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[jgreene]

Hello all,

I have an upcoming interview for a Head of Department position. I have been asked to present a short (10 minute) talk on being a Department Head in a changing environment. Can anyone help by suggesting what points to focus on? By changing environment, I guess this could be a reference to changing demographics, changing needs of the community, changing economic environment etc. It is a short talk, and I can't decide what aspects of being a Department Head to focus on!

Any suggestions appreciated!

Thanks,

Joeseph.

[digger]

You will probably find a lot of differing opinions here. 10 minutes will blow by pretty fast. Research the institution and find out exactly what their chairs do. It really varies (do not talk about a fundraising campaign if their chairs do not get involved with development). Really, if it were me, I would tell them change is the only constant and get on with the talk. You can’t be an effective administrator without anticipating change. Do talk about the things you can touch. Give them your quick take on interdisciplinary programs in modern times, M&O planning, governance, accountability, advancement, accessibility, units relationship to the community/university…

You know: the vision thing.

You do not have time to go deep. As one who has done it – I suggest you keep it short and let them lead your discussion through their questions. This, of course means you will have to think on your feet and know their program & players inside and out.

Oh, be honest, relaxed, stay positive, and get out from behind the podium.

[der_gadfly]

Really, if it were me, I would tell them change is the only constant and get on with the talk. You can’t be an effective administrator without anticipating change. Do talk about the things you can touch. Give them your quick take on interdisciplinary programs in modern times, M&O planning, governance, accountability, advancement, accessibility, units relationship to the community/university…

(snip)
 This, of course means you will have to think on your feet and know their program & players inside and out.

Oh, be honest, relaxed, stay positive, and get out from behind the podium.

Chime. Department heads have to be highly flexible, and often be VERY quick.....

[jgreene]

Thank you for the valuable suggestions - I will try to keep these things in mind and do some more research on the department as I prepare the presentation!

Best regards,

Joeseph

[subsavant]

I did this 10 years ago -- apparently with some success. If you are lucky, you will not get the position, and can go back to being a normal faculty member. Trust me, the job is not one to covet. You will be asked to cut the budget, but given little or no control over raises (if there are any). The faculty will view you as an alien intruder, but somehow all powerful when they come with requests for money/space/students. In fact, being at the bottom of the administrative totem pole, all of the administrative excrescence from above will drip down and settle on you.

On the interview: if you tell the faculty what they want to hear, you will be unacceptable to administration. If you tell administration what it wants to hear, you will be unacceptable to the faculty. But often you can do both because they don't compare notes.

Good Luck!