Department Chair - Communications, Graphics, and Fine Arts

Tennessee Board of Regents•Memphis, TN

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department Head/Chair of Communication, Graphic, and Fine Arts provides academic leadership, administrative oversight, and strategic direction for a department encompassing communication studies, graphic design, visual arts, and related creative disciplines. The role ensures high quality instruction, fosters artistic and scholarly excellence, supports faculty development, and advances programs that prepare students for transfer, professional practice, and creative industries. The Chair manages departmental operations, guides curriculum and assessment, oversees faculty and staff, and represents the department within the institution and the broader community.

Requirements

Master's degree in Art, Multi-Media, Music, Photography, Print Production, Speech, Theater, TV Production or related field.
Five (5) years of full-time teaching experience in higher education.
A background check will be required for the successful candidate.

Nice To Haves

Higher education administration experience.

Responsibilities

Provide vision and leadership for communication, graphic design, and fine arts programs, aligning departmental goals with institutional priorities.
Lead development and implementation of strategic plans that strengthen teaching, creative practice, community engagement, and student success.
Promote a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive departmental culture that supports artistic exploration and academic rigor.
Oversee curriculum development, program review, and continuous improvement to ensure alignment with industry standards, transfer pathways, and institutional learning outcomes.
Coordinate semester schedules, instructor assignments, studio/lab usage, and course delivery in consultation with faculty and academic leadership.
Monitor enrollment trends and adjust offerings to support student demand, retention, and program viability.
Recruit, hire, onboard, and retain qualified full time and adjunct faculty across communication, graphic design, and fine arts disciplines.
Provide mentoring, coaching, and professional development opportunities that support instructional excellence and creative scholarship.
Conduct annual faculty evaluations, oversee promotion and tenure processes, and ensure transparent review practices.
Support faculty engagement in exhibitions, performances, publications, design projects, and community based creative work.
Support high quality instruction, advising structures, and experiential learning opportunities such as exhibitions, portfolios, media production, and performances.
Ensure timely response to student concerns and foster an inclusive, supportive learning environment.
Collaborate with student services, advising, and recruitment teams to strengthen retention, completion, and transfer outcomes.
Ensure departmental compliance with institutional, state, federal, and accreditation requirements.
Maintain accurate documentation and reporting for program reviews, assessment cycles, and institutional effectiveness processes.
Promote ethical practice, academic integrity, and adherence to institutional policies.
Prepare and manage departmental budgets, monitor expenditures, and allocate resources to priority initiatives.
Oversee procurement and maintenance of specialized equipment, software, studio supplies, and gallery resources.
Coordinate facilities planning for studios, labs, classrooms, and exhibition spaces to support creative and academic activities.
Identify opportunities for grants, partnerships, and external funding.
Build and maintain relationships with community arts organizations, communication/media partners, galleries, design firms, and cultural institutions.
Lead advisory board engagement to ensure programs remain aligned with workforce needs and creative industry trends.
Represent the department on college committees and support outreach, recruitment, and public facing events such as exhibitions, showcases, and performances.
Lead regular departmental meetings, maintain clear communication channels, and ensure timely dissemination of policies and decisions.
Oversee staff supervision, workload distribution, and operational processes within the department.
Report on faculty and staff appointments, separations, and performance matters.