Dean, School of Education

Cairn University • Langhorne, PA

270d

About The Position

The University invites applications for the full-time position of Dean of the School of Education, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2025. Reporting directly to the Provost, the Dean is responsible for the overall leadership and administration of the School. Key responsibilities include guiding curricular development, supporting faculty and program advisors, ensuring the effectiveness of educational programs, overseeing internal and external assessments, recruiting and developing faculty, and managing both curricular and co-curricular activities. The Dean also leads the development and management of the School's budget. As a member of the Academic Leadership Team, the Dean collaborates with the Provost to advance the University's mission and vision by developing academic programs, coordinating educational resources and support services, and contributing to the University's marketing, recruitment, admissions, and retention efforts. Candidates must be able to work with three accrediting agencies: the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Association of Christian Schools International, and Middle States Commission on Higher Education for regional accreditation. Self-studies for periodic major reviews come under the job description of the Dean of the School of Education. The Dean becomes a public representative of the University to these agencies and must be able to articulate effectively the philosophy of education espoused by the School and its impact on graduates of the program as they take employment in private or public schools. There are two divisions of the School to supervise: undergraduate programs and graduate programs. Candidates must be in agreement with the University's Foundational Statements.

Requirements

• Earned doctorate or terminal degree.
• Preference is given to candidates who possess a minimum of five years of teaching experience at the university level.
• Administrative experience in faculty chair or other related positions.
• Candidates must hold a teaching certificate in school education with preference given to those with Pennsylvania credentials.

Responsibilities

• Execute all matters relative to the administrative oversight of the School.
• Provide vision for ongoing development of the School's effectiveness as an educational program.
• Participate in the recruitment and cultivation of effective faculty members.
• Direct the ongoing assessment and development of the School's curriculum.
• Serve as a member of Academic Leadership.
• Act as advisor to the Provost in matters of University policy, particularly those related to this specific School.
• Formulate appropriate educational policies for the School and guide those policies through the appropriate approval process.
• Guide in the formation of the annual operating and capital budgets for the School.
• Administrate the approved budget for the School.
• Guide the faculty in developing and teaching a curriculum that fulfills the University mission and goals of the School.
• Direct the attention of School faculty to changing educational thought and practices, particularly as they effect this School.
• Participate with the Provost and appropriate personnel in the recruitment of new faculty to teach in the School.
• In consultation with department chairs, assign semester teaching responsibilities to School faculty.
• Evaluate faculty performance according to the University's performance appraisal guidelines and schedule.
• Make recommendations to the University Rank Committee regarding promotion of faculty.
• Plan and lead School faculty meetings as a part of the University meeting schedule.
• Lead in the planning and executing of continuing assessment of the School's effectiveness in fulfilling its goals and objectives.
• Participate with the Provost in the preparation for writing accreditation documents and site team visits.
• Work with Communications and Marketing, and Admissions with regard to recruitment and retention strategies for the school.
• Teach appropriate number of assigned courses in the School curriculum.
• Serve as a liaison between the School and University educational resources and support services.
• Oversee support staff working in other departments (e.g., Admissions) in matters concerning their support for the School.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree