Kansas State University - Dean of Graduate School

Academic Career & Executive Search•Manhattan, KS

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Kansas State University is seeking a dynamic, outward-facing, student-focused leader to serve as the Dean of the Graduate School. This role is crucial during a time of advancement for innovative graduate programs and strategic enrollment efforts. The Dean will collaborate with senior leadership to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for graduate education, engaging students from Kansas, across the country, and internationally. The position involves providing academic, curricular, policy, research, enrollment, strategic, and administrative leadership for graduate education at K-State. The Dean will cultivate progressive academic and administrative policies, oversee Graduate School operations, and foster relationships with faculty, administrators, and students. Ensuring alignment with university-wide strategic directions and advancing graduate programs with a fresh perspective are key aspects of this role.

Requirements

Ph.D. or terminal professional degree from an accredited university.
Qualifications as an accomplished scholar and educator satisfying the requirements for the rank of professor.
Record of success as an academic administrator in higher education.
Relevant administrative and managerial experience, including development and stewardship of fiscal and human resources.
Experience overseeing graduate programs.
Proven leadership with the demonstrated ability to work effectively with university senior leadership, faculty, and students to craft a strategic vision for graduate programs and enrollment management.
Ability to engage stakeholders in implementation and build collaborative relationships across the university.
Strategic and creative planner with demonstrated organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Demonstrated deep understanding of the complexities of graduate enrollment management.
Demonstrated experience with best enrollment practices, including domestic and international student recruitment, admissions, and financial aid.
Deep understanding of graduate education trends and efforts nationally and internationally, and of the challenges and issues facing higher education.
Excellent oral and written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to articulate matters of complexity and nuance to multiple and varied groups of stakeholders.
Demonstrated dedication to student and faculty services with a successful record supporting and advocating for graduate students.
Proven ability to initiate, lead, and facilitate change; adapt to changing conditions; and navigate the complexity and ambiguity of a large public university.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated record of innovation and accomplishment in graduate education at a major research university.
Firm grasp of the opportunities and advantages of a land-grant university and R1 status.
History of grant funding and research innovation.
Data savvy with proven ability to utilize data in the analysis of decision-making and operations.
Experience implementing new technologies to support operations.
Demonstrated success in external fundraising and philanthropy.
Active involvement in the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS).

Responsibilities

Conceptualize a strategic and innovative vision for the Graduate School’s future.
Advocate for graduate students’ success and excellence, providing direction, support, and oversight for graduate education.
Oversee admission and records, program development and evaluation, and strategic leadership for graduate and postgraduate education.
Manage key functions of the Graduate School, including financial aid, technology, resource allocation, staff development, and accountability.
Strengthen existing and nurture the development of graduate programs, new disciplines, degrees, certificates, and interdisciplinary approaches.
Develop policies and oversee periodic reviews of graduate programs to ensure academic quality.
Ensure HLC accreditation standards are met for graduate education and address any HLC findings.
Assist programs in meeting unit-level accreditation standards and advocate for rigorous curricular processes.
Provide guidance and leadership in the development and implementation of enrollment management strategies, policies, and practices.
Work with relevant stakeholders to implement best practices for student recruitment, progression, retention, and career development.
Participate in recruitment activities to enhance the visibility of university graduate programs.
Collaborate on marketing, advertising, and promotional strategies for graduate programs.
Serve as an advocate for graduate students and graduate education, enhancing external relations.
Communicate the scholarship, leadership, and research expertise of graduate faculty.
Foster collaborative relationships across the university, educational entities, businesses, and other organizations.
Engage in cultivating and securing funding for graduate education, including endowed scholarships, professorships, assistantships, and student financial aid.
Spearhead extramural funding for innovative new graduate programs or collaborations.
Promote collaboration between graduate students and faculty in scholarly and creative endeavors.
Secure extramural funding and work with the Office of Sponsored Programs to support grants and research opportunities.
Monitor, gather data, analyze, report, and share research and scholarship productivity.
Develop policies to promote scholarly productivity via peer-reviewed publications.