Dean, Schools of Business, Arts and Sciences
About The Position
The Dean provides strategic vision and leadership for programs within the Schools of Arts and Communications, Business and Professional Studies, and Education, Psychology, and Social Sciences. This role fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and academic excellence. The Dean leads strategic program development aligned with workforce needs and university mission, oversees operating budgets, and ensures academic quality through curriculum oversight, program review, and assessment. They also evaluate faculty, support teaching excellence, approve academic schedules, and champion new academic programs and delivery models. Collaboration with Enrollment Management and Student Success is key for student recruitment and retention. The Dean establishes partnerships with external organizations to strengthen workforce development and experiential learning. They participate in planning for facilities and equipment, represent the Schools at various events, and collaborate with other academic leaders to advance strategic initiatives. Direct supervisory responsibility is held for administrative staff and academic administrators within the Schools.
Requirements
- Earned Ph.D. or equivalent in appropriate discipline, plus 10 years of teaching and three years of administrative experience managing a department or school/college, or a combination of education and experience in which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired.
- Minimum 3 years of academic leadership experience (e.g., chair, associate dean, dean, or equivalent).
- Demonstrated experience with budget management, strategic planning, and program administration.
- Experience working within a shared governance and unionized academic environment.
- Knowledge of higher education administration, academic governance, and accreditation processes.
- Ability to lead complex academic organizations across multiple campuses or modalities.
- Strong financial acumen and experience managing large academic budgets.
- Ability to develop strategic partnerships with business, industry, school districts, community organizations, governmental agencies, and educational institutions.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and lead organizational change.
- Commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and student-centered academic environment.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic vision and leadership for programs within the Schools of Arts and Communications, Business and Professional Studies, and Education, Psychology, and Social Sciences.
- Foster interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and academic excellence across the Schools.
- Lead strategic program development that responds to workforce needs, emerging industries, educational trends, and prospective learner demand while supporting Vermont State University's mission.
- Oversee the Schools’ operating budgets and ensure responsible stewardship of university resources.
- Ensure academic quality through oversight of curriculum development, program review, program assessment, and continuous improvement in collaboration with faculty and department leaders.
- Monitor academic program effectiveness and efficiency and recommend programmatic changes to Chief Academic Officer.
- Evaluate full-time and part-time faculty who are up for reappointment, promotion, and tenure.
- Support excellence in teaching through faculty mentoring, coaching, and professional development.
- Review and approve academic course schedules, staffing plans, and faculty workload recommendations.
- Support the development of new academic programs, certificates, microcredentials, and innovative instructional delivery models.
- Ensure programs maintain compliance with applicable accreditation standards, state regulations, and University policies.
- Collaborate with Enrollment Management and Student Success to promote student recruitment, retention, persistence, and graduation.
- Establish and maintain partnerships with business, industry, school districts, community organizations, governmental agencies, and educational institutions to strengthen workforce development, experiential learning opportunities, articulation agreements, and transfer pathways.
- Participate as an active member of the team in the planning and development of facilities, laboratories, equipment, and clinical learning environments to support academic programs.
- Represent the Schools at University events, professional organizations, community engagements, and regional partnerships while serving on shared governance bodies, University committees, and institutional initiatives.
- Collaborate with fellow academic deans and University leadership to advance strategic initiatives, improve operational effectiveness, and enhance the overall student experience.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Provost.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
