Associate Dean, School of Education

UMass Global

1d • $111,000 - $122,000 • Remote

About The Position

The Associate Dean of the School of Education supports the Dean in advancing the vision, mission, and strategic plan of the institution. The Associate Dean plays a pivotal role in the operational leadership and administration of the school, assisting in the management of academic programs, accreditation readiness, faculty management, student engagement, and other operational activities. Working collaboratively with the Dean and other members of the leadership team, the Associate Dean promotes a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and innovation. This position serves as a key representative of the School of Education within the institution and contributes to its engagement with external partners at the local, state, and national levels.

Requirements

• Requires a master’s degree from an accredited institution in education or a closely related field.
• A minimum of five years of exemplary online teaching experience in higher education
• A minimum of three years of experience in online program and course development
• A minimum of three years of experience in the administration of online higher education programs (e.g., service in program or curriculum leadership, committee or governance roles, or faculty supervision/coordination)
• Experience working effectively with non-traditional and adult learners
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to guide teams, drive execution, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Strong strategic and operational capabilities in designing, implementing, and evaluating online academic initiatives across the academic life cycle (e.g., curriculum, faculty, students, assessment, accreditation, and quality).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across distributed academic, operational, and enterprise stakeholders.
• Knowledge of online and hybrid learning modalities, learning technologies. and emerging trends that enhance teaching, learning, and student engagement.
• Proficiency with data-informed decision-making, including interpreting academic and operational metrics to diagnose issues, identify trends, and improve outcomes.
• Understanding of accreditation, assessment, and academic policy frameworks relevant to programs, with the ability to ensure compliance and alignment.
• Commitment to fostering equitable, inclusive, student-centered learning environments that value diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
• Professional disposition characterized by emotional intelligence, discretion, resilience, and a growth mindset.
• Microsoft Office Suite, video conferencing platforms (such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams), Learning Management Systems (such as Brightspace, Blackboard) and other typical enterprise-type software used in educational organizations (such as Banner, Workday).

Nice To Haves

• A terminal degree (e.g., Ed.D. or Ph.D.) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Curriculum Oversight
• Implement curriculum revisions approved through university governance by coordinating with program directors and faculty to launch, modify or phase out programs and courses
• Coordinate faculty contributions to course content and incorporate feedback from students and external partners (employers, community organizations, professional practitioners) to update and improve the curriculum
• Review, approve, and maintain catalog content for School programs and courses to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with approved curricula
• Support program and accreditation review activities by monitoring compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards, coordinating assessment of programs and courses, and documenting findings for continuous improvement
• Oversee ongoing review of program and course portfolios by managing review cycles, monitoring alignment with learning outcomes, incorporating elements that advance program development (such as certifications, experiential learning, and microcredentials), and recommending course revisions or inactivations as needed
• Advance academic quality by promoting consistent instruction and evaluation practices
• Faculty and Staff Oversight
• Support faculty staffing plans by recruiting and onboarding new faculty and addressing upcoming staffing changes, evaluating faculty performance, and making recommendations for promotions and reappointments
• Manage faculty workload plans and in‑year adjustments to ensure adequate program and course coverage within School
• Supervise faculty directors, faculty and/or support staff, overseeing teaching quality, performance, and peer‑mentoring structures
• Promote faculty growth by coordinating relevant professional development opportunities and fostering faculty engagement and a strong sense of academic community
• Foster an inclusive, student‑centered learning environment by ensuring faculty comply with accessibility and policies impacting learner needs
• Academic Administration
• Maintain open communication and coordinate the flow of key academic and operational information across schools, faculty, staff, and support units
• Coordinate academic program operations by managing course scheduling and program documents, monitoring program performance, and collaborating with academic leaders to ensure aligned, high‑quality curricula
• Ensure consistent implementation of academic policies and manage complex student issues, including escalations, appeals, and concerns, in collaboration with relevant university partners
• Represent the School on internal committees and at relevant professional associations, regulatory bodies, and accrediting agencies, as requested by the Dean
• Use data analytics to monitor key program and student success metrics, and apply findings to guide strategic improvements and reporting
• Use technology, including university approved AI tools, to enhance teaching, learning, and academic operations
• Fiscal Management
• Assist the Dean in managing School's fiscal affairs, including approval of faculty and staff expenses such as travel and professional development funds
• Provide input on budget planning, forecasting, and resource allocation
• Outreach
• Develop and maintain external partnerships and representations that promote the School’s programs and support its strategic goals
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align outreach, communications, and program materials with the School’s strategic goals
• Other
• Perform other duties, as assigned by Dean

Benefits

• Health: Medical, dental, and vision coverage with spending account options.
• Work-Life Balance: Remote options, flexible schedules, 1/2 day Fridays (biweekly), generous time off, including paid holidays and a paid winter break.
• Financial Security: Life, disability, accident, legal, identity protection, and student debt support.
• Retirement: 403(b) plan with a Roth option. 3% non-elective contribution and up to 6% match for a 9% total employer contribution!
• Education: Tuition discounts for employees and family and Tuition Exchange program with other universities. PSLF eligible employer.
• Wellness: Counseling services, Free Calm Health subscription and year-round wellness programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive