The range of administrative tasks performed by 679 heads of academic departments in Australian colleges of advanced education was surveyed, along with the perceptions of the administrators of their professional development needs. In addition to information about the respondent's appointment and experience, a questionnaire addressed 83 tasks, subdivided into the following seven areas: budgeting and financial control tasks, student relations and associated tasks, human relations and personnel administration tasks, curriculum and instruction tasks, personal/professional development tasks, internal administration tasks, and maintenance of internal/external relations tasks. The tasks most likely to be carried out by heads of departments concern the maintenance of internal external relationships, human relations and personnel administration, and personal and professional development. Heads at more senior levels of appointments were more likely to perform policy-related tasks associated with financial management, planning, staff leadership, and internal/external relationships. Heads at the level of lecturer were more likely to carry out certain more routine tasks. Almost one-half consider the most important aspect of their role as head of department to be staff development and motivation. Heads in large, multi-purpose colleges expressed much lower needs for professional development than did their colleagues in other colleges. In general, the professional development needs were perceived to be greater for heads at lower levels of appointment. Recommendations at the systems level and at the individual college level, a bibliography, a questionnaire, and detailed survey results are included. (SW)