Department Chairperson

Department Chair

Arkansas State University (A-State) is recruiting applicants for the position of Department Chair beginning July 1, 2027. A-State seeks a visionary leader and music educator who will join a music department recognized throughout the region for artistic excellence and student success.

The Department Chair is responsible to the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Communication for the general management and operation of their academic area. The Chair represents their department to the Dean and university administrators, assigns faculty load, supports faculty in their professional development, and works with faculty to constantly improve instruction and develop programs that are responsive to the changing needs of students.

The duties of this position will consist of half-time administrative load release and half-time teaching load in the individual's area of expertise or as needed by the department. The Department Chair plays a particularly important role in encouraging and sustaining performance, scholarship, research, service, and participation in professional activities by members of the faculty. They also supervise and hire other personnel in the department including non-classified staff and adjunct faculty.

The Department Chair duties include:

• Assigning teaching loads and classes for faculty and staff
• Evaluating and recommending faculty members to the Dean of the College of Liberal and Communication for employment, retention, promotion, tenure, non-renewal, and dismissal
• Supervising student recruitment, retention, and success
• Managing records, budgets, and financial accounting
• Overseeing the maintenance of the Department of Music website, social media, advertising, and music student/faculty handbooks
• Submitting requests to Facilities Management for supplies and building maintenance as needed

The successful candidate will:

• Advocate for the needs of the Department of Music through compelling data, metrics, and narratives
• Leverage strong musical and administrative skills to unify, recruit, and retain exceptional faculty talent
• Provide evidence of strong musicianship through performance and/or scholarship

The Department Chair will be expected to have regular and reliable attendance Monday-Friday during the school day (8am-5pm) to teach courses, hold office hours, and participate fully in departmental, collegiate, and university activities. Additional hours outside of the school day are expected as needed for items that include but are not limited to concerts, recruiting, and outreach.

Minimum Qualifications:

An earned Doctoral degree in music. Special consideration will be given to candidates who have administrative experience and can provide evidence of effective management of faculty and budgets, as well as proof of recruitment and retention in their area of expertise.