Department Chair (Finance)

Auburn University; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life-Changing Impact

Culture of Excellence

Generous benefits

Work-life balance support

Job summary

Auburn University’s Raymond J. Harbert College of Business invites applications and nominations for the Department Chair of Finance, a tenured, full-time leadership appointment guiding a productive faculty and advancing teaching and research.

The Chair will oversee academic programs, faculty development, external engagement, and budgetary oversight, while shaping the department’s vision within the college and university.

Qualifications

• PhD in Finance or related field from an AACSB-accredited institution.
• Rank of Professor with tenure at a Carnegie R1 institution.
• Commitment to innovative, student-centered pedagogy.
• Proven leadership experience in higher education.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the Department of Finance.
• Promote and support a strong research culture aligned with the college’s reputation.
• Advance excellence in teaching across undergraduate, masters, and PhD programs.
• Recruit, mentor, and retain talented faculty and staff.
• Steward the department’s resources and budget effectively.
• Strengthen relationships with industry partners, alumni, and donors.
• Collaborate with other chairs and college leadership on strategic initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Research leadership

Teaching excellence

Mentoring

Budget management

Industry engagement

Communication

Education

PhD in Finance

Job description

Overview

Lead the Future of Finance at Auburn University

The Raymond J. Harbert College of Business at Auburn University invites applications and nominations for the Department Chair of Finance, a leadership role at one of the nation’s preeminent business schools. We seek an accomplished scholar and dynamic leader to guide a highly productive faculty, foster continued excellence in teaching and research, and strengthen the department’s role in fulfilling the college’s strategic mission.

About the Role

Department Chair is a full-time, tenured faculty appointment with administrative responsibility for academic programs, faculty development, research advancement, external engagement, and budgetary oversight. The Chair will continue shaping the department’s vision, cultivating a culture of academic excellence, and representing the department within the college, across the university, and to the broader business and alumni community.

About the Department & Programs

The Department of Finance includes 14 tenure-track faculty, 4 lecturers, 2 staff dedicated to undergrad professional development, and a number of adjunct faculty. With over 1,600 majors, it is the largest department in Auburn’s largest college. The department’s undergraduate program is distinguished by strong placement in investment banking and high starting salaries. Faculty research spans top journals (including Journal of Finance, Journal of Financial Economics, Review of Financial Studies)), and the department offers both Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in Finance.

Why Auburn? Why Harbert?

Auburn University is a leading R1 public research university and the highest-ranked university in Alabama by U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal. U.S. News & World Report ranks Auburn among the Top 50 public universities. The Harbert College of Business is Auburn University’s largest college, with more than 7,700 students, and is ranked among the Top 50 business schools and the Top 30 public business schools by U.S. News & World Report. The college is known for its commitment to academic excellence, strong corporate and alumni engagement, and forward-looking approach to business education.

Located in the vibrant college town of Auburn, Alabama—regularly ranked among the best places to live in the U.S.—the university offers a high quality of life, a collaborative campus culture, and access to a wide range of natural and metropolitan amenities. Auburn University is understanding of and sensitive to the family needs of faculty, including dual-career couples.

Application Information

Review of applications will begin September 28, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Rank and salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Candidates must meet eligibility requirements to work in the U.S. at the time of appointment and continue working legally throughout employment.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the Department of Finance
• Promote and support a strong research culture aligned with the college’s reputation for scholarly impact
• Advance excellence in teaching across undergraduate, masters (including MBA), and PhD programs
• Recruit, mentor, and retain talented faculty and staff
• Steward the department’s resources and budget effectively
• Strengthen relationships with industry partners, alumni, and donors
• Collaborate effectively with other department Chairs and college leadership to pursue strategic initiatives

Qualifications

• PhD in Finance or a closely related field from an AACSB-accredited institution at the time employment begins
• Academic record supporting the rank of Professor and meriting the appointment with tenure at a Carnegie R1 institution
• Demonstrated commitment to innovative, student-centered pedagogy
• Proven leadership experience in higher education
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

n/a

Contract Type

Continuing

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact:Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone:Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.