University department head
Also known as: academic head of department, head of university department, head of department in a university, head of academic department, university department director, university head of department
About this occupation
University department heads lead and manage the department of their discipline in which they are academic leaders and work with the faculty dean and other heads of department to deliver the agreed faculty and university strategic objectives. They develop and support academic leadership in their department, and lead entrepreneurial activity for income-generating purposes as they promote the reputation and interests of their department within the university and to a wider community in their field.
A specialisation of headteacher.
Essential skills and knowledge
- guarantee students' safety
- assist in the organisation of school events
- manage university department
- present reports
- use office systems
- learning difficulties
- curriculum standards
- lead inspections
- write work-related reports
- university procedures
- advise on teaching methods
- cooperate with education professionals
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Education Administrators, Postsecondary (O*NET 11-9033.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Design or use assessments to monitor student learning outcomes.
- Recruit, hire, train, and terminate departmental personnel.
- Direct, coordinate, and evaluate the activities of personnel, including support staff engaged in administering academic institutions, departments, or alumni organizations.
- Advise students on issues such as course selection, progress toward graduation, and career decisions.
- Plan, administer, and control budgets, maintain financial records, and produce financial reports.
- Formulate strategic plans for the institution.
- Typical education (US)
- Master's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Social, Enterprising, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Monitoring
US median pay: US$104,590 a year (2025), 180,470 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.3)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (4.2)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.2)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaImportant (3.2)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.1)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Master's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary
- Instructional Coordinators
- Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Training and Development Managers
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare
- Management Analysts
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.