Department Chair - Chemistry & Forensic Sciences

Job Summary

Reporting to the Dean of COSH, this position is essential and a significant member of leadership. This position has general administrative responsibility for the affairs of the Department, including successful planning, organization, development, implementation, and direction of all aspects of the Department; providing oversight, assessment, ACS Certification, and development of educational programs; stewarding the resources (fiscal and physical) of the Department; preparation of annual reports and reviews; consensus building; and representing the faculty and students of the Department.

This position is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the department, evaluating the staff and faculty of the department, maintenance of essential department records, verification of faculty credentials, all tasks that support shaping the department mission and building consensus around department goals, conducting department meetings and implementing long-range department programs, plans, goals, and policies.

Responsibilities

• Establish a vision and goals for the Department; lead the faculty in the articulation of the vision and goals of the academic unit, with emphasis on the quality of the learning environment.
• Provide leadership to achieve the highest possible levels of excellence in instruction, research/creative activities and service activities of the Department.
• Ensure the hire of qualified, student-centered faculty and staff
• Manage the coordination and execution of the Department's educational programs with the faculty.
• Lead departmental faculty in a regular review of curricular offerings for relevance and new opportunities.
• Evaluate departmental full time and staff annually.
• Maintain records for tenure, promotion, and pre/post tenure review.
• Manage the department's budget; approve expenditure of funds allocated to the department
• Lead recruitment efforts (when permitted) for the replacement or growth of faculty.
• Oversee faculty adherence to policies and procedures. When necessary, document issues in performance and develop improvement plans.
• Schedule and preside over regular faculty meetings which inform the faculty and provide an opportunity for faculty input.
• Represent the department to off-campus individuals and groups.
• In concert with the Dean, participate in the strategic planning of the College.
• Serve as the liaison between the Department and the Dean.
• Inform the Dean of developments within the Department.
• Review/approve class schedules and ensure timely matriculation of students; equitable distribution of courses
• Manage and recommend adjunct hires and faculty overloads (as necessary)
• Prepare annual departmental reports using data to describe accomplishments and shortfalls
• Resolve issues with faculty and students in the Department (when possible)
• Cultivate interpersonal relations among the faculty and staff and make positive contributions to department morale
• Attend university and college chair council meetings
• Maintain and seek new certification for the Department programs
• Respond to additional duties/assignments as requested

Required Qualifications

• An earned doctorate in Chemistry, Forensic Sciences, or a closely related field .
• Experience with departmental budget management
• Academic accomplishments consistent with a chair-level appointment
• Demonstrated evidence of scholarly publications, grant awards, research activity
• Five (5) years of teaching experience in higher education.
• The successful candidate must have the ability to work with all faculty.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Chemistry redesign and new program development
• Knowledge of Forensic Science Certification and acquisition

Proposed Salary

Compensation for this position is comprised of a faculty base salary and an annual administrative stipend for duties performed in the role of Department Chair. The combined annual compensation (inclusive of both components) is expected to range from $108,000.00 to $115,000.00, depending on qualifications, experience, and academic rank.

Required Documents to Attach

1. CV
2. Cover Letter
3. Leadership Statement
4. Research interests
5. Unofficial Transcripts (Official Transcripts and Official International Course-by-Course Evaluations Due Upon Hire)
6. Names, phone numbers, and email addresses of at least 3 professional references.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of curriculum development, conflict resolution, strategic planning, and stewardship of resources (fiscal and physical).
• Knowledge of shared governance, faculty/staff development, student development, goal achievement, assessment, and resource development
• Knowledge of best practices in the classroom
• Knowledge of applications to enhance teaching and learning
• Knowledge of computers with preferred experience in Banner
• Skilled in oral and written communication
• Skill in decision-making and problem-solving
• Skill in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and function in a project-lead capacity as needed
• Ability to contribute to a positive work environment in the department and University
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle highly sensitive and personal information with sound judgment, tact, and discretion
• Ability to follow directives from administration and be flexible in changes to those directions.
• Ability to grow enrollment, retain, and graduate students.

Apply Before Date

For best consideration, apply by December 15, 2026. Review of applications may begin as early as December 1, 2026.

Contact Information

For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources at hr@savannahstate.edu. For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at (877) 251.2644, or email support@usg.edu.

Other Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table with intermittent standing or stooping
• The work is typically performed in an office to accommodate program needs
• The work may require periods of overnight travel.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY:

• This position has direct supervision over departmental faculty