Dean of Social & Behavioral Sciences

NWACC; Arkansas; On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) invites applications for the Dean of Social and Behavioral Sciences. The role provides leadership for teaching and learning across school programs, oversees faculty and staff, and guides budgeting, accreditation, and program development.

The Dean works with leadership councils and external partners to advance NWACC’s academic mission. Candidates should demonstrate 5+ years of higher education teaching and proven administrative leadership, such as

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in the relevant field within Social and Behavioral Sciences.
• Track record of leadership in higher education settings.
• Strong communication and people management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in development and implementation of school goals and priorities.
• Select, supervise, and evaluate full-time faculty and staff; hire part-time personnel.
• Direct annual budget preparation and monitor budgets for academic units.
• Coordinate program accreditation and program review processes.
• Represent programs to external stakeholders and partners and manage reports.
• Maintain effective relationships with accrediting bodies and internal/external constituents.
• Ensure timely course and curriculum review following policies.
• Maintain regular attendance and foster collegial working relationships.
• Support development of new certificates or degrees meeting community needs.

Education

Master’s Degree in discipline within Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Job description

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas.

As the largest community college in Arkansas, NWACC is recognized as a leader in education. NWACC offers a full range of associate degrees, certificates and workforce training programs that prepare students for rewarding futures and careers.

NWACC employees are dedicated to fostering a diverse educational community and cultural learning environment that supports student success.

The Dean of Social and Behavioral Sciences provides leadership for the support and advancement of all teaching and learning in school programs and curricula. The Dean leads the daily operations of the academic units including the hiring and supervision of faculty and staff, evaluations, managing department budget(s), and facilities and equipment management. The Dean serves on the Academic Deans Council, the Expanded Cabinet, and other leadership groups and committees as needed to further advance the College’s academic mission. The Dean of Social and Behavioral Sciences reports directly to the Senior Vice President of Learning.

Essential Duties:

• Provide leadership in the development and implementation of the schools goals and priorities and monitor their achievement
• Select, supervise, and evaluate full-time faculty and staff within the school and, in consultation with department chair, hire all part-time faculty and staff
• Direct the preparation of the annual budget for academic units and monitor budgets appropriately
• Facilitate, participate, and lead administrative functions of the College (institutional accreditation, student success initiatives, strategic planning, data informed decisions, special projects)
• Represent academic programs to external stakeholders and program partners
• Resolve student complaints, concerns, and requests
• Provide leadership to explore options and/or develop new certificates or degrees that meet community needs and provide viable career options for students
• Provide leadership for conducting program accreditation and/or program review processes
• Coordinate the preparation and submission of all reports and studies required from the academic units, departments, or school
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with accrediting bodies
• Maintain effective communication with internal and external constituents
• Ensure program, course and curriculum review processes are conducted in a timely manner following institutional, ADHE, and national accrediting policies and procedures
• Review course schedules for all academic units and ensure policies and procedures are followed regarding faculty load and teaching responsibilities
• Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others
• Additional duties may be assigned as necessary to support the goals and objectives of the department and college

Rate of Pay:

$100,362.00 annualized *Higher compensation may be considered based on qualifications directly related to position.

Completed applications received by 09/20/2026 will be assured full consideration. Late Applications will be reviewed as necessary to fill the position

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in discipline within Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences
• 5+ teaching experience in higher education
• Exhibit evidence of successful administrative leadership experience in a higher education setting, such as having served as a department chair, program director or equivalent academic leadership position

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctorate from nationally accredited program
• 2 years experience at a Community College

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must possess the ability to communicate with others in a clear, understandable, and professional manner on the phone and in person, and the demonstrated use of good written and verbal communication skills
• Must possess effective project management skills, including the ability to plan, organize and schedule work in an efficient and productive manner, focusing on key priorities and meeting deadlines
• Must possess the ability to maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance
• possess the ability to learn and apply new information, knowledge, and experiences in a timely manner
• Must possess the ability to be flexible and adaptable to change

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

While performing the functions of this job, the employee is:

Frequently:

• Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding
• Sitting
• Standing
• Walking

Constantly:

• Hearing
• Repetitive motion
• Talking

Environmental Conditions:

The following work environment characteristics are representative of those encountered by employees while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

The work environment typically consists of a professional office setting with a moderate noise level, including sounds from conversations, office equipment, and occasional movement of staff. Lighting is standard for office spaces, and the temperature is controlled to remain within a comfortable range. Employees may occasionally need to visit other areas, such as storage rooms, conference spaces, or outdoor locations, where environmental conditions may vary. Infrequently, exposure to louder noise levels or physical activities, such as moving lightweight materials, might be required.

NWACC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy.