Department Head of Finance, Insurance, and Business Law

Overview

The Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech invites applications for the position of Head of the Department of Finance, Insurance and Business Law. This full-time, calendar-year appointment at the rank of tenured Professor presents an opportunity to lead a dynamic and growing department, shaping its future direction and driving its continued success. The role is based in Blacksburg, VA with an expected start date of July 2026.

The Department of Finance, Insurance, and Business Law focuses on knowledge creation and dissemination, and faculty- and student-led projects that extend beyond the university to enhance finance theory and practice. Through its research, teaching, and outreach, the department addresses challenges in financial markets, corporate decision-making, and public policy, contributing to stronger institutions, improved financial practices, and enhanced economic well-being. The department is one of seven within the Pamplin College of Business and engages in leadership within the college.

The Department Head will work with the dean, fellow department heads, and other college leaders to strengthen the department, college, and Virginia Tech reputation and position the department to execute the college’s curricular and co-curricular redesign vision.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing the Department’s academic reputation, research excellence, and teaching quality in alignment with the college’s mission and strategic priorities. The position requires fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, while overseeing faculty development, resource allocation, and departmental operations. The Department Head will lead efforts to recruit and retain outstanding faculty, enhance research productivity, enrich the student experience, and strengthen engagements with alumni and industry partners.

The role also includes fostering interdisciplinary collaboration with other units within the college and across the university.

• Strategic Leadership
• Develop and implement a strategic plan for the department that aligns with the goals of the college and university
• Position the department as a leader in research excellence, teaching innovation, and industry/alumni engagement
• Foster a collegial and collaborative culture among faculty, staff, and students
• Ensure departmental initiatives support the college’s strategic goals and meet AACSB and other relevant accreditation standards

• Faculty Development and Research
• Recruit, mentor, and retain outstanding faculty across all academic ranks
• Support faculty development and recognition, fostering excellence in research, teaching, and service
• Encourage and enable impactful scholarship, including publications in top-tier journals
• Promote interdisciplinary research collaborations and pursue external funding opportunities

• Academic Programs and Curriculum
• Lead curriculum development to ensure rigor, innovation, and relevance across undergraduate, graduate, and executive education programs
• Advance teaching excellence and strengthen student learning outcomes
• Support program growth through specialized tracks, certificates, and online offerings
• Collaborate with other departments and centers to expand and enrich interdisciplinary programs

• Resource Management
• Manage the department’s budget and allocate resources effectively to achieve department goals
• Oversee teaching assignments, course scheduling, and program staffing
• Collaborate with the dean’s office to secure resources and support faculty initiatives

• Industry and Alumni Engagement
• Strengthen relationships with industry leaders, alumni, and advisory boards to enhance the department’s reputation and impact
• Create opportunities for research collaboration and experiential learning for students with industry partners
• Support fundraising and development initiatives to advance departmental priorities in partnership with the advancement team

• Service and Outreach
• Represent the department within the college, university, and broader academic community
• Contribute to thought leadership to elevate the department’s visibility and impact

• Doctoral degree in Finance…