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Department Chair Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UNC-Chapel Hill

Assistant Department Chair

Chapel Hill, NC

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

The Assistant Chair for Administration is responsible for managing the department's overall budget, planning and reporting on financial issues. The position is responsible for ensuring compliance ...

Clemson University

Department Chair - FNPS

Clemson, SC · On-site

Description Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences (FNPS) Department Chair Clemson University invites nominations and applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Food ...

West Virginia K-12 Jobs

English Department Chair

Charleston, WV · On-site

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

English Department Chair QUALIFICATIONS: Meets requirements as set by WV Law and WV State Board Policy REPORTS TO: Principal JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: * Implements programs of study * Fosters a classroom ...

UNC-Chapel Hill

Assistant Department Chair

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

The Assistant Chair for Administration is responsible for managing the department's overall budget, planning and reporting on financial issues. The position is responsible for ensuring compliance ...

Direct Jobs

Department Chair - Dermatology

Omaha, NE · On-site

$250 - $300/hr

Job Summary and Responsibilities Department Chair of Dermatology - Creighton University CHI Health CHI Health Clinic and Creighton University School of Medicine are recruiting a Founding Department ...

Mayo Clinic

Department Chair, Otolaryngology

Mankato, MN · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

The chair will be primarily located in either Eau Claire, WI or Mankato, MN and is responsible for developing the otolaryngology department across MCHS in an integrated, coordinated, and efficient ...

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Department Chair information

See salary details

$66.5K

$102.7K

$155K

How much do department chair jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 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.

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Department Chair jobs near you
Infographic showing various Department Chair job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,706 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

Department Chair - Technologies

Tennessee Board of Regents

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Department Chair - Technologies

Apply now Job no: 504740
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Memphis
Categories: Staff

Southwest Tennessee Community College is a comprehensive, multicultural, public, open-access college. Southwest has four campuses/centers from which it offers over 100 programs and over 20 technical certificate programs.

We foster student success, transform lives, and increase the educational level of a growing community in Shelby County. Southwest is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution, accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

We invite you to become a part of the Southwest Team!

Title: Department Chair - Technologies

Employee Classification: Faculty

Institution: Southwest Tennessee Community College

Department: Technologies

Campus Location: SWTCC- Multiple Campus Locations

Job Summary

The Department Head/Chair of Technologies provides academic leadership, administrative oversight, and strategic direction for a multidisciplinary technologies unit. The role provides strategic direction, operational oversight, and faculty leadership to advance high quality teaching, applied learning, workforce aligned programs, and continuous improvement. The Chair ensures curricular integrity, supports accreditation compliance, manages departmental resources, and represents the department within the college, institution, and external community.

Job Duties

  • Academic Leadership and Strategic Planning
    • Provide vision and leadership for departmental programs, aligning goals with college and institutional priorities.
    • Facilitate development and implementation of multi year academic plans that strengthen teaching, research, applied learning, and community engagement.
    • Maintain a climate that promotes innovation, creativity, and exemplary professional practice.
  • Curriculum, Program Oversight, and Scheduling
    • Oversee curriculum design, program development, and continuous review to ensure relevance to industry needs and institutional learning outcomes.
    • Coordinate semester course schedules, instructor assignments, and program delivery in consultation with faculty and the dean's office.
    • Monitor enrollments and adjust course offerings to support student success and efficient resource use.
  • Faculty Recruitment, Development, and Evaluation
    • Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention of qualified full time and adjunct faculty.
    • Provide mentoring, guidance, and professional development opportunities for faculty.
    • Conduct annual faculty evaluations, oversee promotion and tenure processes, and ensure transparent review practices.
    • Supervise adjunct faculty and support faculty's industry engaged activities.
  • Student Success and Engagement
    • Support high quality instruction, advising structures, and student learning experiences across technology programs.
    • Ensure timely response to student concerns and promote a positive, inclusive learning environment.
    • Collaborate with student services, workforce development, and advising teams to strengthen retention and completion.
  • Compliance, Accreditation, and Institutional Effectiveness
    • Ensure departmental compliance with institutional, state, federal, and accreditation requirements.
    • Maintain accurate records, documentation, and reporting processes that support audits, program reviews, and accreditation cycles.
    • Promote a culture of compliance and ethical practice within the department.
  • Budget, Resource, and Facilities Management
    • Prepare and manage departmental budgets, monitor expenditures, and allocate resources to priority initiatives.
    • Coordinate equipment requests, facilities planning, and shared space usage to support teaching and applied learning.
    • Identify efficiencies and opportunities for grants, partnerships, and external funding.
  • Industry, Community, and Institutional Engagement
    • Engage with industry advisory boards, employers, and community partners to ensure programs remain aligned with workforce needs.
    • Represent the department on college and university committees, communicating departmental needs and priorities.
    • Support outreach, recruitment, marketing, and fundraising activities that strengthen departmental visibility.
  • Administrative Operations and Communication
    • Lead regular departmental meetings, maintain clear communication channels, and ensure timely dissemination of policies and decisions.
    • Oversee staff supervision, workload distribution, and operational processes within the department.
    • Report on faculty and staff appointments, separations, and performance matters.
  • Teaching
    • Prepare & teach one course within the technologies discipline per semester.
    • Maintain scholarly, applied research, or industry engaged activities appropriate to rank and discipline expectations.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Master's or doctoral degree in a technology-related field (e.g., Engineering Technologies, Computer Information Technology,
  • Mechatronics, Aviation, Networking, or related discipline).
  • Evidence of three (3) years of full-time teaching experience.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and administrative skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with an ever-growing college population of faculty, staff, students, and external partners.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Demonstrated academic leadership experience (program director, coordinator, associate chair, or similar).
  • Three (3) years of experience in administration, with higher education administration preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience with ABET & ATMAE

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Advanced knowledge of technologies disciplines, higher education academic operations, accreditation requirements, workforce trends, and resource management.
  • Strong leadership, communication, strategic planning, analytical, project management, and faculty development skills.
  • Ability to resolve conflicts, interpret data, manage complex initiatives, and support continuous improvement.
  • Ability to lead an academic department, cultivate industry partnerships, and oversee budgets effectively.
  • Ability to supervise faculty and staff, navigate institutional structures, adapt to evolving technologies, and uphold confidentiality, sound judgment, and ethical standards.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representation of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Candidates who are called for an interview must notify Human Resources in writing at least five (5) days in advance of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

First consideration will be given to current Southwest Tennessee Community College employees who meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

In order to be considered for the position, the following items must be uploaded:

  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • Unofficial Transcripts

A summary of our benefits can be found below: 

https://www.southwest.tn.edu/hr/benefits-overview.php

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The TBR does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, or national origin, sex, disability, age, status as a protected veteran or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities. 

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies:  LeVetta Hudson, Vice President of People & Culture, myhr@southwest.tn.edu, 737 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, 901-333-5000. See the full non-discrimination policy.

Advertised: 20 Aug 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close:

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