ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Department Chair Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dallas College

$92K/yr

The Department Chair serves as the primary point of contact for parttime instructional staff and partners closely with campus leadership and school district partners. Required Knowledge, Skills, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDepartment Chair Jobs

Department Chair information

See salary details

$66.5K

$102.7K

$155K

How much do department chair jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 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 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 are Department Chairs?

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

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.
More about Department Chair jobs
What cities are hiring for Department Chair jobs? Cities with the most Department Chair job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Department Chair jobs? The top employers for Department Chair jobs are:
What states have the most Department Chair jobs? States with the most job openings for Department Chair jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Department Chair jobs? For Department Chair jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Department Chair jobs near you
Infographic showing various Department Chair job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 11% Temporary, and 8% 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, Mathematics

Department Chair, Mathematics

Dallas College

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$92K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Dallas College rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 535 rated colleges and universities

Job description

All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date.

Weekly Work Hours

40

Compensation Range

Administrator Range E05

Salary Minimum

$92,700.00 Annually

FLSA

United States of America (Exempt)

Position Type

Administrator

Job Summary

The Department Chair oversees the academic and operational activities of assigned programs within Dallas College. This includes managing faculty, scheduling courses, overseeing budgets, and ensuring program quality to align with student success and workforce needs. TheDepartment Chairprovides academic leadership and operational oversight for allAdjunct FacultyandDual Credit Credentialed Instructorsacross all campuses and service center locations. This role ensures instructional quality, faculty compliance, and alignment with institutional standards while fostering a collaborative, studentcentered academic environment. The Department Chair serves as the primary point of contact for parttime instructional staff and partners closely with campus leadership and school district partners.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to oversee multiple programs across various campuses.
Proficiency in managing teams, program schedules, and budgets.
Skilled in resolving conflicts and fostering faculty and staff development.
Effective communication and decision-making abilities.
Experience using data for program improvement and strategic planning.

Key Responsibilities
Program Management:
Develop, review, and improve credit and non-credit programs.
Coordinate program assessments and curriculum updates.
Support new program development and maintain program accreditation standards.
Faculty and Staff Oversight:
Hire, onboard, supervise, and evaluate full-time and adjunct faculty.
Provide coaching and professional development opportunities.
Foster a positive and collaborative work environment.
Academic Operations:
Create course schedules, manage section builds, and oversee delivery modalities.
Resolve student complaints, grade disputes, and program-related issues.
Support dual credit, P-TECH, and Early College programs as appropriate.
Resource Management:
Develop and manage departmental budgets to ensure efficient resource allocation.
Collaborate with leadership to align departmental goals with institutional priorities.
Collaboration and Outreach:
Work with advisory boards, higher education and industry partners, and other departments to maintain program quality.
Promote student success by addressing academic and operational needs.
Performance Management:
Tracking progress, providing feedback, and supporting professional development.
Completes required Dallas College Professional Development training hours per academic year.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements
Normal physical job functions performed within a standard office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with physical challenges to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications
Master's degree or equivalent as defined by alignment with published Dallas College faculty credentialing guidelines for at least one of the disciplines in the department.
Three (3) years of administrative experience in higher education.
Teaching experience in a college setting.
Experience in program development, assessment, and accreditation processes.
Office-based environment with travel between campuses.
Official transcript will be required.
*** Will be subject to a criminal background check. Some positions may be subject to a fingerprint check. ***

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Incumbents may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Position requires regular and predictable attendance.

About Us

Since 1965, Dallas College, formerly Dallas County Community College District, has served more than three (3) million students. Comprising seven campuses located around the Dallas/Fort Worth area, we are one of the largest community college systems in the state of Texas. We strive to be a leader in the community college space, placing students at the center of everything we do.

Dallas College is committed to cultivating an environment of opportunity and belonging for all students and employees. We recognize that the Dallas College workforce, and the diverse talent that stems from it, is directly linked to our success. We are part of an equal opportunity system that provides education and employment opportunities without discrimination on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, veteran status, pregnancy or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, Dallas College will make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.

Applications DeadlineJune 7, 2026

What Dallas College employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply