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Dissertation Chair Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Dissertation Chair information

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How much do dissertation chair jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for dissertation chair in Chicago, IL is $21.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.88 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dissertation chair?

A Dissertation Chair is a faculty member who mentors and guides graduate students throughout the dissertation process. They provide feedback on research design, methodology, and writing while ensuring the dissertation meets academic standards. The Chair also facilitates communication between the student and the dissertation committee, helping to resolve any challenges. Their goal is to support the student in successfully completing and defending their dissertation.

What are the main responsibilities and day-to-day tasks of a dissertation chair?

As a Dissertation Chair, your primary responsibilities include mentoring doctoral candidates, providing feedback on research proposals, ensuring methodological rigor, and overseeing the dissertation process to meet institutional standards. You will regularly review drafts, convene meetings with students and committee members, and help navigate challenges related to research design or data analysis. Collaboration with other faculty and administrative staff is common, particularly when addressing IRB requirements or curriculum guidelines. This role demands a combination of academic expertise and supportive leadership to foster student growth and successful dissertation completion.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the dissertation chair position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dissertation Chair, you need a robust academic background, experience in research methodology, and a history of successful dissertation supervision, typically with a terminal degree in your field. Familiarity with institutional learning management systems, citation management tools, and IRB protocols is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and effective mentorship abilities help you guide doctoral candidates through challenging research processes. These competencies are crucial for supporting student success, maintaining academic standards, and ensuring timely completion of doctoral projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Dissertation Chair jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Dissertation Chair jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Dissertation Chair jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Dissertation Chair jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Dissertation Chair job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,152 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Adjunct Faculty, Dissertation Chair - Sport and Performance Psychology (Online/Remote)

TCS Education System

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Job Description:
1. GENERAL POSITION INFORMATION
Position Name: Adjunct Faculty, Dissertation Chair - Sport and Performance Psychology (Online/Remote)
Classification: Part-time Adjunct
FTE: up to 18 hours per week
Work Hours: Variable due to online nature of program. Generally, 9a-3p PST M-F; may include evenings or weekends.
Department/Division: College of Graduate Studies
Supervisor: Director, Sport and Performance Psychology program
2. POSITION SUMMARY
University of Western States (UWS) is seeking adjunct faculty members within the department of Sport and Performance Psychology to serve as doctoral dissertation chairs.
Dissertation Chairs are responsible for supervising doctoral (EdD) candidates in designing and conducting a substantial individual research project required for completion of the doctoral degree in sport and performance psychology. Chairs will work closely with candidates to cultivate topic ideas, design appropriate methodology, secure approval by the Institutional Review Board (IRB), collect and analyze data, and submit the final work both to the university and to a selected professional outlet for publication. In addition, Dissertation Chairs will serve as the head of a 4-5 member Dissertation Committee, ensuring committee members' timely review and feedback on candidate progress.
3. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide an average of 3 hrs/week of support to each dissertation candidate supervised. That work will include, but is not limited to, the following activities (100%):
1. Adherence to the policies and procedures detailed in the UWS Dissertation Handbook
2. Mandatory use of the Canvas learning management system to document student work and chair feedback/guidance
3. Weekly product review and Zoom meetings with doctoral candidate
4. Attend and facilitate proposal defense and final defense via Zoom
5. Engage in regular communication with committee members
6. Participate in 1-2 individual meetings/term with Dissertation Coordinator
7. Attendance at, or review of recordings from, quarterly group meetings with dissertation faculty
4. UWS CORE VALUES AND ASSOCIATED COMPETENCIES
The following Core Values are integral to working at UWS. All employees, regardless of their position within the university, are expected uphold the Core Values and demonstrate associated competencies.
Best Practices: We maintain high standards by using and integrating evidence across multiple disciplines.
Curiosity: We are innovative, open minded, and forward thinking.
Inclusiveness: We are respectful, mindful, and welcoming of different ways of being, thinking, and doing.
Professionalism: We are responsible, respectful, and accountable.
Student-Focus: We work for the common good of students' academic and professional success.
Whole-Person Health: We promote physical, mental and emotional wellness in all facets of the UWS experience.
5. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
Required
Education & Training
  • Doctoral degree (e.g., PhD, EdD, PsyD) in sport and performance psychology, clinical mental health counseling, sport science, health science, or related field
  • Evidence of completed research

Memberships, Certifications & Licenses
  • Current membership and participation in appropriate state, regional, and national professional organizations appropriate to SPP

Experience
  • Evidence of publication, presentation, and continuing education in sport and performance psychology and/or clinical counseling

Related Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
  • Proficiency with data analysis software (qualitative and/or qualitative)
  • Self-sufficiency in the management of personal schedule.
  • Proficient in document/report preparation adhering to institutional editorial guidelines.
  • Intermediate-to-advanced computer skills required (MS Office Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, Adobe Acrobat Professional).
  • Proficiency with video conferencing systems.
  • Working understanding and experience with Canvas (or equivalent) learning management system.

Other Qualifications
  • Professional interpersonal skills including effective verbal and written communication.
  • Effective management of faculty and students in professional degree programs.
  • Demonstrated commitment to collegiality and shared governance.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize/execute plans and resource management to achieve desired teaching outcomes.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to exercise professional judgment and assume responsibility in clinical decision-making.
  • Ability to adapt quickly to a changing environment and learn new systems and processes.
  • Willingness and ability to follow direction from director, dean, administrators as consistent with university policy.
  • Working knowledge of FERPA student privacy regulations.

Preferred
Memberships, Certifications & Licenses
  • Current Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC), AASP and/or
  • Current licensure in clinical mental health

Experience
  • Listed as first author for a research study published in a peer-reviewed journal
  • Evidence of prior service as a dissertation chair or committee member
  • Evidence of guiding student researchers through the process of peer-reviewed publication
  • Evidence of an ongoing research agenda

6. APPLICATION, SCREENING AND HIRING PROCESS:
Screening of applicants will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. Please submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae. You may attach your materials as Word or PDF documents.
Official transcripts from prior institutions of higher learning must be received prior to offer being extended to the finalist.
University of Western States conducts background checks for the finalist or finalists of staff and faculty positions. The type of background check will vary by position type.
Compensation & Benefits
This opportunity is budgeted at $ base compensation. Additional compensation factors may impact total compensation. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, click the link below.
https://www.uws.edu/about/employment/
University of Western States is an Equal Opportunity Employer.