Dean, Heavin School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education
Thomas Edison State University
Application
Details
Posted: 18-Sep-24
Location: Trenton, New Jersey
Categories:
Executive
Employment Type:
Full-time
Organization Type:
Higher Education Institution
Dean, Heavin School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education D34 Heavin School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education 315 W. State Street Trenton, NJ 08618
Thomas Edison State University was founded in 1972 to break down barriers to degree completion. Fifty years later, it proudly serves a diverse body of adult students with innovative and professionally relevant academic programming in a predominantly online delivery. Our team of high-energy student-focused professionals is welcoming new members who are making their mark in education and are ready to help change the lives of thousands of adult students across New Jersey and around the world.
Candidates who are excited by changing lives, committed to the success of all and want to be challenged by new and innovative opportunities, should submit an application.
Description:
Thomas Edison State University is looking for an innovative, student oriented, and service driven leader for an exciting opportunity to serve as the Dean of the Heavin School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education, which is the second largest TESU school. With a student population of approximately 3000 students, offering more than 60 degree programs (Associate through Master’s, and certificates), the school is also responsible for the majority of the University’s general education curriculum. We anticipate the addition of an EdD in the near future.
We seek a scholar-practitioner possessing the leadership experience and expertise to build upon the University’s longstanding commitment to social sciences, humanities and education and to envision and develop expanded educational opportunities in these areas. You will play a key role in enabling the University to reimage the school’s strategic direction, academic programming, and community engagement for non-traditional adult students at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. The Dean will work closely with University and industry leaders in the strategic planning and delivery of academic and professional programs that address critical industry needs, These programs will serve as educational vehicles to provide career opportunities in such areas of need.
We seek applicants who are academically and professionally qualified, energized to work at a fast pace, and excited by innovation and the power of education to improve lives. Applicants should demonstrate their ability to build academic communities, engage students, address the educational needs of diverse and complex constituencies, and collaborate with external organizations. The ability to attract outside funding is highly desirable.
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.
Critical to this position is leading and supporting innovation to drive university opportunities and student outcomes, with an emphasis on successful degree or credential attainment. The ability to work collaboratively and support cross-school and departmental innovation is key.
The Dean will be responsible for the following:
Program and Curriculum Development -Develop academic and professional asset portfolios in high demand, market-relevant degrees, certificates, and customized educational offerings. -Lead and ensure the appropriate outcomes of programs through the development, implementation, and academic review of undergraduate and graduate degree programs and certificates. -Ensure that educational programs meet appropriate professional standards and oversee programmatic accreditation activities.
School and Student Centric Leadership -Lead key academic program responsibilities; strategic planning, hiring, performance management, and enterprise-wide relationship building. -Collaboratively manage program enrollment, retention, and graduation initiatives as part of the academic affairs team. -Create an academic community supporting diverse adult student populations.
Community Engagement -Conceive, implement, and lead initiatives associated with Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education -Collaborate with Vice President of Community and Government Relations to develop relationships with government, for-profit, and non-profit organizations leaders. Construct partnerships and beneficial relationships, strengthening the University’s educational and service commitment.
Funding Expansion -Work closely with the Chief Advancement Officer on initiatives to advance the mission of the School, including identifying and obtaining external funding to expand the work of the School. -Identify University aligned grant sources and develop grant proposals in a departmentally collaborative environment, working closely with the Provost, Deans, and associated senior staff to expand grant acquisition strategies.
Competencies:
-Strategic planning, implementation, measurement, and recalibration, as aligned with institutional needs. -Understanding of work in industries employing graduates of these disciplines. -Willingness to embrace alternatives to traditional higher education viewpoints. -Data-oriented planning and coordinating curriculum development, implementation, and review. -Willingness to engage in student recruitment and retention initiatives. -Experience with programmatic accreditation in appropriate industries.
Minimum Education and Experience:
-Earned doctorate in an area of Social Science, Humanities, or Education -A minimum of 6 years of experience as faculty or/and administrator in a higher education or similar environment with experience in developing and managing undergraduate and graduate related programs in Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education. -Significant leadership experience in a related industry can replace 3 years of faculty/administrator experience. -Program oversight experience in these disciplines. -Demonstratable commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Preferred Experience:
-Experience integrating real world learning opportunities and academic programs. -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.
*TESU strives to offer a flexible work environment while balancing the operational needs of the University. As such, we have several options for hybrid-work schedules. Positions determine what type of hybrid-work schedule is available and, if necessary, adjustments are made to support University operations.
Thomas Edison State College was established by the State of New Jersey and chartered by the New Jersey Board of Higher Education in 1972. The College was founded for the purpose of providing diverse and alternative methods of achieving a collegiate education of the highest quality for mature adults.