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[deadcatbounce]

For various reasons, the two most logical candidates for our next headship have dropped out of the race. Now all eyes turn my way as a potential option. I'm in a large humanities department at an R1 with a 2-2 load. I'm wondering what I can possibly negotiate here that would make me want to take on this job and put my research on hold for the next five years. Any ideas?

[oatmeal]

OP--I have been here so I might know some of things you are thinking, but then again, I might not. The first thing is decide is do you want to do this and do you feel ready to do this (I am sure you would be effective, so that is probably not an issue). What is it that you want in order to do this and do you have the support of your colleagues? What is the typical course release for this position, probably down to 1-1? If you are serious about doing it and want to get the chair position, then if you are offered it, think strategically. Course reductions are a good start, maybe 0-1 in the first year as you adjust and then back up to 1-1, with a guarantee of a certain type of class if that is the norm--such as a graduate seminar and maybe a smaller sized intro class, unless you have a TA. A significant increase in salary as it is probably a 12 month contract. There are ways to work this out with formulas (lots of threads on that here). Most important, negotiate an exit or retreat plan back to the faculty ranks (because a chair is still a faculty member). I would urge you to ask for a full year administrative leave at full pay after the five years is up. I would also ask that your sabbatical clock still runs and if you would be eligible for that during your tenure as chair, that you have that afterward and that the next one runs. I would also ask that your salary stay at the same level or 10/12ths of the chair salary at the end of the five years. There are probably lots of other things you can ask for, like research funds that roll over to the next year, money for chair centered conferences, office furniture, lap-top, and smaller items (free parking permit, other items). Another thing is some time to keep up with your field and some research. For example, a half day a week for research is a nice thing to get. Good luck to you.

[lbothwell3]

I am also interested in points of negotiation, but am an outside candidate. The teaching load and such have already been established. The salary I can deal with. But I am wondering about other things, specifically: moving allowances, research packages (e.g. similar to startup packages for new hires), research dollars (for personal or discretionary use in the department), etc. My assumption is that this is similar to faculty jobs in that, the only time you can get any add ons or perks is at this stage.

BTW, this is a mid-level, "directional" university, with few graduate programs on campus, but aspirations to move up in that area. If I am offered the job, it will be due to me research background and experience at an R1.

Thanks for any comments.

LB