance learning; produce peer reviewed scholarship; and provide service to the College, University and Community. Teaching assignments may be on the main campus or at off-campus sites within our region.
FGCU is building a culture of curiosity, commitment and collaboration. We value employees who successfully work with others and drive positive change through critical thinking and decisive action. If you thrive in an environment of innovation, accountability and mutual respect, you will find a good home here.
Job Description
Typical duties may include but are not limited to:
  • Coordinating the development of and implementing the Department Vision and Goals Statement.
  • Leading Department effort toward achieving University and College goals and initiatives.
  • Developing a Department budget.
  • Managing the fiscal affairs of the Department.
  • Leading and coordinating Department/School strategic planning and curriculum development.
  • Assigning and assessing the distribution of faculty workload including instructional, research, and service responsibilities.
  • Promoting excellence in instruction, scholarly and service.
  • Leading and coordinating the governance of the Department/School.
  • Leading the processes of faculty selection and ensuring that the appointment follows university, college, and departmental policies.
  • Coordinating the professional development of faculty members.
  • Leading the evaluation of faculty members for retention, and promotion.
  • Providing recommendations to the Dean and Provost regarding sabbaticals and other leaves for faculty and staff.
  • Managing non-faculty staff members.
  • Developing, leading, and encouraging outreach and public service efforts.
  • Teaching the required workload for department chair.
  • Maintain quality scholarly output consistent with requirements to maintain scholarly academic status.
  • Service to the college and university as needed.
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Additional Job Description
Required Qualifications:
  • Ph.D. in Marketing from an AACSB accredited university program or equivalent accreditation.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior experience as a department chair, program director, or comparable administrative role in higher education. Candidates without formal administrative experience may also be considered if they have demonstrated significant academic leadership, such as leading program development, assessment initiatives, or community-engaged projects.
  • Demonstrated experience in faculty governance, curriculum development, or program coordination that demonstrates readiness to assume chair-level responsibilities.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
  • Skills in working in a rapidly developing regional comprehensive university with a focus on creating a student-learning environment among various academic disciplines.
  • Ability to successfully develop relationships and interact with external university constituents in construction, business, and technology and to establish relationships internally.
  • Ability to teach undergraduate and graduate courses, mentor and coach faculty and students, and participate in regional/national seminars, workshops and committees.
  • Ability to lead continuing education programs.
  • Ability to deal effectively with a various range of learners and to use information technology as a pedagogical and professional tool.
  • Ability to collaborate both within and outside of the university in the development and delivery of instruction.
  • Ability to collaborate with other faculty to develop a shared vision of the future.
  • Proven ability to think strategically and approach challenges with creativity.
  • Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, and holding oneself accountable.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively across teams.

Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectations:
In this role, the successful candidate will be expected to:
  • Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open to feedback and new ideas.
  • Lead with integrity; consistently produce high-quality work; persevere to overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achieve deliverables.
  • Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnerships across departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues to achieve common goals.

Special Instructions to Applicants
Appointment will be made at an out-of-unit faculty rank commensurate with the candidate's experience on a 12-month out-of-unit multi-year appointment basis with an anticipated start date of Spring 2027.
Because applications and materials are subject to public review and retention under Florida's Public Records Law, please DO NOT send examples of your project/scholarship unless requested to do so. Therefore, all submitted materials including articles, disks, slides, books, etc., become the property of FGCU and CANNOT BE RETURNED. As applicable, finalists will be notified of the need to submit specific additional materials. Such materials will become the property of FGCU. Under Florida's Public Records law, applications will be available for public review upon request.
Required Application Materials
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Statement of Teaching Philosophy
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Cover letter
  • Five (5) Professional References

The position is listed as "open until filled", however applications received by October 1, 2026, will receive priority consideration.
FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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