Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation

University of Montana•Missoula, MT

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Montana invites applications for an Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs provides strategic, operational, and administrative leadership for the college's undergraduate and graduate academic programs. This position requires broad initiative and independent judgment, with responsibility for curriculum, student success, academic policy, and day-to-day academic operations. The Associate Dean serves as the Dean's designee for academic matters and acts as Dean in their absence.

Requirements

Tenured member of the FCFC faculty with prior leadership experience as a department chair or program director.
Demonstrated record of research productivity and professional achievement.
Experience with budgetary oversight and management.
Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to work collegially with diverse faculty, staff, university groups, and external partners.
Broad understanding of current and emerging scientific, social, and political issues in forestry and natural resources at the regional, national, and global scale.

Nice To Haves

Prior administrative experience at any level, including department chair, program director, or other relevant leadership roles.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership for undergraduate and graduate academic programs, including curriculum development, program innovation, enrollment management, and academic policy oversight.
Partner with the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs to ensure academic quality, accreditation compliance, and continuous program improvement.
Lead curriculum assessment, revision, and development to maintain relevance, align with industry and disciplinary standards, and promote academic excellence.
Chair and provide leadership to the Undergraduate Affairs Committee and Graduate Affairs Committee.
Direct initiatives to strengthen student recruitment, retention, engagement, and post-graduation success.
Monitor enrollment, progression, retention, and graduation metrics, implementing data-informed strategies to enhance student achievement.
Oversee experiential learning opportunities, including internships, field-based learning, study abroad programs, and other high-impact educational experiences.
Provide oversight of the Office for Student Services, collaborating closely with the Director to support course scheduling, academic planning, and student success initiatives.
Directly supervise the FCFC Student Services Director and oversee the Student Services office.
Manage academic program budgets and fees, including resource allocation, adjunct faculty appointments, and coverage for faculty leaves and sabbaticals.
Coordinate graduate student funding and support, including teaching and research assistantships, in partnership with the Associate Dean for Research.
Oversee the academic integrity process and communicate outcomes and recommendations to students, faculty, and college leadership.
Lead implementation of curriculum initiatives arising from the college’s strategic plan, fostering effective collaboration across university units.
Represent the college on university committees, councils, and working groups related to undergraduate and graduate education.
Promote student participation in research, scholarship, and professional development opportunities, including university research conferences.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Dean.