diff --git a/backend/job/job_post/serializers.py b/backend/job/job_post/serializers.py
index c9ab14b..f0e1785 100644
--- a/backend/job/job_post/serializers.py
+++ b/backend/job/job_post/serializers.py
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ def serialize_job_row(row, *, names=None, recruiter_name=None, hiring_manager_na
     return {
         "id": str(row.id),
         "title": row.title,
-        "department": row.department or None,
+        "department": row.department_ref.name if row.department_ref else None,
         "department_id": str(row.department_id) if row.department_id else None,
         "location": row.location,
         "employment_type": row.employment_type,
diff --git a/backend/job/job_post/views.py b/backend/job/job_post/views.py
index 33e149b..1ecc62f 100644
--- a/backend/job/job_post/views.py
+++ b/backend/job/job_post/views.py
@@ -461,9 +461,11 @@ class JobPost:
             if payload.get("department_id"):
                 department=await self._require_department(payload.get("department_id"))
                 fields["department_id"]=department.id
+                fields["department_ref"]=department
                 fields["department"]=department.name
             else:
                 fields["department_id"]=None
+                fields["department_ref"]=None
                 fields["department"]=""
 
         assignment=Assignment(self.session)
diff --git a/frontend/src/screens/Jobs.jsx b/frontend/src/screens/Jobs.jsx
index 72804d3..be02f4e 100644
--- a/frontend/src/screens/Jobs.jsx
+++ b/frontend/src/screens/Jobs.jsx
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ async function fetchJobs() {
 }
 
 function deptValue(j) {
-  return String(j.requisitionDepartment || j.department || '').trim()
+  return String(j.department || '').trim()
 }
 
 function deptLabel(j) {