Department Chair, Sociology

University of Akron•Akron, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Akron’s Department of Sociology seeks an innovative, collaborative leader to serve as department chair beginning July 1, 2027. This is a 12-month administrative appointment concurrent with a tenured faculty appointment at the rank of Professor in the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences. The chair will advance sociology as a public-facing discipline by strengthening enrollment, expanding community-engaged research and teaching, and creating pathways that connect sociological training to meaningful careers. The role includes positioning the department for growth and fostering potential collaboration across related programs. The department emphasizes hands-on research and internships that help students apply their learning to real-world problems and prepare for work addressing systemic challenges in local, regional, and global communities. The chair will lead the department’s academic and administrative work, advancing excellence in teaching, research, and service. The position combines leadership and administration with an active scholarly agenda and teaching. The chair will work with faculty, students, the Dean, college and university leadership, and community partners to support the department’s future and its connections across Northeast Ohio.

Requirements

PhD in Sociology or a closely related field.
Record of scholarship and teaching consistent with tenure at the rank of Professor.
Demonstrated leadership or administrative experience in an academic setting.
Evidence of commitment to student success and faculty mentorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience with strategic planning or program development.
Demonstrated ability to build interdisciplinary and community partnerships.
Interest in strengthening career-relevant pathways for sociology graduates.
Experience with student recruitment, program growth, or enrollment development.
Experience securing external funding or supporting faculty grant activity.
Experience with interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-departmental initiatives.

Responsibilities

Articulate and implement a strategic vision for the department, including initiatives to strengthen enrollment and student success.
Support faculty research, collaboration, and professional development.
Foster community-engaged and applied research partnerships with public and nonprofit organizations.
Oversee curriculum development, program assessment, and new program initiatives.
Manage departmental budgets, staffing, and course scheduling.
Promote student recruitment, retention, and career preparation.
Cultivate a collaborative and intellectually vibrant departmental climate.
Represent the department within the college, university, and broader community.
Maintain an active scholarly agenda and contribute to teaching.
Partner with the Dean and college leadership on conversations about collaboration with related programs.
Strengthen recruitment and enrollment in sociology programs and develop career-relevant pathways for graduates.
Expand experiential learning and community-engaged research opportunities for students.
Develop innovative curriculum and program offerings and build connections with related college programs.