Director of Department and Tenure-track Associate/ Professor in Business, Finance, or Accounting

Wenzhou-Kean University

Wenzhou-Kean University (WKU), located in Wenzhou, China, is one of three Sino-American universities approved by the Ministry of Education of China, along with NYU Shanghai and Duke Kunshan University. Launched in 2012, WKU offers a unique model of higher education in partnership with Kean University, a comprehensive public university in New Jersey accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

WKU sits on approximately 500 beautiful acres and currently enrolls about 5,000 students. The university is experiencing rapid growth, with plans to expand enrollment to 7,000 students within the next three years. All instruction is in English, and all curriculum is provided by Kean University. In addition to 18 undergraduate programs, WKU is approved to offer 8 Master’s and 3 doctorate programs.

Wenzhou is one of the most vibrant and economically advanced cities on China’s East Coast, located one hour by plane and just over three hours by high-speed train from Shanghai.

About the Job

The Department Director is a tenure-track faculty member and academic administrator who provides strategic leadership, articulates departmental goals, and fosters academic excellence. This is a full-time, 10-month tenure-track position at the Associate or Full Professor level. Each term lasts three years and may be renewed once.

Key Administrative Responsibilities Include:

• Grow and develop the program(s) to enhance reputation and national presence
• Participate in recruitment events such as high school visits and open houses
• Course scheduling and faculty workload assignments
• Manage departmental budget and resources
• Evaluate faculty annually and develop improvement plans
• Conduct classroom observations and evaluate Lecturer reappointment
• Recruit, advise, mentor, and retain students
• Handle student concerns and grievances
• Create a collegial and professional departmental environment
• Oversee curriculum review, graduation audits, and accreditation processes
• Form and oversee faculty search committees
• Mentor new faculty and support professional development
• Hold monthly departmental meetings
• Supervise administrative staff
• Coordinate with WKU administration
• Build industry and community connections for research, internships, and engagement
• Foster external academic collaborations

Department Directors must be on campus at least four days per week (Monday to Friday), for at least seven hours per day, excluding university holidays and winter break. Remote work during the winter semester may be approved by the Dean. Summer administrative work (three days per week for four weeks) may be required, compensated as a 3-credit overload or future course release.

Faculty Responsibilities

As tenure-track faculty, the Department Director is expected to lead independent research, publish in peer-reviewed journals, apply for internal and external grants, and engage in service to the university and professional community.

Tenure-track faculty typically teach 24 credits per academic year. The Department Director receives up to 12 credits of reassigned time for administrative duties. Start-up grants (up to 80,000 RMB) will be provided to support research programs. Faculty may also apply for the President's Glocal-Local Anchor Institution Research Grant and other local/national funding sources.

Teaching assignments may include day, evening, and online courses. Use of advanced instructional technologies is highly encouraged. Faculty may also be assigned General Education or disciplinary support courses.

Faculty Positions at WKU Offer:

• Internationally competitive salary, commensurate with experience
• Start-up grants for research
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage
• Academic travel support up to $2,000
• Housing options and subsidy up to $3,000
• Home travel reimbursement up to $6,000 (2 international round-trips)
• Relocation reimbursement up to $1,000
• Up to 8% front-load retirement benefits (based on service)
• Shuttle bus services to/from campus
• Opportunity to teach high-quality students (60%+ admitted to top 50 global graduate programs)

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Management, Marketing, or related fields
• Doctoral degree from a reputable university (Carnegie R1 or comparable institutions) preferred
• English fluency is required
• Strong publication record and readiness to lead research groups independently
• Ability to teach upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses in area of expertise
• Expected to publish in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and apply for external research funding
• Contribute to curriculum development, program assessment, student mentoring, internships, and REU initiatives

Application Instructions

Applicants are REQUIRED to apply online. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Please submit the following documents:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of teaching philosophy
• Statement of research goals
• Unofficial transcripts
• Two most recent peer-reviewed academic publications
• Contact information for three professional references

Official transcripts for all degrees and three current letters of recommendation are required before appointment.