Dean of Public Service
D34
John S. Watson School of Public Service
315 W. State Street Trenton, NJ 08618

Thomas Edison State University was founded in 1972 to break down barriers to degree completion.  Nearly fifty years later, we proudly serve a diverse body of adult students with innovative and professionally relevant academic programming.  Our team of high-energy student- focused professionals is welcoming new members who are ready to make their mark in education and help change the lives of thousands of adult students across New Jersey and around the world.  

If you are excited by changing lives, committed to the success of all, and want to be challenged by new and innovative opportunities, we look forward to receiving your application. 

Description:

Thomas Edison State University is pleased to announce an opening for our Dean of Public Service. This position will build upon the university’s long-standing commitment to public policy and service by leading the academic programs of the John S. Watson School of Public Service. Moreover, the next leader of this exciting school will play a key role as the university reimagines the school’s academic programming for non-traditional adult students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.  The Dean will work closely with other academic and university leaders in strategic planning and visioning of academic programs that will facilitate applied public policy initiatives, especially addressing changes and emerging needs in a post-pandemic era. These programs will also serve as the vehicle for connecting our adult students with the needs of our communities and their leadership in support of programs and projects that benefit communities, their citizens, and their economies.  We seek professionals committed to program quality, academic integrity, and student success.  Moreover, we seek applicants with innovative, inclusive, and critical approaches to scholarship and service that build student engagement, address the needs of diverse and complex constituencies, and attract outside funding. The successful candidate will bring a high level of passion for the university’s mission, a deep commitment to the organizational values of diversity, equity and inclusion, and a forward-thinking, student-first approach to their work.

Specific areas of work include the following:

•    Lead and ensure the quality and real-time relevance of the public policy and related programs through the development, implementation, and academic review of undergraduate and graduate degree programs and certificates in public policy-related disciplines.
•    Lead applied public policy initiatives, especially related to our commitment to the greater Trenton community.
•    Engage students in real-time, real-world problem solving in the public and/or non-profit sectors.
•    Collaborate across academic affairs on retention and degree completion initiatives as well as with enrollment management on recruitment efforts.
•    Work closely with the Chief Advancement Officer on initiatives to advance the mission of the School, including identifying and obtaining grant funding to expand the work of the School.
•    Collaborate with Vice President of Community and Government Relations to grow existing public sector and community relationships. 

Competencies:  

•    Strategy development and implementation, as aligned with institutional needs.
•    Understanding of work in the public sector/government/non-profits.
•    Planning and coordinating curriculum development, implementation, and review. 
•    Willingness to engage in student recruitment and retention initiatives.
•    Engagement in conducting policy analysis, especially for its practical implications on communities. 
•    Familiarity with current applied public policy.  

Minimum Education and Experience: 

•    Earned doctorate in: Public Affairs/Policy/Service, Political Science, Leadership, Urban Planning or related discipline.
•    A minimum of 6 years of experience as faculty or/and administrator in a higher education or similar environment.  Experience in developing and managing undergraduate and graduate public policy programs is preferred. 
•    Significant leadership experience in a public sector/non-profit setting can replace 3 years of faculty/administrator experience. 
•    Program oversight experience in public policy, leadership, or similar fields.
•    Demonstratable commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Preferred Experience:

•    Experience integrating real word learning opportunities and academic programs.
•    Commitment to the public sector/non-profit community. 
•    Experience writing grants and administering sponsored programs. 

This Institution:

TESU is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.