Division Dean Communication & Arts

NWACC

13d

About The Position

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas. As the largest community college in Arkansas, NWACC is recognized as a leader in education. NWACC offers a full range of associate degrees, certificates and workforce training programs that prepare students for rewarding futures and careers. NWACC employees are dedicated to fostering a diverse educational community and cultural learning environment that supports student success. The Dean for Communication and Arts provides leadership for the support and advancement of all teaching and learning in communication and arts programs and curricula. The Dean leads the daily operations of the academic units including the hiring and supervision of faculty and staff, evaluations, department budget(s), and facilities and equipment management. The Dean serves on the Academic Deans Council, the Expanded Cabinet, and other leadership groups and committees as needed to further advance the College’s academic mission. The Dean of Communication and Arts reports directly to the Senior Vice President for Learning/Chief Academic Officer.

Requirements

5+ years teaching experience in higher education
Exhibit evidence of successful administrative leadership experience in a higher education setting, such as having served as department chair, program director, or equivalent academic leadership position
Master’s degree in discipline within the Division of Communication and Arts
Ability to read, analyze, and understand the most complex documents
Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints
Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style
Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors
Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems
Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables
Ability to carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities may include but not limited to interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems
Continual involvement with strategic and operational management functions which relate to both the short-term and long-term time periods
Activities covered by general organizational philosophy and objectives
Solving problems in novel, non-recurring or swiftly changing situations in which the approach is not fully defined. Guidance by top executive officer

Nice To Haves

Doctorate from a nationally accredited program
5+ Years in a full-time faculty position

Responsibilities

Provide leadership in the development and implementation of the department’s goals and priorities and monitor their achievement
Select, supervise, and evaluate full-time faculty and staff within the division and in consultation with the department chair, hire all part-time faculty and staff
Direct the preparation of the annual budget for academic units and monitor budgets appropriately
Represent academic programs to external stakeholders and program partners
Provide leadership to explore options and/or develop new certificates or degrees that meet community needs and provide viable career options for students
Provide leadership for conducting program accreditation and/or program review processes. Establish and maintain effective relationships with accrediting bodies
Ensure program, course and curriculum review processes are conducted in a timely manner following institutional, ADHE, and national accrediting policies and procedures
Review course schedules for all academic units and ensure policies and procedures are followed regarding faculty load and teaching responsibilities
Maintain effective communication with internal and external constituents
Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others
Coordinate the preparation and submission of all reports and studies required from the academic units, departments or division
Resolve student complaints, concerns and requests
Facilitate, participate, and lead administrative functions of the College (institutional accreditation (Higher Learning Commission), student success initiatives, strategic planning and data informed decisions, special projects.)