Innovation & Outreach Associate Dean

University of Northern Iowa Alumni and Foundation; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Northern Iowa seeks an innovative, entrepreneurial Associate Dean for Innovation and Outreach to lead strategic initiatives across the College of Education and its outward-facing EdVantageUNI hub. The role reports to the Dean and serves on the College Leadership Team.

The Associate Dean will drive workforce development, professional learning, and partnerships, helping expand programs, credentials, and opportunities while ensuring financial sustainability for the College.

Qualifications

• Tenured appointment as associate professor or professor in the College of Education.
• Significant leadership experience in higher education, PK–12, workforce development, or related setting.
• Experience developing and implementing strategic initiatives, innovative programs, professional learning, or outreach activities.
• Experience managing budgets, personnel, projects, and organizational change.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and collaborate across units and stakeholder groups.
• Experience securing or managing grants, contracts, or externally funded initiatives.
• Strong communication, strategic planning, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Leads strategic innovation and emerging initiatives across the College of Education, fostering an entrepreneurial approach to programming, outreach, and partnerships.
• Oversees EdVantageUNI and the portfolio of professional learning, continuing education, credentials, endorsements, and services.
• Develops, implements, and scales externally facing programs, services, and pathways that respond to educational and workforce needs.
• Pursues externally funded initiatives, including grants and contracts, and establishes sustainable models for new initiatives.
• Collaborates with academic departments, Centers of Excellence, and external partners to expand impact and enrollment.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Personnel management

Project management

Partnerships

Grants & contracts

Communication

Change management

Education

Doctorate or terminal degree

Job description

University of Northern Iowa seeks an innovative, entrepreneurial Associate Dean for Innovation and Outreach to lead strategic initiatives across the College of Education and its outward-facing EdVantageUNI hub. The role reports to the Dean and serves on the College Leadership Team.

The Associate Dean will drive workforce development, professional learning, and partnerships, helping expand programs, credentials, and opportunities while ensuring financial sustainability for the College.