Associate Dean, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

Heartland Community College; Normal (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Heartland Community College in Central Illinois seeks an Associate Dean for Liberal Arts and Social Sciences to support the Dean in leading division curricula, assessment, and programs. This full-time, 12-month position requires on-campus presence and a proven record in higher education leadership.

The role emphasizes collaboration with faculty to develop curricula, supervising instructors, advancing student recruitment and success, and managing division budgets while representing LASS to

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a discipline within Liberal Arts and Social Sciences division or a related field.
• Successful teaching experience.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently under pressure.
• Ability to build professional relationships to advance division goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead curriculum and instructional initiatives for the LASS division.
• Recruit, hire, schedule, and evaluate faculty (full-time and adjunct).
• Promote student recruitment, persistence, and success through division programs.
• Oversee division budgets and prepare state and national reports.

Skills

Curriculum leadership

Faculty supervision

Strategic planning

Student success initiatives

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in Liberal Arts and Social Sciences or related field

Job description

Associate Dean, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

We seek applicants for a full-time, 12-month position in the Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (LASS) division. This role supports the Dean in leading the development, oversight, and operational success of division courses and programs.

Key responsibilities include collaborating with faculty on curriculum and assessment, hiring and evaluating instructors, managing course schedules, and promoting division programs. The position also advances division-wide initiatives to boost student success and advance the College’s mission and strategic goals.

General responsibilities

General responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Curriculum & Instructional Leadership

• Serve as the curriculum and instructional leader for assigned area of the division, and assist faculty in the development and review of curricula and instructional methods
• Support program reviews, general education outcome measurements, college-wide assessment initiatives, and other programming improvement efforts
• Communicate regularly with the faculty regarding instructional matters
• Promote effective integration and use of technology in teaching and learning

Faculty Supervision

• Collaborate with the Dean to recruit, hire, schedule, and evaluate full-time and adjunct faculty
• Participate in classroom instruction and professional development opportunities to maintain best practices in teaching and leadership

Student Success & Community Engagement

• Collaborate with faculty and staff to develop and execute initiatives and strategies to improve student recruitment, persistence, and success
• Assist the Dean in addressing student complaints
• Represent LASS programs to schools, the community, and local business and industry leaders
• Help plan and lead advisory team meetings

Operations & Budget Management

• Oversee budget development, approvals, and expenditures for assigned areas
• Complete reports, requests, and records for state and national agencies

Requirements

1. Master’s degree in a discipline within Liberal Arts and Social Sciences divisionor a related field
2. Successful teaching experience
3. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
4. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to work independently and to function professionally under pressure
5. Ability to foster professional relationships to advance strategic goals of the division and work inclusively with diverse groups of students, employees, external leaders, and other community members

Desired Qualifications

1. Teaching experience in a community college setting
2. Administrative experience in higher education or related area, which may include performance evaluation, scheduling, and staffing
3. Experience with curriculum development and program review
4. Record of effective leadership

Please prepare a written response to the following question as a separate document and upload it with your application materials in PDF or Microsoft Word format: What do you see as the value of liberal arts and social sciences in today’s educational landscape, particularly within the context of community colleges?

Applications submitted by October 16, 2026 will receive priority consideration, with review of applications continuing as needed.

THIS POSITION IS BASED IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS AND ABILITY TO BE PRESENT ON-CAMPUS/IN-PERSON IS REQUIRED.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

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About Heart and Community College

Heartland is an open-enrollment, comprehensive community college. With three regional campuses, Heartland has an average annual enrollment of approximately 5,000 credit students and 10,000 non-credit students. Offering 15 degrees and 64 certificates, the College has a wide range of educational pathways that include traditional transfer-oriented degrees, work-ready degrees, and workplace training certifications. Heartland provides a supportive, values-based environment to help students get the most out of their college experience. Additionally, Heartland is the community resource for local High School Equivalency (HSE) and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs.

Heartland provides extensive continuing education programming to meet the personal enrichment and community education needs of the College’s district. Offerings include Kids@Heartland, professional development, and customized training for organizations.

Heartland Community College is an equal opportunity institution.

HCC values equity, diversity and inclusion. We create a collegial and welcoming culture by taking collective responsibility in the creation, protection, and enhancement of an equitable, diverse, and inclusive campus community.