1

Department Chair Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

New

Summary Moffitt Medical Group (MMG) Department Chair is responsible for the Administrative oversight of their Department and its Physicians and Advanced Practice Professionals. The Chair ensures ...

Department Chair, Otolaryngology

Eau Claire, WI · 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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Department Chair information

See salary details

$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.

More about Department Chair jobs

What cities are hiring for Department Chair jobs?

Cities with the most Department Chair job openings:

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:

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 of Mathematics

Greenwood, SC

State of South Carolina
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

$195K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 6 days ago


State Of South Carolina rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Responsibilities To provide instruction, leadership, management, planning and coordination of the Mathematics department. Includes the operation and supervision of all full and part-time programs, the faculty & adjunct faculty, the promotional and marketing efforts related to the department, curriculum and instructional development, assessment functions to include program learning outcomes and student learning outcomes, student recruitment, enrollment and registration, student advising, and retention efforts for the Mathematics department. Minimum and Additional Requirements Faculty teaching associate degree courses designed for transfer to the baccalaureate degree: doctoral or master's degree in the teaching discipline, Mathematics, or a master's degree or higher with concentration in the teaching discipline (a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline-Mathematics) from an accredited institution of higher education.

Preferred Qualifications Prefer experience in teaching at a two-year college. Additional Comments Please review Agency Specific Application procedures for our required application procedures that include attaching a letter of interest, a current resume, and copies of transcripts to the application. We regret that due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to candidates individually regarding the status of their application or the status of the interview process.


What State Of South Carolina employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


State of South Carolina logo

About State of South Carolina

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of South Carolina is not a typical corporation, but the governing body of the US state of South Carolina, located in the capital city of Columbia. Its industry focuses on public administration, providing key essential services to ensure the efficient functioning of the state. These services range from public safety and environment protection to education, healthcare, and economic development. The state was founded in 1788, grounded in democratic principles meant to support the overall well-being of its citizenry. Its core values revolve around service, integrity, accountability, and transparency. The mission of the State of South Carolina is to improve the quality of life for all its people, with a focus on education advancement, economic growth, and improved healthcare.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, SC, US

Social media