Department Head of Finance, Insurance and Business Law

Company: Virginia Tech
Location: Blacksburg
Posted on: January 19, 2026

Job 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. 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 Overtime Status Exempt: Not eligible for overtime Appointment Type Regular Salary Information commensurate with experience Hours per week N/A Additional Information The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check. About Virginia Tech Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually. Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development. Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

Keywords: Virginia Tech, Lynchburg , Department Head of Finance, Insurance and Business Law, Education / Teaching , Blacksburg, Virginia