Dean of the Women's College

Stephens College•Columbia, MO

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Stephens College, founded in 1833, is dedicated to providing women with access to education. The institution aims to empower individuals to lead through personalized, experiential education focused on care, mentorship, and professional engagement. Stephens College comprises a Women's College, a Conservatory for the Performing Arts, and graduate programs, all accepting all genders. Located in Columbia, Missouri, the college offers a unique community where students are known and empowered to shape their education and the world around them. The Women's College is founded on the principle that students become leaders by engaging in consequential work early, guided by faculty, staff, and alumni. Its academic pathways include Healthcare & Life Sciences, Education, Equestrian & Animal Care, Creative Arts & Design, and Business. The undergraduate block schedule facilitates internships, research, and study abroad during the academic year, integrating professional experience throughout the curriculum. The incoming Dean of the Women's College will lead during a period of new momentum, including a new mission and a strategic plan in development, reinforcing the college's distinctive identity.

Requirements

Terminal degree from an accredited institution.
A strong record as a productive faculty member active in their discipline and institution(s) with eligibility for appointment at the rank of Professor.
At least three years of successful academic administrative experience at or above the level of department chair or program director, with demonstrated oversight of academic programs, personnel, and budgets, or equivalent experiences.
Demonstrated commitment to student success, including experience with recruitment, retention, and program development/innovation.
Proven ability to build productive relationships with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
Commitment to shared governance, transparency, and academic excellence.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a women's college or other mission-driven institution.
Experience launching new programs, including graduate programs in the sciences, health sciences, arts, and/or humanities.
Experience securing external funding from federal agencies, state agencies, foundations, or other external sources.
Experience with accreditation relevant to health science programs, e.g., ARC-PA, CACREP, etc.
Experience collaborating across academic and administrative units to support enrollment management, curricular coordination, faculty achievement, and student success.
Familiarity with the unique opportunities and challenges of small, independent colleges.

Responsibilities

Provide academic and administrative leadership for the Women's College and oversee all academic programs, including supporting operations, in concert with faculty and staff colleagues.
Oversee and facilitate curriculum development and coordination, review, and academic quality across all programs in the Women's College, including new program development and continuous review of existing programs.
Recruit, mentor, evaluate, and support the professional development of faculty and staff, fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplace where all voices are heard and valued.
Develop and manage the Women's College's budget responsibly and transparently.
Ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal laws, policies, and norms.
Work effectively with leads in Nursing, Counseling, Education, and Physician Assistant programs to ensure program-specific accreditation standards are met or exceeded.
Make independent recommendations on all personnel matters within the College, including faculty appointments, promotions, and tenure.
Contribute to shared governance by collaborating with the Faculty Assembly and its committees; ensure compliance with its policies and procedures.
Collaborate with the Dean of the Conservatory for the Performing Arts and senior leadership on shared academic matters and College priorities.
Work collaboratively and constructively with campus offices, including Admissions, Marketing, Advancement, the Registrar, the Library, Assessment, Workforce Development, and Student Success and Engagement to recruit, retain, and support the achievement of Stephens College students.
Champion and support student success initiatives, including in advising, retention, career readiness, and experiential learning opportunities.
Build and sustain relationships with community partners, industry leaders, healthcare, and other organizations relevant to the College's programs.
Support interdisciplinary collaboration within the Women's College and across the institution.
Promote the College's programs and mission to prospective students, alumni, donors, and external stakeholders.
Participate in professional development to remain current with trends in higher education.