Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs

University of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

University of South Carolina Lancaster—Palmetto College is seeking an Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs to guide strategic planning for academic and student programs. You will lead curriculum oversight, assessment, and a robust student life strategy while coordinating with campus leadership and USC Columbia colleagues.

The role emphasizes collegial leadership, effective communication, and participatory management to support diverse student needs and campus growth.

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate from an accredited university.
• Progressively responsible leadership in higher education administration.
• Experience with tenure criteria and faculty appointment processes.
• Experience with accreditation agencies/bodies.
• Demonstrated financial management ability.
• Proven ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Fosters a collaborative, constructive work environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, implementation, and assessment of an innovative curriculum.
• Advance a strategic plan for campus academic and student affairs programs.
• Coordinate with faculty and staff to ensure quality and continuity of initiatives.
• Oversee instruction quality for in-person, online, and blended programs.
• Ensure compliance with SACSCOC and university policies.
• Supervise key administrators including Registrar, Division Chairs and Enrollment leadership.
• Collaborate with USC Columbia departments on course approvals and program changes.
• Manage academic and staff travel budgets and reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Higher Education Knowledge

Budget Management

Education

Doctorate

Job description

Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs

Department: USC Lancaster - Palmetto College

Part/Full Time: Full Time

Advertised Salary Range: Salary commensurate with education and experience.

About UofSC

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Advertised Job Summary

The Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs is responsible for strategic and long-term planning for all aspects of academic and student affairs for USC Lancaster located in Lancaster, South Carolina. The Associate Dean is responsible for the oversight of academic curriculum, assessment and evaluation of the curriculum. In addition, the Associate Dean provides leadership to the faculty and manages the processes through which teaching is conducted and administers all aspects of Student Affairs including creating a robust student life strategy specific to the student needs. Candidates must be collegial and demonstrate outstanding skills in communication, consensus building, and participatory management.

Primary responsibilities for the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs

• Provide leadership for the development, implementation, and continuous quality improvement of an innovative curriculum.
• Implement and assess an innovative and coherent strategic plan for the campus' academic and student affairs programs.
• Coordinate with the faculty and academic and student affairs staff to ensure quality, continuity of innovation, and integrity in academic and student issues.
• Oversee the quality of instruction and course content of all academic programs in the classroom and online.
• Ensue academic and student affairs compliance with SACSCOC and University policies and procedures.
• Create a culture across that values a team-based and collaborative approach to supporting students.
• Stay informed about emerging academic trends that may influence future educational offerings.
• Oversee processes in academic and student records, including contracts for faculty.
• Direct supervisor of Registrar, Division Chairs, Executive Director of Enrollment Management, Director of Student Success and Retention, Director of Medford Library, Director of TRIO Programs, Director of Educational Partnerships. Director of Student Life, Director of Corporate and Community Outreach/ Coordinator of USCL Indian Land Location, Student Career Services, and Institutional Research and Strategic Planning, and Academic Affairs Support Staff.
• Indirect supervisor of all full-time and part-time faculty
• Conduct annual performance evaluations of all full-time staff direct reports.
• Responsible for working with USC Columbia academic departments to secure approval for faculty to teach selected courses.
• Responsible for planning course schedules and final exam schedules in consultation with Division Chairs and Registrar.
• Responsible for supervision of academic division and faculty travel budgets.
• Responsible for coordinating reports related to review of academic programs (e.g., Assessment, Blueprint, Institutional Effectiveness, etc.)
• Responsible for coordinating reports related to academic program modifications (SACS and CHE), including new academic sites (both regular and dual credit)
• Work with faculty regarding accreditation reports/issues related to associate degrees.
• Responsible for review and revision if academic degree curricula
• Responsible for reviewing and updating the USC Lancaster Bulletin
• Serve as a facilitator to resolve conflict between students and faculty in consultation with Division Chairs and the Grievance Committee. (e.g., grade disputes, violations of academic integrity, etc.)
• Work directly with the Registrar to confirm completion of academic requirements by candidates for degrees.
• Serve on various faculty and administrative committees.
• Collaborate with other system Academic Deans regarding academic issues related to Palmetto College bachelor degrees.
• Serve on the Care Team.
• work with the Director of Human Resources as the Title IX Coordinator for students.

Required Education and Experience

• Earned doctorate from an accredited university.
• Substantial record of progressively responsible leadership that includes high-level administrative or managerial experience, advanced knowledge of and experience in higher education processes and policies and procedures.
• Achievement in the criteria required for a faculty appointment with tenure and rank.
• Experience with accreditation agencies/bodies.
• Demonstrated record of sound financial management.
• Proven ability to develop and foster good relationships with both internal campus stakeholders as well as external audiences such as local, state, and national agencies, officials, and donors.
• Demonstrated experience fostering a collaborative and constructive work environment through open communication, positive team building, and effective relationship management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with developing, coordinating and delivering distance education programs.
• Experience with high school dual enrollment programs.
• Experience with student learning and/or academic program assessment.

Special Instructions to Applicant

Applicants must complete an application, upload a cover letter that specifically addresses the applicant's qualifications, provide a curriculum vita, writing sample, teaching statement, research statement, and share graduate transcripts online. Graduate transcripts should be uploaded as Other Supporting Documents.

Applicants must also provide contact information, to include an email address, for a minimum of three professional references. References will be contacted directly for letters of recommendation.

Only applications and materials submitted through the online application process will be considered.

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.