Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs

Waubonsee Community College, IL•Sugar Grove, IL

43d•Hybrid

About The Position

Join our dynamic team at Waubonsee Community College, where your career can flourish. We are committed to being an exceptional employer, offering a comprehensive benefits package with generous time off, low-cost medical, dental, and vision plans, and a secure pension plan through SURS. You'll also enjoy 14 paid holidays, including winter and Thanksgiving breaks. Be part of a transformative institution, dedicated to making a positive impact in our community and the lives of our students. Your future starts here - join us today! Waubonsee Community College is committed to hiring and retaining exceptional faculty and staff who are committed to the college's culture of collaboration, professional growth and student success. The Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs serves as a strategic partner and academic leader, working closely with the Dean to advance the college's instructional mission across transfer, workforce, and general education programs. A key focus of this role is providing visionary support for adjunct faculty excellence through leadership in supervision, mentoring, and professional development, ensuring high-quality instruction and positive student outcomes. The Assistant Dean fosters program innovation, promotes student success, and cultivates external partnerships to align with institutional goals, accreditation standards, and evolving academic and workforce trends.

Requirements

Master's degree required, preferably in a field related to the academic division.
At least three years of experience in higher education; college-level teaching experience preferred.
Minimum two years of supervisory or project management experience.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality work with strong organization, time, and project management skills.
Model professional and emotionally intelligent communication, demonstrating self-awareness, composure, and respect in all interactions.
Ability to apply data to inform decision-making.
Demonstrated success in building and maintaining collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
Deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a demonstrated ability to support individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Awareness of industry and academic trends related to workforce readiness and curricular innovation.
Experience working across multiple academic disciplines or divisions.

Responsibilities

In collaboration with the academic Deans and other Assistant Deans, ensure consistency and continuity for quality service, support and communications to faculty and staff within and among the academic divisions.
Serve as a critical thought partner to the Dean by shaping and advancing academic initiatives that promote student success and align with institutional priorities and strategic plans across transfer, workforce, and general education programs.
Provide strategic leadership and advocacy for adjunct faculty development, including recruitment, orientation, supervision, mentoring, evaluation, and equitable workload assignment in accordance with institutional policies and collective bargaining agreements. Foster opportunities for adjunct professional growth and meaningful integration into the academic community to support instructional quality and student learning outcomes.
Engage collaboratively with faculty, the Dean, and stakeholders to support instructional and curricular quality initiatives, including program accreditation, compliance, curriculum innovation, and continuous alignment with the college's strategic objectives.
Strengthen and sustain external partnerships by supporting advisory committees, collaborating with transfer institutions to expand articulation agreements, and engaging employers to ensure curriculum relevance and workforce alignment.
Support data-informed decision-making by assisting in the analysis of enrollment, retention, and completion trends, identifying gaps, and contributing to recommendations for strategic interventions aimed at improving student outcomes.
Collaborate in the coordination of instructional operations, including scheduling, adjunct faculty assignments, and academic resource allocation, to align with division needs and ensure seamless pathways to transfer or employment.
Promote responsible use of academic resources, contributing to sustainability and the achievement of division and college goals.
Champion student engagement and success by promoting initiatives such as academic clubs, honor societies, professional organizations, and career-connected learning experiences.
Provide visible and collaborative leadership within the institution by serving on college committees, representing the division externally, and fostering cross-departmental partnerships that support the college's mission.
Stay current with emerging academic, pedagogical, and workforce trends by applying research, innovative technologies, and best practices to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
Perform other duties as assigned to meet the evolving needs of the division and college.