Bluefield University is a Christ-centered, multicultural learning community that values and seeks faculty and staff who represent diverse backgrounds and perspectives, are committed to diversity, work effectively with diverse populations, and engage others in ways that honor our rich cultural mosaic and biblical foundation.
The University is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as the Dean of the School of Education and Social Sciences.
PRIMARY PURPOSE/SCOPE
The Dean is the chief academic and administrative officer of the School of Education and Social Sciences and reports directly to the Provost. Bluefield University is seeking a Dean who will be a visionary leader, dedicated to the success of students, faculty, and staff and further developing partnerships with local, regional, state-wide, and national communities. The Dean must have higher education administrative experience as a chair, Dean, or similar position involving faculty supervision, student recruitment, support, retention, and budget management. The ideal candidate should have a comprehensive understanding of the fields of P-12 education, early childhood education, counseling, psychology, and human services with extensive experience in academic administration at the undergraduate and graduate levels, demonstrated effectiveness in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and an outstanding record of scholarly research and/or service.
The Dean of the School of Education and Social Sciences is responsible for supporting the vision and mission of Bluefield University by providing leadership to on-campus and online education efforts that enables the university to be nimble, strategic, entrepreneurial, and responsive to trends of a broad range of education and social science programs. Additionally, the Dean will lead collaborative efforts to establish academic programs, marketing and recruitment strategies, and approaches to learning that encourage on-campus and online education to be relevant for the marketplace while anticipating educational needs for future opportunities in a global economy. The role is to be performed in a way that is in harmony with the Christian principles and philosophy of Bluefield University. The Provost will oversee and manage all professional activities of the position.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND FUNCTIONS
Teach an instructional load of 18 to 21 credit hours per calendar year in qualified on-campus and online courses– following all criteria listed within the university Academic Catalogs and Faculty Handbook:
- Serve on Dean and Faculty committees as assigned, attend organizational meetings, partake in Commencement activities, and be present at chapel services.
- Serve as the Dean for the School of Education and Social Sciences for the University, responsible for the day-to-day leadership and oversight of Bluefield University’s undergraduate, certificate, and graduate on-campus and online education and social sciences programs
- Serve as a valued strategic education partner with the education and social sciences constituencies to design, develop and implement programs that are mutually beneficial to the School of Education and Social Sciences, the university, and the community
- Serve community, regional, and national organizations that mutually benefit the School of Education and Social Sciences, the university, and the community
- Coordinate strategies to increase enrollment, brand awareness, and digital marketing presence for new academic programs
- Coordinate academic programs, collaborate with student services and admissions, assign faculty, and advise students, as needed
- Communicate regularly with students, area representatives, and university administrators in a problem-solving and decision-making capacity
- Lead efforts to track student retention; support academic and customer service-focused efforts to retain students in all education and social sciences programs
- Work with the academic departments to hire skilled and capable faculty members
- Ensure up-to-date information is represented in the Academic Catalog, university website, and other areas.
TECHNOLOGY AND TRAINING
- Work with BU’s Colleges & Schools to update and maintain education and social sciences curricula within Canvas, the learning management system and at off-site locations (as needed)
- Maintain documents and learning-tools databases used to support education services
- Evaluate learning methods and course content to ensure it meets 21st century remote and virtual learning pedagogy
- Develop and implement strategies to promote, enhance, and enrich teaching through present and emerging technologies
SUPERVISION
Supervise Education and Social Sciences Department Chairs, Directors, and education and social sciences’ faculty and staff
- Assist the Department Chair and Program Directors in managing the course schedule for each semester and term; implement improvements to the process and procedures
- Collaborate with the EVP of Online programs and the Instructional Technologist in orienting, training, and developing the School of Education and Social Sciences faculty
1) Assess training needs through surveys, interviews with employees, focus groups, or consultation with faculty, staff, and students
2) Collaborate with pertinent faculty, administrative staff, information technology, media and creative services, and the library to ensure a quality education experience for students and faculty
3) Supervise the implementation of faculty training and development opportunities
4) Review instructional styles and best practices in higher education as it pertains to education and social sciences programs
5) Create and enhance a faculty/ staff professional development plan to meet initiatives and strategies
- Collaborate with the EVP of Online programs for online majors or degree programs.
