Dean, School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Point Loma Nazarene University•San Diego, CA

2d•$150,000 - $175,000•Onsite

About The Position

The School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Dean. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom. We therefore encourage applications from culturally and academically diverse faculty of the highest caliber, skilled and/or demonstrating great potential in the practice of teaching and scholarship. The School of STEM serves over 440 students and has 35 faculty and staff that collaborate to offer traditional undergraduate, graduate, and adult undergraduate degrees in Biology B.A. or B.S., Biology-Chemistry B.S., Environmental Science B.S., Chemistry B.S., Computer Science B.S., Data Science, B.S., Information Systems, B.S., Mathematics, B.A. or B.S., Engineering, B.S.E., and Physics, B.A. or B.S.

Requirements

Terminal degree in one of the disciplines (or a closely related discipline) represented within the School.
Understanding and appreciation for the Wesleyan tradition and theological commitments of the Church of the Nazarene.
Demonstrated commitment to PLNU’s Christian mission and to the meaningful integration of faith and learning, with the capacity to lead faculty and students in thoughtful engagement at the intersection of Christian faith, scientific inquiry, and contemporary cultural questions.
Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement. In addition, staff agree to live in agreement with PLNU’s Community Life Covenant.
A distinguished record of achievement as a teacher-scholar within the candidate’s discipline.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with our entire campus community.

Nice To Haves

Successful administrative experience, preferably at the department chair level or higher, and demonstration of successful developmental leadership.
Experience with multiple modes of content delivery and knowledge of the best pedagogical practices associated with each.
Experience with recruitment strategies to ensure a diverse student and faculty population.
Experience with program review, accreditation, and assessment activities.
Experience in conflict resolution both with students and staff/faculty.
A record of fair distribution of limited resources involving work with both higher administration and managed direct reports.
Experience with administration of experimental laboratory science.
A record of program development.
A record of developing and fostering interdisciplinary and collaborative relationships with faculty, administrators, staff, students, alumni, community, and business leaders.
Demonstrated (or expressed) commitment to faculty development.
Experience in strategic planning.
Experience in Budget management.

Responsibilities

Oversee the academic and administrative leadership of the school, including mission alignment; program development; strategic planning; course scheduling; assessment and improvement of curriculum and instruction; faculty recruitment, development, and retention; budgeting; and overseeing resource maintenance.
Help shape a distinctive vision for Christian STEM education in which rigorous scientific inquiry, academic excellence, and deep Christian faith are brought into meaningful conversation.
Serve as a strong advocate to enhance the profile, visibility, and effectiveness of the school and the programs housed within it by creating and strengthening partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders as well as accrediting organizations.
Collaborate as part of the Provost’s Council with the Vice-Provosts as requested in carrying out school and university-wide assignments, policies, and initiatives beyond the scope of the STEM School.
Encourage a culture of discipleship and faith expression within the school that supports and advances PLNU’s core commitment to be a vital Christian learning community.
Provide leadership in cultivating a robust integration of Christian faith and learning across the STEM disciplines, equipping and encouraging faculty and students to engage thoughtfully with areas of perceived tension between scientific understanding, Christian faith, and contemporary culture. Foster an environment marked by intellectual rigor, theological depth, humility, and faithful dialogue.
Foster an environment of excellence and innovation in academic teaching, research, and intellectual achievement of the faculty.
Manage academic program planning, faculty matters, and administration (i.e. Associate Dean(s), Assistant Dean(s) and Program Directors), including staffing, budgets, and facilities.
Actively foster a culture of respect, openness, and opportunity for all individuals.
Oversee current academic programs housed in the school, ensure they maintain high quality and relevance, and develop new and vibrant programs in related disciplines in consultation with the Strategic Enrollment Planning Committee.
Cast short- and long-term vision for the School of STEM to ensure that we continue to align with PLNU’s priorities, mission and attract and send students.
Support academic programs through monitoring of annual program metrics, yearly and periodic assessment and review to ensure regional and discipline-specific accreditation success.
Encourage interdisciplinary engagements within the school and with programs in other schools within the university.
Administer the school’s budgets and oversee the effective use of university resources to meet university-established targets.
Enhance the University and school profile with university partners to increase PLNU’s reputation within and contribution to the community and region.
Ensure the successful recruitment, onboarding, and orientation of new faculty members.
Work with associate/assistant deans to encourage faculty development and professional improvement.
Oversee the faculty evaluation process for the STEM school and recommend continuation of faculty contracts to the Provost.
Collaborate with Enrollment and Marketing to promote the school's academic programs and ensure their success.
Partner with Advancement on specific fundraising projects, building and cultivating alumni networks, and identifying grants and resources for investigation.
Seek and respond to feedback about significant issues facing the School of STEM and help with resolving conflicts that arise among academic unit leaders, faculty, staff and students.
Ensure that faculty and student grievances are processed and appealed in a timely manner according to university policy and procedures.
Oversee and suggest improvements to the physical learning environment for students.
Attend STEM student events when possible.

Benefits

health insurance
dental insurance
tuition benefits for employees and dependents
competitive retirement matching
vacation and sick time
15 paid holidays per year
opportunities to engage with our community including staff chapel and a robust wellness program
opportunities for university assistance with the cost of housing in Southern California
faculty chapel
weekly faculty lunches