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Department Chair Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

About the Role Department Chair is a full-time, tenured faculty appointment with administrative responsibility for academic programs, faculty development, research advancement, external engagement ...

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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

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$66.5K

$102.7K

$155K

How much do department chair jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 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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Cities with the most Department Chair job openings:

What states have the most Department Chair jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Department Chair jobs?

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

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 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,706 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

Department Chair, Urology

Tucson, AZ • On-site

University of Arizona
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


University Of Arizona rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Department Chair, Urology
Posting Number
req24552
Department
Urology
Department Website Link
https://medicine.arizona.edu/urology
Medical Sub-Speciality
Urology
Location
University of Arizona Health Sciences
Address
Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights
The University of Arizona (UA) College of Medicine - Tucson (COM-T) seeks an accomplished and innovative academic urologist to serve as Chair of the Department of Urology. The Chair will be a key member of COM-T and Banner - University Medicine leadership teams, advancing clinical care, research, and education. They will lead the Department in implementing institutional strategies, promoting excellence across all mission areas, and strengthening its role as a regional and national leader in academic urology.
Reporting directly to the Dean of COM-T, the Chair will oversee the Department's academic, clinical, and research programs. The Chair will also serve as the Urology Service Line Chief for Banner Health - Tucson, ensuring alignment across the academic and clinical enterprise. This individual will be responsible for strategic planning, program development, team-based research initiatives, and recruitment to support departmental goals.
The Chair will cultivate a culture of collaboration, academic rigor, and clinical excellence while positioning the Department for continued growth in education, research, and patient care.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Provide leadership and vision for the Department to developlong- and short-term strategies aligned with the evolving landscape of academicand clinical urologic care.
  • Collaborate with institutional leadership to develop,implement, and periodically refresh a strategic plan that supports the missionand goals of the University and COM-T.
  • Partner with leaders across departments and centers tointegrate high-quality clinical care with scholarly and educational excellence.
  • Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with clinicalleadership, physician groups, patients, and external partners to enhancerevenue opportunities, improve patient experience, and support clinicaloutcomes.
  • Establish and refine departmental protocols, goals, andimplementation methods that reflect the vision for regional and nationalleadership in academic urology and excellence in care delivery across Arizona.
  • Provide strategic oversight of the Department's research portfolio,including mentorship, collaboration, and pursuit of extramural funding.
  • Oversee quality management and performance for allproviders in the Department, including faculty physicians, residents, fellows,and advanced practice providers (APPs).
  • Conduct annual performance reviews for all Departmentproviders.
  • Recruit and mentor individuals who embody professionalism,collaboration, and innovation, fostering a culture of respect, teamwork, andacademic excellence.
  • Oversee educational programs across the continuum ofmedical education, supporting residency and fellowship training, mentorship,and continuing medical education activities.
  • Provide clinical oversight to ensure alignment withinstitutional goals and quality benchmarks.
  • Deliver outstanding clinical care within the Chair'surologic specialty, including participation in call responsibilities asappropriate.

Minimum Qualifications
  • MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent medical degree.
  • Board certified in Urology and eligible for medicallicensure in the state of Arizona.
  • Meets University of Arizona criteria for appointment to asenior-level, tenured faculty position (strongly recommended).
  • Demonstrated and substantial leadership experience inacademic medicine or medical school administration, with national-levelinvolvement in academic and professional societies.
  • Proven ability to be a collaborative and adaptable leaderin a rapidly evolving healthcare environment across clinical and academicdisciplines.
  • Experience managing the full spectrum of a Department ofUrology, including but not limited to research initiatives, faculty affairs anddevelopment, clinical operations, key hospital interactions, graduate andundergraduate education, institutional partnerships, and fundraising.

Preferred Qualifications
  • National or international reputation as a respected and accomplished urologic clinician, educator, and/or researcher.
  • Strong understanding of academic urologic practice and demonstrated commitment to excellence in patient-centered care.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of financial operations in healthcare administration and academic medicine.
  • Proven track record as a strategic and innovative leader with the ability to manage and plan for future departmental growth.
  • Experience recruiting, retaining, and mentoring faculty at all levels, supporting their development in clinical, research, teaching, and administrative roles.
  • Ability to foster collaboration, build cohesive teams, and develop strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.

Rank
To be Determined
Tenure Information
To be Determined
FLSA
Exempt
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
40
Job FTE
1.0
Work Calendar
Fiscal
Job Category
Clinical Faculty
Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
AAMC Public Schools for Rank and Specialty
Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies
1
Target Hire Date
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Daniel Carty, djcarty@arizona.edu
Open Date
11/25/2025
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

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