Associate Dean

Staff Openings • South Royalton, VT

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Dean of the Online Hybrid Juris Doctor (OHJD) Program provides strategic, academic, and operational leadership for all aspects of the OHJD Program, including academic quality, accreditation compliance, student success, faculty support, program administration, and long-term program growth and success. This is a senior staff administrative position (not a faculty appointment) responsible for academic administration, program oversight, and operational effectiveness. The Associate Dean serves on the senior leadership team and reports to the Dean of the Law School. This position works closely with faculty, staff, and administrators to ensure the OHJD Program advances the mission and strategic priorities of Vermont Law and Graduate School (VLGS) while maintaining rigorous academic standards and full compliance with accreditation requirements. This position may be hybrid or fully remote, with regular travel required for residencies and institutional responsibilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's and advanced degree (J.D. or related field) required.
• 7–10 years of leadership experience in higher education or a related field.
• Experience managing complex academic or professional programs.
• Familiarity with accreditation and regulatory requirements (ABA preferred).
• Experience with online or hybrid education programs.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across faculty and administrative units.
• Commitment to student success and inclusive learning environments.
• Regular travel required for residencies and institutional responsibilities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines and reorganize under pressure.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Must be able to work legally within the United States without sponsorship.
• Ability to perform all essential functions of the job with or without basic accommodations.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree preferred (Masters, J.D. and/or bar admission, or related field).
• Experience in legal or professional graduate education.
• Familiarity with instructional design or digital pedagogy.
• Experience with external engagement or national professional networks.

Responsibilities

• Serve as institutional lead for ABA Standard 306 and related requirements.
• Oversee compliance, reporting, and preparation for site visits and questionnaires.
• Serve as liaison with accrediting bodies and institutional leadership.
• Monitor and implement emerging regulatory and accreditation developments affecting online legal education and recommend institutional responses.
• Oversee academic quality, curricular coherence, and learning outcomes.
• Ensure rigor and equivalence with the residential J.D. program.
• Collaborate with faculty leadership and committees on curriculum, innovation, to evaluate and enhance effectiveness.
• Recommend academic policies and improvements to support student learning and success.
• Partner with faculty leadership and hiring committees in the recruitment, development, hiring, and evaluation of OHJD faculty.
• Support effective online and hybrid teaching practices.
• Foster strong working relationships with faculty; facilitate communication and collaboration among OHJD faculty and institutional leadership.
• Oversee advising and monitor student engagement, retention, and success.
• Ensure access to academic support, career services, and co-curricular opportunities.
• Collaborate with Student Services on integration of online and residential communities.
• Lead orientations and initiatives that support community and student engagement.
• Monitor academic progress and student success metrics and implement interventions to improve retention and completion outcomes.
• Oversee and lead academic and administrative operations of the OHJD Program.
• Partner with instructional design and technology staff to ensure effective and consistent online and hybrid instruction.
• Oversee planning and execution of OHJD residencies.
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies and educational practices to support program quality and innovation.
• Oversee collection and analysis of program data.
• Develop and monitor data related to enrollment, retention, student success, and program effectiveness, to guide program improvement and decision-making.
• Present recommendations to senior leadership.
• Develop strategic institutional initiatives that support OHJD Program growth, quality, and innovation.
• Represent the program internally and externally.
• Support visibility and engagement with peer institutions, legal education leaders, and external stakeholders.
• Support admissions and enrollment initiatives.
• Collaborate on alumni engagement and advancement.
• Support development of alumni engagement strategies for OHJD students and graduates.
• Oversee the OHJD program budget.
• Supervise and support program staff.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Support OHJD program goals and operational effectiveness.
• Serve as a member of the VLGS senior leadership team.
• Contribute to institutional planning, policy development, and strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative leaders to advance institutional goals and priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Dean.

Benefits

• Full benefits (medical, dental, vision, etc.).
• 403b including 4% employer contribution.
• 2 weeks of paid vacation in addition to paid personal and sick days.
• 11 paid holidays plus two weeks of paid days off for Summer and Winter breaks.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• VLGS course participation with tuition assistance.
• Flexible schedule potential.

What This Job Offers

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