What are the responsibilities and job description for the Department Head, Professor position at Inside Higher Ed?
Posting Number
F2616P
Working Title
Department Head, Professor
Department
Franklin-Romance Languages
About The University Of Georgia
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
About The College/Unit/Department
The Department of Romance Languages (https://www.rom.uga.edu/) is a vibrant academic community of more than 60 faculty, 50 graduate students, and over 1500 majors and minors. Our department’s research explores Romance languages and cultures through literature, art, media, performance, and linguistics, emphasizing cultural production, historical transformation, and transnational exchange. We offer faculty-led study abroad programs in Argentina, France, Spain, and Peru and co-administer a Portuguese Flagship program with the Latin American and Caribbean Studies Institute. The department has strong ties with the Institutes for African, African American, Native American, and Women’s and Gender Studies, the departments of Comparative Literature and Intercultural Studies, Linguistics, Theatre and Film Studies, and the Willson Center for Humanities and Arts.
The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of UGA’s learning environment, advancing knowledge, research, and creative activity across more than 40 departments, schools, and institutes. With a vision for high-impact research and education, Franklin College prepares students for leadership and global engagement in a sustainable future. The College has a strong commitment to multidisciplinary research, collaboration and academic innovation.
College/Unit/Department Website
https://www.rom.uga.edu/
Posting Type
External
Employment Type
Employee
Benefits Eligibility
Benefits Eligible
Anticipated Start Date
08/01/2026
Job Posting Date
12/23/2025
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions To Applicants
Applicants must submit the following materials electronically:
Applicant screening will continue until the position is filled, with applicants whose files are completed by February 16, 2026 assured full consideration. Questions about the position may be addressed to the search committee co-chairs, Roland Végső (Roland.Vegso@uga.edu) and Martin Kagel (mkagel@uga.edu).
Location of Vacancy:
Athens Area
EEO Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Classification Title
Department Chair/Head AC
Faculty Rank
Professor
Contract Type
Academic (9 mo.)
Tenure Status
Tenured
Minimum Qualifications
A Ph.D. in Romance Languages, a Romance language, or a closely related field is required, with the area of specialization open.
Position Summary
The Department of Romance Languages at the University of Georgia invites applications for Full Professor to serve as Department Head to begin August 1, 2026.
Department heads support and oversee faculty and staff, including recruitment and promotion, as well as instructional programs, operations, budgeting and financial management, and development activities, working in collaboration with the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and university units and offices across campus. The successful candidate will promote research and teaching excellence, support external funding and development efforts, and continue the department’s tradition of shared faculty governance.
Additional Requirements
Candidates should have a well-developed vision for the department, a history of working collaboratively, and a commitment to mentoring and service.
Is this a Position of Trust?:
Yes
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?:
Yes
Does this position require a P-Card? :
No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :
No
Is driving a responsibility of this position?:
No
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:
No
Does This Position Have Security Access (e.g., Public Safety, IT Security, Personnel Records, Patient Records, Or Access To Chemicals And Medications)
Yes
Credit And P-Card Policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.
F2616P
Working Title
Department Head, Professor
Department
Franklin-Romance Languages
About The University Of Georgia
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
About The College/Unit/Department
The Department of Romance Languages (https://www.rom.uga.edu/) is a vibrant academic community of more than 60 faculty, 50 graduate students, and over 1500 majors and minors. Our department’s research explores Romance languages and cultures through literature, art, media, performance, and linguistics, emphasizing cultural production, historical transformation, and transnational exchange. We offer faculty-led study abroad programs in Argentina, France, Spain, and Peru and co-administer a Portuguese Flagship program with the Latin American and Caribbean Studies Institute. The department has strong ties with the Institutes for African, African American, Native American, and Women’s and Gender Studies, the departments of Comparative Literature and Intercultural Studies, Linguistics, Theatre and Film Studies, and the Willson Center for Humanities and Arts.
The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of UGA’s learning environment, advancing knowledge, research, and creative activity across more than 40 departments, schools, and institutes. With a vision for high-impact research and education, Franklin College prepares students for leadership and global engagement in a sustainable future. The College has a strong commitment to multidisciplinary research, collaboration and academic innovation.
College/Unit/Department Website
https://www.rom.uga.edu/
Posting Type
External
Employment Type
Employee
Benefits Eligibility
Benefits Eligible
Anticipated Start Date
08/01/2026
Job Posting Date
12/23/2025
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions To Applicants
Applicants must submit the following materials electronically:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Vision statement (maximum 1000 words)
- Contact information (names and email addresses) for three references
Applicant screening will continue until the position is filled, with applicants whose files are completed by February 16, 2026 assured full consideration. Questions about the position may be addressed to the search committee co-chairs, Roland Végső (Roland.Vegso@uga.edu) and Martin Kagel (mkagel@uga.edu).
Location of Vacancy:
Athens Area
EEO Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Classification Title
Department Chair/Head AC
Faculty Rank
Professor
Contract Type
Academic (9 mo.)
Tenure Status
Tenured
Minimum Qualifications
A Ph.D. in Romance Languages, a Romance language, or a closely related field is required, with the area of specialization open.
Position Summary
The Department of Romance Languages at the University of Georgia invites applications for Full Professor to serve as Department Head to begin August 1, 2026.
Department heads support and oversee faculty and staff, including recruitment and promotion, as well as instructional programs, operations, budgeting and financial management, and development activities, working in collaboration with the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and university units and offices across campus. The successful candidate will promote research and teaching excellence, support external funding and development efforts, and continue the department’s tradition of shared faculty governance.
Additional Requirements
- At least two years of substantial administrative experience and a record of distinguished scholarship and teaching are also required.
- Scholarship and teaching commensurate with the rank of full professor.
- To be eligible for tenure upon appointment as full professor, candidates must have been tenured at a prior institution and have a demonstrably national or international reputation. For unit requirements for the rank of full professor see: https://provost.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/ptu-criteria-romance-languages.pdf.
Candidates should have a well-developed vision for the department, a history of working collaboratively, and a commitment to mentoring and service.
Is this a Position of Trust?:
Yes
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?:
Yes
Does this position require a P-Card? :
No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :
No
Is driving a responsibility of this position?:
No
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:
No
Does This Position Have Security Access (e.g., Public Safety, IT Security, Personnel Records, Patient Records, Or Access To Chemicals And Medications)
Yes
Credit And P-Card Policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.