Dean of Social & Behavioral Sciences

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, offering 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.

About the role

The Dean of Social and Behavioral Sciences provides leadership for the support and advancement of all teaching and learning in school programs and curricula. The Dean leads the daily operations of the academic units, including the hiring and supervision of faculty and staff, evaluations, managing department budgets, 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 Social and Behavioral Sciences reports directly to the Senior Vice President of Learning.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in the development and implementation of the school's goals and priorities and monitor their achievement
• Select, supervise, and evaluate full-time faculty and staff within the school and, in consultation with department chair, hire all part-time faculty and staff
• Direct the preparation of the annual budget for academic units and monitor budgets appropriately
• Facilitate, participate, and lead administrative functions of the College (institutional accreditation, student success initiatives, strategic planning, data-informed decisions, special projects)
• Represent academic programs to external stakeholders and program partners
• Resolve student complaints, concerns, and requests
• 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
• Coordinate the preparation and submission of all reports and studies required from the academic units, departments, or school
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with accrediting bodies
• Maintain effective communication with internal and external constituents
• 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
• 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
• Additional duties may be assigned as necessary to support the goals and objectives of the department and college

Requirements

• Master's Degree in discipline within Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences
• 5+ years teaching experience in higher education
• Evidence of successful administrative leadership experience in a higher education setting, such as having served as a department chair, program director, or equivalent academic leadership position

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate from nationally accredited program
• 2 years experience at a Community College

Skills

• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in both verbal and written forms
• Effective project management skills, including planning, organizing, and meeting deadlines
• Ability to learn and apply new information and experiences in a timely manner
• Flexibility and adaptability to change

Physical Demands

The following physical activities are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Frequently: Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding; sitting; standing; walking
• Constantly: Hearing; repetitive motion; talking
• Close visual acuity for activities such as preparing and analyzing data, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal, extensive reading, and visual inspection

Work Environment

The work environment typically consists of a professional office setting with a moderate noise level, including sounds from conversations, office equipment, and occasional movement of staff. Lighting and temperature are controlled for comfort. Employees may occasionally visit other areas such as storage rooms, conference spaces, or outdoor locations where environmental conditions may vary. Infrequent exposure to louder noise levels or physical activities, such as moving lightweight materials, may be required.

Pay

$100,362.00 annualized. Higher compensation may be considered based on qualifications directly related to the position.

Completed applications received by 09/20/2026 will be assured full consideration. Late applications will be reviewed as necessary to fill the position.