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Humanities Department Chair Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Humanities Student Assistant

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Carrie Helms, chair of the Humanities Department All current student employees should notify their other manager(s) if you work multiple jobs on campus at the same time. Additionally, students may ...

Humanities Student Assistant

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Carrie Helms, chair of the Humanities Department All current student employees should notify their other manager(s) if you work multiple jobs on campus at the same time. Additionally, students may ...

Humanities Student Assistant

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Carrie Helms, chair of the Humanities Department All current student employees should notify their other manager(s) if you work multiple jobs on campus at the same time. Additionally, students may ...

Humanities Student Assistant

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Carrie Helms, chair of the Humanities Department All current student employees should notify their other manager(s) if you work multiple jobs on campus at the same time. Additionally, students may ...

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Humanities Department Chair information

See salary details

$66.5K

$102.7K

$155K

How much do humanities department chair jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for humanities 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 humanities department chair?

A Humanities Department Chair is an academic leader responsible for overseeing the operations, faculty, and curriculum of a college or university's humanities department, which may include areas like literature, history, philosophy, and languages. They coordinate course offerings, manage departmental budgets, support faculty development, and serve as a liaison between their department and the broader administration. Department Chairs also often play a role in hiring faculty, evaluating performance, and representing the department in academic planning and decision-making.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a humanities department chair?

To thrive as a Humanities Department Chair, you need advanced expertise in humanities disciplines, leadership experience in academia, and typically a terminal degree such as a PhD. Familiarity with academic management systems, curriculum planning tools, and accreditation standards is often required. Strong communication, conflict resolution, and organizational skills are essential for leading faculty and fostering a collaborative environment. These skills ensure effective departmental governance, academic excellence, and support for both faculty and student success.

How does a humanities department chair typically balance administrative duties with teaching responsibilities?

A Humanities Department Chair often splits time between administrative tasks—such as scheduling, budgeting, and faculty evaluations—and teaching courses in their area of expertise. While the proportion can vary by institution, most chairs continue to teach at least one class per semester to remain engaged with students and curriculum development. Balancing these responsibilities requires strong organizational and time-management skills, as chairs must frequently shift between supporting colleagues, attending meetings, and maintaining their own academic interests. Collaboration with faculty, staff, and higher administration is a central part of the role, ensuring departmental goals align with broader institutional priorities.

What is the difference between Humanities Department Chair vs Humanities Program Coordinator?

AspectHumanities Department ChairHumanities Program Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Humanities, often with teaching experienceBachelor's or Master's, with organizational or administrative experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, overseeing faculty and curriculumEducational programs, managing logistics and student activities
Employer & Industry UsageColleges and universities, academic departmentsEducational institutions, program management roles
Primary FocusAcademic leadership, curriculum development, faculty oversightProgram administration, event planning, student support

The Humanities Department Chair primarily focuses on academic leadership and faculty management within a department, while the Humanities Program Coordinator handles program logistics and student activities. Both roles require strong organizational skills, but the Chair emphasizes academic oversight, whereas the Coordinator concentrates on program execution.

More about Humanities Department Chair jobs

What states have the most Humanities Department Chair jobs?

States with the most job openings for Humanities Department Chair jobs include:

Infographic showing various Humanities 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.

Professor and Department Chair

University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Department of Spanish and Portuguese 

Department Chair and Professor 

The Department of Spanish and Portuguese at the University of Pittsburgh invites applications for a Department Chair and Professor. While the research focus is open, the department is particularly interested in scholars with a focus on one or more of the following areas: 

  • Environmental humanities 

  • Legacies of colonialism and modernity 

  • Legacies and politics of violation 

  • Migration 

  • U.S. influence and interactions with diasporic communities 

  • Science and technology studies 

  • Health humanities 

Successful candidates must merit appointment as a Full Professor (though they may currently be an Associate Professor), and we seek candidates with extraordinary credentials in research, teaching, and mentorship. We especially welcome applications from scholars whose research displays comparative geopolitical approaches; transpacific and global Hispano/Lusophone frameworks are all welcome. We also welcome inventive blends of teaching and research with public humanities work and community engagement as well as candidates whose disposition to participate in the life of the department through service strengthens the department's commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service.  

Job requirements: 

  • Native or near-native fluency in Spanish and English 

  • PhD in Latin American literatures or a closely related field 

  • Previous administrative experience 

Pending budgetary approval, the position will begin in fall 2026. 

The committee will begin reviewing applications on December 1, 2025, and will continue to accept materials until the position is filled. Applications should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement of future research and teaching plans, and the names of 3 references. (References will be contacted for a letter in the event that the candidate is a finalist for the position.)