Department Chair - Psychology Department (Undergraduate)

Job Description:

ABOUT THE CHICAGO SCHOOL

The Chicago School educates the next generation of change-makers in innovative theory and culturally competent practice to strengthen the integrated health of individuals, organizations, and communities. We enroll over 6,000 students across 40+ academic programs culminating in a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree or a professional certificate, and our unique approach to impact-focused education has made us a leading nonprofit university for over 45 years.

As an employee at The Chicago School, you can become a member of an inclusive community committed to excellence. At The Chicago School, we celebrate individuals of all backgrounds and identities for who they are and what they can contribute. We take pride in hiring and retaining the most dynamic, talented, and passionate professionals who will help us continue to innovate for decades to come.

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Department Chair of the BA Psychology program is a full-time administrative faculty member who works closely with academic leadership, college administration, admissions, student affairs, and faculty. This position reports directly to the Dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies. The ideal candidate is a strategic and innovative student-centered leader with strong administrative experience and a commitment to academic excellence in both online and campus-based learning environments.

A Department Chair’s responsibilities include making recommendations to their supervisor for department development, as well as the recruitment, hiring, and evaluation of faculty. The Department Chair is responsible for overseeing enrollment, instructional quality, scheduling, department financial management, preparation for programmatic accreditation, assessment of student learning and program improvement, and supervision of faculty and other department administrators. This position is remote with the option for office space at the Chicago campus. Some travel may be required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITES

People Management

• Recruit, hire, and supervise qualified faculty, adjunct instructors, and graduate teaching fellows.
• Implement data-informed systems for student mentorship and high-engagement teaching.
• Support faculty engagement in scholarship and service, including professional organizations, research, and presentations.

Academic Quality & Innovation

• Lead curriculum reviews to ensure alignment with employer-driven competencies.
• Monitor student academic progress and oversee development plans and evaluations.
• Teach up to 12 credits per academic year (as applicable).
• Lead accreditation, assessment, and departmental review activities.
• Address student concerns to support satisfaction and retention.
• Promote instructional excellence through technology integration and innovation.

Academic Operations & Budget Management

• Manage daily department operations to ensure quality and consistency.
• Oversee course scheduling, faculty assignments, and cross-campus collaboration.
• Represent the department in institutional meetings and public events.
• Develop strategic and budget plans aligned with department growth and staffing needs.
• Support remote and distance learning expansion through technology-enhanced delivery.

Strategic Growth

• Partner with admissions on student recruitment and timely application review.
• Lead program-level marketing and community outreach initiatives.
• Establish and maintain transfer pathways with community colleges.
• Collaborate with university leaders to reduce student attrition and improve retention.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS 

• Doctoral degree in Psychology.
• 3–5 years of experience in academic administration and/or undergraduate teaching.
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting students in online and distance education environments.
• Proven leadership and team management experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS  

• Licensure or certification in a behavioral/mental health field.
• Strong record of scholarly and professional contributions.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of innovation and problem-solving.
• Collaborative, action-oriented leadership style.
• Ability to align departmental goals with institutional priorities.

Compensation & Benefits

This opportunity is budgeted at $$95,000 - $105,000 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.thechicagoschool.edu/career-opportunities/

The Chicago School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please note: For the protection of faculty, staff, students, and all who enter our facilities, The Chicago School strongly recommends that all employees are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 per CDC guidance.

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