Academic Dean
An academic dean oversees faculty and the academic direction of a higher education institution, such as a college or a university.
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Sample Job Descriptions for Academic Dean
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Academic Dean will oversee a range of educational activities within a school or college setting, including curriculum development, staff management, and student affairs. The role requires a dynamic individual who can work collaboratively with faculty and staff to enhance the institution’s academic offerings and maintain its educational standards.
Required Skills
- Familiarity with educational technology and learning management systems.
- Budget management and financial planning.
- Conflict resolution and problem-solving.
- Project management and organizational skills.
- Ability to motivate and mentor faculty and staff.
Qualifications
- A Master’s degree in Education, Administration, or a related field.
- Proven experience in an educational setting, preferably in higher education.
- An understanding of curriculum development and academic standards.
- Ability to analyze data and prepare reports.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
Responsibilities
- Assist in developing and implementing academic policies and programs.
- Work closely with department chairs and faculty members to coordinate schedules and curriculum.
- Oversee the recruitment, retention, and development of faculty.
- Monitor and promote the academic progress of students.
- Participate in academic advising and support student engagement initiatives.
- Contribute to budget planning and management for academic departments.
- Collaborate with other administrators to ensure compliance with accreditation standards.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Academic Dean is responsible for providing leadership and vision for the faculty and students within a higher education institution's college, school, or department. They oversee academic policies, curriculum development, and faculty affairs, ensuring the highest standards of education are upheld.
Required Skills
- Exceptional leadership and managerial skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Strong organizational and strategic planning skills.
- Ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive academic community.
- Proficiency in budgeting and financial management.
- Capable of innovative thinking in curriculum design.
- Adept at conflict resolution and problem-solving.
Qualifications
- Master's degree or Doctorate in a relevant field.
- Significant experience in academic leadership or administration.
- Proven track record in developing and managing academic programs.
- Strong understanding of the higher education landscape, including accreditation processes.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of academic programs and policies.
- Manage and support the faculty in curriculum design, teaching strategies, and research initiatives.
- Oversee hiring, promotion, tenure, and evaluation processes for academic staff.
- Develop and manage the academic budget in alignment with the institution's goals.
- Collaborate with other deans and administrative staff to enhance the overall academic environment.
- Represent the school or department at academic committees and external organizations.
- Ensure accreditation standards are met and maintained.
- Address student academic concerns and facilitate a positive learning environment.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As the Academic Dean, you will provide visionary leadership in the planning, implementation, and assessment of educational programs while ensuring academic excellence and supporting faculty and students. Your role involves strategic planning, budget management, curriculum development, accreditation processes, and fostering a positive academic environment.
Required Skills
- Strong leadership and administrative abilities.
- Strategic thinking and effective decision-making.
- Financial acumen and budgeting skills.
- Understanding of academic governance structures and practices.
- Curriculum development and evaluation expertise.
- Competency in managing accreditation processes.
- Ability to engage with and inspire faculty and students.
- Capacity for promoting innovation in teaching and learning.
- Effective communication and relationship-building skills.
- Cultural competence and dedication to diversity and inclusion.
Qualifications
- An earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited institution.
- A minimum of 5 years of academic leadership experience at the postsecondary level.
- A proven record of success in academic program development, faculty management, and strategic planning.
- Strong understanding of accreditation processes and requirements.
- Experience in budget management and resource allocation.
- Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
- Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
- Familiarity with current trends in higher education and the ability to adapt to changing educational needs.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the development and implementation of educational policies and programs to ensure they meet the institution's goals and standards.
- Manage the recruitment, development, and retention of highly qualified faculty.
- Lead strategic planning efforts for academic affairs in coordination with other institutional leaders.
- Develop and oversee the academic budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support educational objectives.
- Maintain accreditation standards and effectively prepare for accreditation reviews.
- Promote an inclusive environment that values diversity and fosters academic success for all students.
- Serve as a member of the senior administrative team and collaborate with other departments to enhance the overall educational experience.
- Respond to the evolving educational landscape by integrating technology and innovative teaching methods.
- Ensure continuous improvement in academic programs through the assessment of student learning outcomes.
- Engage with external communities, including alumni, donors, and industry partners, to enhance the institution's reputation and resources.
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