Dean for the School of Arts & Humanities

Diné College; Tsaile (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Diné College in Tsaile is seeking a Dean for the School of Arts & Humanities. This role involves supervising faculty, managing departmental initiatives, and ensuring high-quality educational standards.

The ideal candidate should possess a Ph.D. in a relevant field and extensive administrative experience. The Dean will lead strategic planning and foster strong community relations while promoting academic excellence.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in English, composition/rhetoric, or arts/humanities.
• Five years of successful deal-level experience or extensive leadership experience.
• Knowledge of strategic planning in four-year undergraduate and graduate programs.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and lead faculty members in planning and developing instruction.
• Ensure quality post-secondary student learning appropriate to higher education standards.
• Manage monetary resources for the School of Arts and Humanities.

Skills

Communication skills

Social skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Fluency in Navajo

Education

Ph.D. in English or related field

Ten years' experience as department chair

Job description

Dean for the School of Arts & Humanities

Office of the Provost

Academic Affairs

Tsaile Campus

Duty Schedule

Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; some weekends or after-hours work.

Summary/Objective of Position

The school dean reports to the provost and is responsible for supervising and administering the School of Arts and Humanities. This includes leading faculty members in planning, developing, and implementing instruction, research services, and outreach activities; collaborating with peers in other schools, department heads, and leaders of the college community; observing and evaluating faculty members while fostering an environment for both student and faculty growth; enhancing relationships with internal and external constituencies; supporting the efforts of Diné College alumni; fostering participatory management and continuous improvement of programs; implanting academic policies; administering the School's budget; supporting departmental initiatives for program growth and improvement; serving as a member of the Provost Council; and fostering a climate characterized by the mission, vision, principles, and values of Diné College.

Description of Essential Functions of the Position

Disclaimer: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. While this list is intended to accurately reflect the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Administrative Duties: Provide leadership for faculty; work in a collaborative environment; serve as a liaison between the provost and faculty; communicate the goals of the college to faculty, staff, and students.
  • (a) Supervise both full‑time and adjunct faculty and staff in accordance with institutional policies and procedures, along with other applicable state and federal laws and regulations;
  • (b) Hire highly qualified and effective faculty and staff, and ensure their accountability for high‑level performance in areas appropriate to their positions, including being responsible for faculty onboarding and new‑hire orientation;
  • (c) Resolve student complaints in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and Academic Standards;
  • (d) Ensure coordination of all components and activities with the School;
  • (e) Submit monthly, quarterly, and/or annual reports as required by internal and external entities;
  • (f) Assure availability of properly credentialed faculty to meet to curriculum delivery requirements, including development of an annual faculty staffing plan.
• Student Learning and Success:
  • (a) Ensure the education provided meets or exceeds standards set forth by the institution's accrediting agency, the Higher Learning Commission, and other accrediting agencies related to specialized programs;
  • (b) Ensure quality post-secondary student learning appropriate to higher education standards;
  • (c) Facilitate excellence in teaching, scholarly pursuits, and services to the college and the community with special emphasis on student success;
  • (d) Maintain transferability of course credits and/or academic programs, internally and externally;
  • (e) Ensure students matriculate through academic programs within the School of Arts and Humanities concurrently with the General Education core requirements; and plan for academic growth in accordance with the Academic Master Plan.
• Strategic Planning:
  • (a) Responsible and accountable for all monetary resources for the School of Arts and Humanities and seeks additional resources through fundraising, grants, alumni relations, and endowments to ensure program viability, and
  • (b) Conduct "program reviews" on a scheduled basis to make strategic, data‑informed decisions aligned with institutional and annual fiscal planning.
• Research:
  • (a) Conduct field‑appropriate research projects for the School of Arts and Humanities in preparation for publication, IRB, tribal, state, and federal requirements;
  • (b) Secure and coordinate relationships with other institutions through partnerships to increase quality research and program development;
  • (c) Promote faculty participation in grants; and
  • (d) Provide support for Principal Investigators.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

Minimum:

• Ph.D. in English, composition/rhetoric, or arts/humanities from an accredited institution with at least five (5) years of demonstrated and successful deal-level experience or extensive experience in leadership and administration at the level of faculty chair, associate dean, or dean in the discipline of English, arts/humanities, or related field; OR
• Ten (10) years' experience as department chair for an arts/humanities area discipline; OR
• Five (5) years of experience supervising a four‑year undergraduate degree program.

Preferred:

• Professor rank.

Knowledge:

• A record of successful administrative experience that fosters a collaborative, inclusive work environment that values diversity and integrity.
• Knowledge of customer service standards and procedures.
• Knowledge in teaching, research, and service sufficient to warrant appointment as a full professor.
• Knowledge in four‑year undergraduate and graduate programs, strategic direction, management, and oversight of the school.
• Appreciation for the challenges and vision of the tribal college system.

Skills:

• Must have great communication (written and oral), social, and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies for the purpose of building professional relationships.
• Oral fluency in Navajo is highly desirable, but not mandatory.

Abilities:

• Make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments.
• Develop, plan, and implement short‑term and long‑term goals.
• Read, understand, interpret, and implement accreditation criteria and state agency regulations.
• Effectively present information to faculty, academic and campus leaders, and local communities.
• Use of computers and related software.
• Demonstrated record of strong support, understanding pedagogy, and fostering teaching and learning in the Arts and Humanities.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with academic degree program assessment.
• Demonstrative experience with online teaching.

Physical Requirements, Work Environment & Travel:

• Work normally performed in a typical interior/office environment, including: use of a personal computer; viewing a monitor; entering and retrieving data; use of a printer, copier, scanner; filing documents and information; ability to attend and participate in meetings and trainings; moderate physical activity; extended periods of sitting, standing or walking.
• The work environment may be fast‑paced with deadlines.
• Some in- and out-of-state travel may be required.

Other Requirement(s):

• Must have and maintain a valid state‑issued driver's license and successfully pass a background check.
• Other licensing may be required, depending on position and/or area of assignment.