Dean School of Arts & Sciences

About the Role

The Dean of Arts & Sciences possesses exceptional knowledge and skills to advance the distinctive mission and values (Competence, Community, Compassion & Commitment) of Mount Mary University. The Dean provides a supportive climate informed by a deep understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion practices that foster collaboration between Schools and the larger University community. They demonstrate outstanding qualities in leadership, collegiality, teaching, professional development, and community service. The Dean must work effectively with internal and external constituencies to establish strategic partnerships across disciplines, support programmatic and University accreditation, and cultivate donor prospects and grant opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Provides collaborative support to the Division Chairs and faculty in the form of collegial, transparent communication.
• Leads the School of Arts & Sciences in strategic planning initiatives targeting accreditation, curriculum and co-curriculum development, enrollment growth, retention and persistence efforts, and cost effectiveness.
• Utilizes and accurately interprets metrics provided by the Institutional Effectiveness and Business Offices to ensure academic quality and integrity of programs.
• Works collaboratively with Division Chairs to develop and maintain budgets and is responsible for the overall management of fiscal resources of the School.
• Serves as a visible leader of the School of Arts & Sciences and develops relationships with corporate and community partners to establish internships and other applied academic opportunities.
• Proactively seeks out fundraising and grant opportunities that will further strategic initiatives, working collaboratively with the Director of Grants Management, faculty, Alumnae & Donor Relations, and University Marketing & Communications staff.
• Works in joint partnership with academic programs to utilize discipline-specific expertise that will facilitate innovative change and further interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Collaborates with Student Affairs administration and Student Success Program staff to provide support services and faculty professional development that strengthens academic experiences and creates student sense of belonging.
• Works with the faculty to develop and propose new programs, and facilitates required approval processes for new academic programs.
• Provides oversight and overall coordination of course schedules constructed by the Division Chairs and in collaboration with the other School Deans.
• Advocates for academic technology that will enhance the integrity of discipline-specific curriculum.
• Reviews Core and program assessment of student learning outcomes prepared by faculty at the end of each academic year to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Assists chairs and faculty in coordinating Program Reviews, writes an evaluative summary of the final product, and reviews annual updates before submitting to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
• Serves on search committees for full-time faculty in the School of Arts & Sciences and works with Division Chairs and Human Resources to process employment agreements for adjunct faculty.
• Provides support to the Division Chairs to coordinate resources for new faculty (e.g., office space, computers, keys, etc.).
• Attends regular meetings and participates in Deans Council, coordinates and leads regular Division Chair/Faculty meetings, and ensures timely communication between appropriate constituencies.
• Serves on University committees and taskforces as needed.
• Attends programmatic Advisory Board meetings and provides support to assess Advisory Board related initiatives for alignment with the University's strategic plan.
• Works collaboratively with constituencies, providing ongoing mentoring for full-time tenure-track faculty to meet promotion and tenure criteria.
• Evaluates portfolios for Division Chairs applying for promotion and tenure, and writes letters of recommendation as appropriate for School faculty.
• Conducts first-semester classroom evaluations for all new faculty and reviews all scheduled evaluations including Faculty Records and course evaluations.
• Conducts yearly evaluation of Division Chairs as part of Faculty Record review.
• Supervises and evaluates Administrative Assistants and staff.
• Facilitates the resolution of disagreements and conflicts involving students, faculty, and staff in accordance with documented University policies and procedures.
• Supervises the Director of Scholarships and Study Abroad and oversees the scheduling, planning, and following of policies and procedures of study abroad programs.
• Co-leads Academic Standing Review at the end of the fall and spring semesters, ensuring students' academic status is consistently updated and communicated.
• Reviews academic dismissal appeals and reinstatement decisions with the Committee of School Deans.
• Plans and leads the University's annual Scholars' Day in collaboration with other school deans and administrative assistants, including the annual Awards and Honors Society Inductions Ceremony.
• Facilitates training and professional development for faculty on academic advising, vocational discernment, and teaching pedagogy topics as needed.
• Attends and participates in School events to support student and faculty accomplishments, including capstone presentations, gallery exhibits, and the annual student-produced fashion show.
• Performs other duties, responsibilities, or special projects as assigned.

Requirements

• A PhD or terminal degree that aligns with discipline or profession included in the School of Arts & Sciences is required.
• A record of excellence in teaching, service, and professional development that meet criteria established by Mount Mary University.
• Extensive knowledge and practice of diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence pedagogies that create a sense of belonging for all students, faculty, and staff at the University.
• A minimum of five years of exemplary administrative experience in higher education.
• Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage stress with multiple competing priorities while maintaining a positive attitude and effect.
• Self-motivated and self-directed to design and complete complex projects in a timely manner.
• Outstanding skills in critical and creative thinking, as well as independent decision making.
• Evidence of the ability to establish external relationships that strengthen academic programming.
• Ability to conduct financial analyses and interpret a wide array of institutional data.
• Understanding of general accounting principles to manage budgets and ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Demonstrated competence in the use of academic technology.
• The ability to work with diverse groups, facilitate group process, and foster collaborative decision making.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform primary functions.

Physical Demands

• May be required to lift up to 20 lbs.
• Must reach, bend, stoop, lift.
• Must sit, walk, or stand.
• Some repetitive motion may be required.

Working Conditions

• Can be scheduled for up to 40 hours a week.
• Varying workflow; sometimes stressful with high workload times of the year.
• Complete work required within a limited space.
• Complete work required within a limited time.