DEPARTMENT CHAIR SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Oct 17, 2024 – The Department Chair has strong expertise in curriculum development, effective teaching in specialized areas such as guidance and psychology, and successful completion of leadership training for prospective candidates. This role requires proven skills in lesson planning and communication with students and parents to support a productive learning environment. Knowledge of current trends and effective instructional techniques enhances instructional effectiveness.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Department Chair Resume
  • Curriculum Development
  • Budget Management
  • Data Analysis
  • Research Methodology
  • Educational Technology
  • Accreditation Processes
  • Faculty Recruitment
  • Grant Writing
  • Program Assessment
  • Policy Development
  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Adaptability
  • Team Building
  • Critical Thinking
  • Time Management
  • Empathy
  • Problem-Solving
  • Decision-Making

Summary of Department Chair Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Business Administration with 3 years of Experience

  • Academic teaching, administrative and leadership experience in baccalaureate or higher prelicensure education.
  • Experience with technology-infused engaging pedagogical strategies.
  • Background commensurate with the Associate Professor level or above.
  • Evidence of contribution to the profession and recognition at the national level.
  • Expert written and verbal communication skills
  • Successful experience with the supervision of staff in a complex organization and the management of a multifaceted program.
  • Creative, a problem solver, passionate, ethical, a risk-taker, an advocate, and an innovator.
  • Ability to work creatively and effectively with diverse students of varying levels.
  • Demonstrate experience with and commitment to cultural and economic diversity in arts education.
  • Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability, and be able to work collaboratively in a fast-paced team dynamic.

2. BA in Education Administration with 4 years of Experience

  • Postdoctoral working experience
  • Practical experience in the discipline of the program
  • Evidence of management experience or potential
  • Experience with computerized administrative systems. Proficient with the use of standard office applications on personal computers.
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret accreditation criteria, state agency regulations, and academic journals.
  • Ability to resolve inquiries and complaints from employees, students, regulatory agencies, or members of the academic or business community.
  • Ability to effectively present information to faculty, academic and campus leaders, corporate leaders, and public groups.
  • Strong people development skills, including experience with providing opportunities and support for faculty and staff to excel at supporting student engagement and success
  • Ability to manage competing priorities through effective delegation of key activities to faculty and staff to ensure timely execution of administrative priorities
  • Ability to use exceptional interpersonal communication skills to communicate decisions, build consensus, and effectively motivate and collaborate in a matrixed environment

3. BA in Educational Leadership with 5 years of Experience

  • Experience with doctoral programs and advising doctoral students.
  • Experience in program and curricular development, budget and personnel management, student recruitment and retention, grant writing, and assessment.
  • Demonstrate a record of respect for and interest in working with people from all backgrounds.
  • A proven leader of people who can recruit, develop, and mentor a top-notch team capable of supporting future growth.
  • Proven track record as a problem solver and the ability to implement innovative solutions to contemporary challenges.
  • Outstanding communication skills which include written, oral, listening, and public speaking ability.
  • Ability to forge and reinforce effective relationships with internal/external constituencies.
  • Experience working with an executive leadership team and board in effective and efficient legal strategy and management.
  • Strong teaching record.
  • Comprehensive understanding of current trends in higher education.

4. BA in Communication Studies with 2 years of Experience

  • Combined management, teaching and education administration experience
  • Successful track record of effective teaching, curriculum development, and education administration.
  • Above average user skills in computer and information technology (e.g. student database, social media, online educational resources).
  • Ability to read, analyze and interpret common technical journals and legal documents.
  • Ability to effectively present information to management and/or public groups.
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • The ability to build and lead a team.
  • Possess a spirit of enthusiasm, energy, and multi-cultural awareness.

5. BA in Curriculum and Instruction with 6 years of Experience

  • Teaching experience in higher education.
  • Experience working in the field of study.
  • Demonstrate leadership experience, preferably in higher education.
  • Experience with working curriculum and accreditation
  • Familiarity with regulatory and compliance bodies including accreditation.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to interact with students, leadership, and peers.
  • Demonstrate a track record of organizational/team/individual development.
  • Strong organizational, planning, and coordination skills.
  • Self-motivated, flexible, goal-oriented, and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to set one’s priorities, work effectively under pressure, and meet frequently occurring deadlines with minimum supervision.

6. BA in Psychology with 7 years of Experience

  • Managerial-level internet/cybersecurity experience working within corporate, non-profit, or military sectors.
  • Demonstrate leadership and team management skills.
  • Certifications in CompTIA Network +, CompTIA A+, CISSP, Certified Ethical Hacker, CompTIA Cloud +
  • Experience with experiential learning activities and tools that stimulate student involvement and develop job-ready skills.
  • Experience with or the potential to mentor students.
  • Experience using any of the following tools and techniques - Identification and Authentication Controls, PKI, Ophcrack, Social Engineering Toolkit, Retina Network Security Center, Nessus Manager, Nessus Agents, Wireshark Network Protocol Analyzer, GFI LANguard, etc.
  • Competency in Cybersecurity with practical experience in cloud security, computer forensics, and electronic discovery
  • An understanding of information security, network architecture, general database concepts, document management, hardware and software troubleshooting, and electronic mail systems.
  • Strategic planning and program development
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Experience in database management, college-level instructional design and delivery

7. BA in Social Work with 6 years of Experience

  • Prior administrative or leadership experience
  • Strong commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equal opportunity in all activities
  • Demonstrated commitment to research and mentorship
  • A distinguished teaching record at an AACSB-accredited business school
  • Visionary, open-minded, respectful, and approachable leadership style
  • Committed to innovation and interested in advancing the work environment of interdisciplinary teams
  • Experience in fundraising as well as program innovation
  • Strong communication and excellent interpersonal skills to collaborate with partners within the College of Business, other Schools and Colleges on campus, and the UM System
  • An understanding and commitment to the mission of an AAU Research 1 University, MU’s institutional values, and the land-grant mission
  • Interest in further engaging with potential donors and other external constituents to leverage and encourage financial support for the Department, the College, and MU

8. BA in Public Administration with 5 years of Experience

  • Coursework and/or experience which supports knowledge of curriculum development and supervision. 
  • Demonstrated expertise in appropriate content areas.
  • Effective and verified teaching experience (within or outside of BCPS) to include specialized areas such as guidance, speech pathology, psychology, PPW, etc.)
  • Successful completion of Leadership Development for Prospective Department Chair Candidacy.
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of pedagogy.
  • Knowledge of curriculum, and effective instructional techniques.
  • Knowledge of instructional materials and equipment.
  • Knowledge of current issues and trends in the content area. 
  • Skill in instructing students, and preparing and implementing lesson plans.
  • Skill in communicating with students, their parents, administrators, and others.
Relevant Information
Department Administrator Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements
Department Assistant Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements