"Department Chair, Visual & Performing Arts"

Job Details

Ensured Consideration Date: 09 Feb 2026

* Applications only accepted from current Michigan Tech employees.

Michigan Technological University is an R1 technological research university founded in 1885 in Houghton. Our rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's scenic Upper Peninsula and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan’s flagship technological university offers more than 185 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Research focus areas include defense, health, energy, automotive, environment, and aerospace.

The area’s waters, forests, and snowfall support year-round recreation, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, and paddling. The University is an integral part of the region, supported by a friendly and welcoming community that takes pride in being a true college town. We embrace our size, climate, sense of adventure, and originality.

Summary

The Department of Visual and Performing Arts at Michigan Technological University seeks an experienced scholar and leader with a commitment to interdisciplinarity to serve as department chair. The Chair will lead our collaborative, multidisciplinary department in implementing a shared vision for excellence in scholarship, creative work, and teaching. The Chair will be responsible for developing and supporting new departmental initiatives as well as ongoing efforts to foster innovative interdisciplinary research and advance undergraduate program success. The Chair will also facilitate the involvement of Visual and Performing Arts and the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts in the new Michigan Tech Forward 2.0.

The department chair serves as the chief administrative officer for the department and is responsible for administration, budgeting, hiring, and fundraising in support of department goals. The Chair reports directly to the Dean of College of Sciences and Arts and works with department chairs, faculty, and staff to provide an environment for the promotion of excellence in teaching, research, and professional service.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

The department chair is to provide leadership to the faculty and staff in developing a vision for the future of the department, establishing a plan to realize that vision, and working with the faculty and staff in executing the plan. The department chair will supervise the operation of the department through transparent creation, communication, and execution of the following areas, with additional duties as needed:

• Participation in College of Sciences and Arts (CSA) Council and full engagement with college-led efforts and initiatives.
• Regular communication with the CSA Dean about ongoing departmental affairs and strategic planning.
• Promotion of a culture of safety in the department, collaborating with Environmental Health and Safety, Research Integrity and other groups where beneficial or needed.
• Organization and overall supervision of department faculty and staff.
• Creation, execution and transparent reporting of the department budget.
• Supervision of the hiring, position creation and reclassification processes for faculty and staff.
• Creation, communication, and execution of a transparent evaluation system for annual evaluation of faculty and staff performance including recommendations for promotion and tenure and salary adjustments for merit.
• Provision of and communication of a transparent system for the professional development of faculty and staff.
• Creation of peer review lists for tenure and promotion reviews conducted by the Tenure, Promotion, and Reappointment Committee (TPR) and in accordance with university guidelines.
• Assignment of faculty responsibilities regarding administration, service, and teaching.
• Assignment of departmentally sponsored and maintained spaces.
• Appointment of faculty to department, college, and university committees and to the Faculty Senate with the consent of the faculty and staff.
• Coordination of scheduling various department activities with input from faculty and staff.
• Provision for ongoing program development for all divisions and provision of equal opportunities for all divisions to thrive.
• Provision for record keeping systems which includes the protection of personnel information.
• Coordination and collaboration with the CSA Dean, the College Council, the Academic Forum, and other administrative units in advancing the interest of the department, college, and university.
• Support of department marketing with the department marketing manager and other faculty and staff.
• Collaboration and support for faculty and staff on efforts toward grant-writing and development activities in the department.
• Leadership of recruitment efforts within the department, in coordination with the faculty, staff, the CSA Dean, and admissions staff.
• Leadership of fundraising and development efforts in the department in coordination with the CSA Dean, including outreach to alumni.

The duties of the department chair should be executed in a manner which:

• Considers multiple viewpoints and supports an open communication environment.
• Demonstrates respect and inclusion of all faculty and staff members.
• Provides recognition and support for all disciplines within the department.
• Provides transparency in departmental decisions.
• Share facts in a consistent and clear manner.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

• Terminal degree in an Arts related field.

Required Experience

• Experience in an academic leadership position (including but not limited to leadership within a department, program, or creative research/arts center/institute).
• Record of successful research/creative activity.
• Demonstrated experience in mentoring and developing faculty, staff, and/or students, with evidence of fostering their professional and academic success.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• Demonstrated advocacy for arts programs in higher education and/or on a STEM facing campus.
• Proactive leadership with demonstrated excellence in promoting teamwork and effective organizational strategies.
• Experience working effectively within a structure of shared governance.
• Demonstrated leadership in interdisciplinary research and/or pedagogy.
• Experience managing organizational budgets and/or donor relations.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Documented excellence in teaching and mentoring undergraduate students.
• Demonstrated success in administering, developing, and supporting academic programs.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to manage administrative timelines while maintaining clear and prompt communication throughout the process.
• Demonstrated success in working with people with a wide variety of personal characteristics and viewpoints.

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

The work environment is that of a typical office and/or classroom setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%)

1

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

11 months

Posting Type

Internal Only

Special Instructions to Applicants (if applicable)

Applications only accepted from current Michigan Tech employees.

Applicants will need to upload the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Administrative Philosophy
• Contact information for 3 professional references

We strongly encourage applicants to address the required and desired qualifications in their cover letter along with an explanation of how they will contribute to the Vision and Mission of Michigan Tech.

Additional Information

Our department offers undergraduate degrees in Audio Production and Technology, Sound Design, and Theatre and Entertainment Technology. (For a complete list of our major and minor degree programs, please go to: https://www.mtu.edu/vpa/). Our faculty specialize in acting, art, music, sound, theatre, and entertainment technology, which are all integral to our university and broader community. The department chair also administers the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, the largest theater in Michigan's Upper Peninsula with a professional staff of nine (https://www.mtu.edu/rozsa/).

Michigan Tech attracts world-class faculty who enrich the educational experience of smart, motivated, and adventurous students. Applicants who are committed to promoting a learning environment for all are strongly encouraged to apply. Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula adjacent to Lake Superior, the Houghton community offers a small-town environment with outstanding four-season recreational opportunities.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations during Michigan Tech’s hiring process please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or hr-help@mtu.edu.

Advertised:06 Jan 2026 Eastern Standard Time
Applications Close:09 Feb 2026 Eastern Standard Time