Inaugural Dean, College of Arts and Sciences

Empire State College; City of Saratoga Springs (NY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an innovative leader to become the Inaugural Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. This pivotal role involves guiding the strategic vision and academic quality of a newly formed college, which combines diverse disciplines to foster student success and program innovation. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in higher education leadership, particularly in online education and strategic enrollment growth. Join a forward-thinking institution committed to diversity and inclusion, where you can make a lasting impact on the academic landscape and student pathways to success.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in higher education with leadership experience.
• Proven success in online education and strategic growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic vision and enrollment management for the new college.
• Enhance online education and develop inclusive curricula.

Skills

Leadership in Higher Education

Strategic Planning

Online Education Development

Curriculum Development

Enrollment Management

Education

Doctorate in relevant field

Job description

Empire State University Job Posting: Inaugural Dean, College of Arts and Sciences

Inaugural Dean, College of Arts and Sciences

Category: Management / Confidential

Department: Academic Affairs

Locations: Saratoga Springs, NY

Posted: Apr 4, 2025

Closes: Open Until Filled

Type: Full-time

PositionID: 187093

About Empire State University:

Founded in 1971 as the innovative campus of the State University of New York (SUNY), Empire State University empowers learners from diverse backgrounds to achieve their educational goals. SUNY Empire has decades of experience providing educational access through high-quality online teaching and learning, individualized instruction, mentoring, and prior learning assessment. The institution is deeply committed to promoting diversity and inclusion and builds on students' experiences to promote their growth and drive upward mobility and economic development in New York State and beyond.

Job Description:

Empire State University seeks an accomplished leader to serve as the Inaugural Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. This newly formed college brings together the School of Arts and Humanities and the School of Science, Mathematics, and Technology. The establishment of the College of Arts and Sciences reinforces Empire State University's commitment to academic innovation and student-centered education, positioning the institution for sustainable growth and long-term success. The College of Arts and Sciences will serve the more than 1,400 students currently enrolled in its programs.

The Inaugural Dean will lead the strategic vision, academic quality, enrollment management, program development, and external engagement efforts for the college. Essential to this role is the leadership related to guiding institutional innovation and growth, particularly in online education and interdisciplinary program expansion, as well as commitment to shared governance and faculty and staff success.

The Inaugural Dean will report directly to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Key Responsibilities:

Student Success & Program Innovation:

• Lead efforts to enhance online education, student support, and credit for prior learning.
• Advance efforts to develop culturally responsive curricula and inclusive student support initiatives that prepare graduates to engage effectively with diverse populations.
• Develop and expand interdisciplinary programs in science, mathematics, technology, arts and humanities.
• Strengthen student pathways from high school, community college, and workforce development into degree programs.

Strategic Leadership & Enrollment Management:

• Establish and implement a strategic vision for the new college, ensuring alignment with SUNY Empire's strategic plan, Elevate '28.
• Lead enrollment growth strategies, including recruitment, retention, persistence and program expansion efforts.
• Oversee budget management, financial planning, and resource allocation for the college.

Faculty & Research Development:

• Develop a collaborative, innovative faculty culture, supporting research, scholarship, and professional development.
• Promote faculty mentorship and leadership opportunities.

Accreditation & Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, including accreditation requirements for Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

External Engagement & Partnerships:

• Strengthen partnerships with external agencies, nonprofit organizations, and industry leaders.
• Collaborate with community colleges and workforce training organizations to create seamless pathways for students.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications:

• An earned doctorate in science, mathematics, technology, arts, humanities or a closely related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in higher education, with a minimum of 5 years in a leadership role within an academic institution.
• Demonstrated experience in online education, including the development and delivery of online programs.
• Proven success in strategic planning and enrollment growth.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 10 years of leadership experience within higher education, with demonstrated expertise at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
• Experience leading initiatives that promote inclusive curriculum development, equitable student success outcomes, and culturally competent faculty development.

Special Information:

• This position is based in Saratoga Springs, NY, with remote work options.
• Occasional travel required to fulfill university-wide commitments.
• Some evening and weekend engagement with stakeholders is required.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.

Application Instructions:

Applications Due By: Initial review of resumes will begin immediately with priority consideration given to applications received on or before April 18, 2025.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit the following documents, which are required for consideration by clicking on the APPLY NOW button:

• Resume
• Name and contact information of three references