Executive Associate Dean, College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences

Cal Poly•San Luis Obispo, CA

36d•$210,000 - $230,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Associate Dean is a senior academic leader and strategic advisor to the dean and a key member of the college's executive leadership team. Bringing the perspective and judgment of an accomplished faculty member and academic administrator, the Executive Associate Dean maintains a broad, integrated view of the college's academic programs, people, operations, partnerships, resources and priorities; identifies connections, opportunities and emerging issues across those areas; and provides strategic counsel to the dean on matters affecting the college and its long-term success. Working closely with the dean, associate and assistant deans, department heads, center directors and other college leaders, the Executive Associate Dean helps translate college priorities into coordinated action and ensures that executive decision-making is informed by academic context, institutional knowledge and the perspectives of faculty and academic leaders. The position serves as a trusted advisor and sounding board to the dean, provides leadership on complex issues that span organizational and disciplinary boundaries, and represents and acts on behalf of the dean as appropriate. In addition to this collegewide leadership role, the Executive Associate Dean provides executive oversight of academic operations, agricultural and commercial operations, facilities and land-use planning, and other designated areas of college operations.

Requirements

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with academic, administrative, industry and community audiences.
Demonstrated ability to think strategically and institutionally across academic disciplines, programs and administrative functions.
Excellent leadership and management skills, including the ability to build alignment, develop others and lead through influence as well as formal authority.
A leadership style characterized by integrity, openness, flexibility, inclusiveness, transparency and kindness.
Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex and sometimes competing information and perspectives and translate them into sound recommendations for executive decision-making.
Demonstrated capacity to serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, including the judgment and confidence to offer candid counsel, constructive challenge and alternative perspectives.
Ability to move effectively between strategic and operational perspectives and recognize when an operational issue has broader academic, organizational, financial or reputational implications.
Record of successfully addressing complex issues that cross organizational, disciplinary or functional boundaries.
Demonstrated use of tact and diplomacy to effectively handle a broad range of high level and sensitive interpersonal situations with diverse personalities and to respond appropriately to conflicts and problems.
Ability to work well under pressure and maintain composure.
PhD or terminal degree
Credentials appropriate for a tenured appointment at the rank of full professor within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
At least five years of relevant higher education administrative experience with evidence of increasing responsibility. Examples include service as an associate dean, department head or chair, program director or coordinator, center director, or leader of a sufficiently complex research or academic program.
Distinguished record of academic achievement and demonstrated effectiveness in teaching, research and service
Record of successful leadership of people, programs and complex initiatives
Demonstrated experience working across academic disciplines, programs or organizational units to advance shared priorities
Demonstrated understanding of faculty roles, academic culture, shared governance and the opportunities and challenges of leadership in a complex university environment
Commitment to collegial, collaborative and constructive interactions across the college and university
Possession of a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain by date of hire
Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment.
The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
Applicants for staff and management positions must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
This position may be "Designated" under California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This would require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within 6 months of assuming office and every 2 years thereafter.
Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended.
Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Responsibilities

Maintain a broad, integrated view of the college's academic programs, people, operations, partnerships, resources and priorities.
Identify connections, opportunities and emerging issues across those areas.
Provide strategic counsel to the dean on matters affecting the college and its long-term success.
Help translate college priorities into coordinated action.
Ensure executive decision-making is informed by academic context, institutional knowledge and the perspectives of faculty and academic leaders.
Serve as a trusted advisor and sounding board to the dean.
Provide leadership on complex issues that span organizational and disciplinary boundaries.
Represent and act on behalf of the dean as appropriate.
Provide executive oversight of academic operations, agricultural and commercial operations, facilities and land-use planning, and other designated areas of college operations.