PROGRAM ASSESSMENT, ACCREDITATION AND DEVELOPMENT
- Develop a holistic Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment plan for on-campus and online education
- Lead efforts of accreditation compliance for the School of Education and Social Science-including seeking and maintaining state, regional, and national accreditation
- Provide the Provost with reports on institutional effectiveness and assessment of services, technology, and learning resource needs business
- Conduct and administer on-going needs assessments, strategic learning assessments, and quality assurance assessments to develop the basis for curricula, professional growth and development
- Use market data to direct the design and development process for new program offerings and on-campus-to-online/distance education course development
- Develop, implement, and assist in enforcing policies and procedures as they relate to education and social science programs
- Develop a 3 and 5-year strategic plan for the School of Education and Social Sciences with the University Leadership Team
- Encourage unity of vision and purpose by integrating activities for on-campus and online programs with co-curricular programs
- Lead collaborative development and strategic efforts in marketing, recruitment, and branding initiatives with the Enrollment Management Team for education and social sciences programs
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve on search committees for recruiting and hiring education and social sciences faculty and staff
- Share recommendations and observations with the Provost and Vice President of Enrollment Management pertaining to the performance of online and distance education faculty and staff, including administrative staff and support team members, and in the writing/renewal of their contracts
- Support the work of the President, Provost, and Vice President for Enrollment Management
- Travel to remote locations as needed for recruitment and supervisory purposes
- Work evening hours as needed for recruitment and supervisory purposes
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
- Possess a faith and commitment to Jesus Christ
- Be a highly motivated self-starter
- Demonstrate a professional demeanor and presentation in dealing with the University constituency
- Be experienced in Learning Management Systems and electronic media and knowledge of how to best educate pertinent individuals regarding the use of such
- Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and advanced learning technologies
- Possess ability to speak to audiences in a coherent and professional manner
- Possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, and writing skills
- Demonstrate effective time management for multi-tasking daily functions
- Demonstrate empathy for student life issues and an understanding of the specific needs and learning styles of adult students
- Possess strong problem-solving skills coupled with appropriate instinct and timely initiative
- Hold a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with at least 18 graduate credits in an academic discipline
- Have at least two years of experience teaching or working in an online environment
- Have at least three years of supervisory/management experience with a track record of successful leadership
- Have proven ability to inspire and motivate others
- Have knowledge of Virginia state licensure requirements for teacher education, counselor education, and social sciences
- Possess an understanding of planning, budgets, and institutional operations
- Have experience hiring, training, and developing personnel
ERGONOMIC REQUIREMENTS
- Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position is not necessarily a physically demanding job and requires no specific physical demands other than those typical in a modern office environment. Normal responsibilities should not afford risks of accidental injury.
- Specialized Equipment Requirements
The use of specialized equipment listed here is representative of equipment an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position requires no specialized equipment other than equipment typically used in a modern office environment, including personal computers, calculators, copiers, and fax machines.
- Working Conditions and Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the duties, responsibilities, and functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties, responsibilities, and functions. This position has no specific working conditions; the work environment is typical to that of a small private university, with physical remote site locations within 50 miles of Bluefield University, VA.
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
This position is subject to at least an annual evaluation based upon the job duties, responsibilities, and functions as set forth above as well as Communication, Job/Technical Knowledge, Teamwork/Cooperation, Initiative/Interest/Motivation, Adaptability/Flexibility, Stewardship and Safety.
APPROVALS
The job duties, responsibilities, functions, and requirements delineated above should not be interpreted as an all-inclusive list of same. Additional duties, responsibilities, functions, and requirements may be assigned as deemed appropriate. Bluefield University reserves the right to change or reassign job duties, responsibilities, and functions, or combine positions at any time. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodations will be made which may pose serious health or safety risks to the employee or others or which impose undue hardships on Bluefield University. Position descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. Bluefield maintains its status as an at-will employer.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
To apply for this position, please visit http://www.bluefield.edu/employment/ to complete the electronic employment application and upload the following:
- Letter of interest
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of Christian Faith
- Statement of Teaching Philosophy
- Official Transcripts
- Three letters of reference
Please note the definition of “Original Transcripts”
Hard-copy transcripts and other academic records are considered “official” when they arrive in a sealed, stamped, official envelope with the seal and any other security feature intact. Electronic transcripts are considered “official” when we receive them from a secure site formally linked to the sending institution or testing service.
Academic records received in any other condition, such as transcripts that arrive in an unsealed envelope, or that are emailed or uploaded by the student, or that are printed from the university portal, are not considered “official.”
Official transcripts may be sent to:
Academic Affairs Office
Bluefield University
3000 College Avenue
Bluefield, VA 24605
Bluefield University is committed to supporting diversity and utilizing recruitment practices that do not illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, religion, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other basis on which the University is prohibited from discrimination under local, state, or federal law, in its employment or in the provision of its services, including but not limited to its programs and activities, admissions, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other University-administered programs. Supervisors are personally accountable for ensuring their recruiting and selection processes are in keeping with the university’s recruitment philosophy and are conducted in a fair, equitable, and nondiscriminatory manner..This institution encourages women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply.
Additional information about Bluefield University is available at www.bluefield.edu. To be considered for this position, all application requirements listed above must be completed.