Finance Department Chair: Lead Research & Teaching

Auburn University; Auburn (AL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Auburn University’s Raymond J. Harbert College of Business invites applications for the Department Chair of Finance.

The Chair provides strategic leadership for research, teaching, and programs within the Finance department and represents the department within the college and university community. The role is a full-time, tenured faculty appointment with administrative oversight of academic programs, faculty development, budget management, and external engagement, requiring a distinguished

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

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

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

PhD in Finance or related field

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 October 1, 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.

To apply, please submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and contact information for at least three references.

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, master's (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

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 or advanced stage Associate 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.

Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

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