Department Chair, Sociology

The Department of Sociology at the University of Akron invites applications for an innovative and collaborative leader to serve as Chair of the Department of Sociology, beginning July 1, 2027. This is a 12-month administrative appointment with a concurrent tenured faculty appointment at the rank of Professor in the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences.

The Department of Sociology seeks a chair who will advance sociology as a public-facing discipline while strengthening enrollment, expanding community-engaged research and teaching, and building innovative pathways that connect sociological training to meaningful careers. The successful candidate will work with faculty, students, and university leadership to position the department for growth in a rapidly changing higher education landscape, with an eye toward future collaboration across related programs.

Required Qualifications:

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

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.

The Department of Sociology is committed to providing students with the tools to engage, and the skills to solve, real-world problems (e.g., public health and public safety). Our graduates have strong analytic and communication skills, can think critically and act creatively to address social problems. By ensuring that all students apply their learning through hands-on research projects and internships, we graduate informed students who are prepared to work in areas designed to address systemic problems facing our local, regional, and global communities.

The department is well positioned to strengthen interdisciplinary collaborations across the university and with regional partners, including local government, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies. The chair will play a key role in advancing initiatives that: strengthen recruitment and enrollment in sociology programs; connect sociological training with career pathways in public and community health, public safety, program evaluation, community development, and applied research; expand experiential learning and community-engaged research opportunities for students; develop innovative curriculum and program offerings that attract students interested in social impact careers; build connections with related programs in the college with the potential to shape an interdisciplinary unit and enhance the department’s visibility and partnerships across Northeast Ohio.

If hired, the chair will have the opportunity to help shape the future of sociology at a public metropolitan research university deeply connected to its surrounding community. Akron offers unique opportunities for sociological research and engagement in areas such as: health and well-being; crime and justice; inequality and social mobility; urban and community development; social policy and program evaluation.

The Chair serves as the academic and administrative leader of the department, responsible for advancing excellence in teaching, research, and service. Key responsibilities include: articulating and implementing a strategic vision for the department’s future, including initiatives to strengthen enrollment and student success; supporting faculty research, collaboration, and professional development; fostering community-engaged and applied research partnerships with public and nonprofit organizations; overseeing curriculum development, program assessment, and new program initiatives; managing departmental budgets, staffing, and course scheduling; promoting student recruitment, retention, and career preparation; cultivating a collaborative and intellectually vibrant departmental climate; representing the department within the college, university, and broader community; maintaining an active scholarly agenda and contributing to teaching; and partnering with the Dean and college leadership on ongoing conversations about collaboration with related programs

Background Check Statement

The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

State of Residence Statement

It is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio.