Dean of Emerging Programs and Innovative Collaborations

Position Summary

The overall purpose of this position is to lead the initial development, initial implementation, and evaluation of innovative academic and workforce development academic programs that respond to the evolving needs of the community and industry. This position requires a visionary individual with a strong background in higher education, curriculum and program development, and strategic workforce partnerships. This position will collaborate with academic and workforce faculty and staff, industry leaders, and community stakeholders to create programs that enhance student success, meet local workforce demands, and align with the college's mission and strategic goals. This position participates in the Academic Affairs senior leadership as a member of the Academic Leadership Team, and partners with campus leaders across divisions to meet the needs of students, faculty, and the college.

Essential Functions

• Research New Programs: Lead the initial design and implementation of new academic programs, focusing on emerging industries and technologies. In collaboration with Workforce Development (WFD), conduct needs assessments to identify areas for program growth and development. In collaboration with faculty, WFD, educational and industry partners, and community organizations, ensure programs are relevant and meet the needs of students and employers.

• Alignment with College Strategic Plan: In collaboration with Academic, External, and Student Affairs, develop and implement strategic plans for emerging programs that align with the college’s mission and strategic goals. Provide leadership and direction for academic program initiatives, ensuring they are innovative, sustainable, and responsive to industry trends in conjunction with Workforce Development. In collaboration with internal partners, ensure proposed programs are accessible and create pathways, including workforce to academic credit. Employing data-based decisions, monitor and evaluate the feasibility of programs, and propose a recommendation to the Vice Presidents of Academic and External Affairs on program viability as an academic and/or workforce programming.

• Community Partnerships: Collaborate with Academic and External Affairs to establish and maintain strong relationships with industry leaders, community organizations, and other educational institutions to identify and support academic program development and student success. In coordination with Workforce Development staff, work with local and regional employers to identify workforce needs and initiate development of academic programs that equip students with the skills and knowledge required for employment.

• Resource Allocation: Develop proposed budgets for emerging programs, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and efficiently. Collaborate with other personnel of the college, such as Grants & Foundations, to actively seek out and recommend funding opportunities to support program initiatives. Identify the unique recruitment needs for the program including student, faculty, staff and additional resources.

• Accreditation: Ensure all new programs comply with relevant accreditation standards, state and federal regulations, and college policies. Assist faculty as needed in the pursuit of accreditation or continued accreditation. Outline plan for sustainability and regular evaluation of program outcomes.

• Collaborate with faculty and staff within academic programs, as well as Enrollment Services personnel, in recruiting activities and assist/facilitate connections with potential students.

• Advisory Board: Assist with the coordination of work relative to advisory boards.

• Professional Development: Seek out and engage in annual professional development opportunities to stay current on trends and best practices in academic and workforce programming development. Represent the College in external forums and professional organizations as relevant.

• Understand and Adhere to Policies: Understand and adhere to the policies and procedures of the College and TBR.

• Support College-wide Initiatives: Support College-wide initiatives to advance the mission of the College, including active participation in institutional governance by serving on committees, task forces, and working groups as appointed. Serve as a designee of the Vice President of Academic Affairs as assigned and appropriate. Perform other duties as assigned by the President and/or the Vice President of Academic Affairs.