Description
The Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech invites applications for the position of Head of the Department of Finance, Insurance and Business Law. This full-time, calendar-year appointment at the rank of tenured Professor presents an exciting opportunity to lead a dynamic and growing department, shaping its future direction and driving its continued success. The role is based in Blacksburg, VA with an expected start date of July 2026.
The Department of Finance, Insurance, and Business Law is dedicated to knowledge creation, knowledge dissemination, and faculty- and student-led projects that extend beyond the university to enhance finance theory and practice. Through its research, teaching, and outreach, the department addresses complex challenges in financial markets, corporate decision-making, and public policy—ultimately contributing to stronger institutions, improved financial practices, and enhanced economic well-being.
As one of seven departments within the Pamplin College of Business, the Department of Finance, Insurance and Business Law plays a key role in advancing the college’s mission. The Department Head will join a collaborative and innovative leadership team, working closely with the dean, fellow department heads, and other college leaders to further strengthen and elevate the reputation of the department, the college, and Virginia Tech as a whole. Pamplin is in the process of launching an innovative re-design of its curricular and co-curricular programs. The Department Head will provide leadership to ensure that the department is best positioned to execute this vision.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing the Department’s academic reputation, research excellence, and teaching quality in alignment with the college’s mission and strategic priorities. The position requires fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, while overseeing faculty development, resource allocation, and departmental operations. The Department Head will lead efforts to recruit and retain outstanding faculty, enhance research productivity, enrich the student experience, and strengthen engagements with alumni and industry partners. The role also includes fostering interdisciplinary collaboration with other units within the college and across the university.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
Develop and implement a strategic plan for the department that aligns with the goals of the college and university
Position the department as a leader in research excellence, teaching innovation, and industry/alumni engagement
Foster a collegial and collaborative culture among faculty, staff, and students
Ensure departmental initiatives support the college’s strategic goals and meet AACSB and other relevant accreditation standards
Faculty Development and Research
Recruit, mentor, and retain outstanding faculty across all academic ranks
Support faculty development and recognition, fostering excellence in research, teaching, and service
Encourage and enable impactful scholarship, including publications in top-tier journals
Promote interdisciplinary research collaborations and pursue external funding opportunities
Academic Programs and Curriculum
Lead curriculum development to ensure rigor, innovation, and relevance across undergraduate, graduate, and executive education programs
Advance teaching excellence and strengthen student learning outcomes
Support program growth through specialized tracks, certificates, and online offerings
Collaborate with other departments and centers to expand and enrich interdisciplinary programs
Resource Management
Manage the department’s budget and allocate resources effectively to achieve department goals
Oversee teaching assignments, course scheduling, and program staffing
Collaborate with the dean’s office to secure resources and support faculty initiatives
Industry and Alumni Engagement
Strengthen relationships with industry leaders, alumni, and advisory boards to enhance the department’s reputation and impact
Create opportunities for research collaboration and experiential learning for students with industry partners
Support fundraising and development initiatives to advance departmental priorities in partnership with the advancement team
Service and Outreach
Represent the department within the college, university, and broader academic community
Contribute to thought leadership to elevate the department’s visibility and impact
Required Qualifications
Doctoral degree in Finance or closely related discipline from an accredited institution
Eligibility for tenure at the rank of Professor with an outstanding academic record and national/international recognition
Demonstrated research excellence, including publications in top-tier finance and finance-related journals
Proven record of professional engagement and leadership in relevant academic or professional organizations
Strong commitment to teaching excellence and curriculum innovation
Exceptional leadership, organizational, and communication skills
Strong interpersonal and team-building skills
A clear and compelling vision for the department’s future that aligns with college strategic initiatives
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated leadership experience in academic administration, including faculty, staff, and student mentoring, strategic planning, and effective budget management
Evidence of engagement with industry partners, alumni, and external stakeholders
