*Internal Only* Assistant or Associate Dean of Honors, Research, and Creative Activity
Christopher Newport University
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Job summary
Christopher Newport University seeks an experienced Associate Dean of Honors, Research, and Creative Activity to provide executive leadership for the Honors Program and ORCA. The role collaborates with the Vice Provost and Dean and reports to university leadership to advance student research, curricular standards, and major events.
Responsibilities include managing budgets, coordinating grants, overseeing stipends, and guiding faculty governance with Honors Faculty and UGRC.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated track record of teaching excellence and undergraduate mentorship.
- Experience in grant writing and fundraising.
- Leadership in complex academic initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Provide executive administrative leadership for Honors Program and ORCA.
- Collaborate with Honors Faculty and UGRC on curriculum and scheduling.
- Manage undergraduate research programs and stipends.
- Edit and publish The Cupola.
- Plan and coordinate major academic events.
- Oversee program budgeting and resource allocation.
- Recruit and represent CNU to prospective students.
- Ensure compliance with safety and reporting as responsible employee.
- Lead and support faculty governance activities.
Skills
Education
Job description
*Internal Only* Assistant or Associate Dean of Honors, Research, and Creative Activity
FA399
Exempt
Full Time
No
A sensitive position requires a fingerprint-based criminal history Check. This is NOT a sensitive position.
No
This position is NOT designated as a Campus Security Authority. A Campus Security Authority (or CSA) is defined as an “official of the institution with significant responsibility for student and campus activities.” A CSA is required to immediately report any crime that is reported to them to the University Police who will then review, evaluate, and investigate the reported crime. Annual training is required by the Department of Education for all personnel who have been designated as a Campus Security Authority.
No
A “designated position” means this position could potentially be required to work (depending on the event) during an emergency closing. This is NOT a “designated position.”
No
This position does NOT require a Statement of Personal Economic Interest.
No
A restricted position would be subject to availability of funding. This is NOT a restricted position.
The Associate Dean for Honors, Research, and Creative Activity provides executive administrative, operational, and programmatic leadership for both the University Honors Program and the Office of Research and Creative Activity (ORCA). Working closely with the Vice Provost and Dean of Honors and Interdisciplinary Studies, the Associate Dean oversees high-impact educational experiences, student research initiatives, programmatic budgeting, and major university academic events. The Associate Dean works in direct collaboration with two primary faculty governance bodies—the Honors Faculty and the Undergraduate Research Committee (UGRC)—to ensure that administrative logistics seamlessly support faculty-driven academic and curricular standards while furthering Christopher Newport’s goal of providing students with rich opportunities in research, scholarship, and creative activity. This position is generally a three-year appointment, eligible for renewal at the end of each term with approval of the Vice Provost. This is an internal posting open to current employees of Christopher Newport University.
- Honors Activities Curriculum: Manage and execute the sequential Honors Activities curriculum (HONR 010, HONR 020, HONR 030, and HONR 040).
- Serve as the Instructor of Record, evaluate student progress, approve eligible “Honors Approved Events,” and communicate programmatic opportunities directly to students.
- Curriculum Committee Collaboration: Serve as an ex-officio (non-voting) member of the Honors Faculty.
- Collaborate with the Honors faculty and Dean of Honors on course schedule development, five-year programmatic reviews, and curricular modifications.
- Programmatic Oversight: Manage and administer key undergraduate research programs, including the Research LENS initiative, the Research Apprentice Program (RAP), and the Summer Scholars Program.
- Research Stipends & Funding: Coordinate the administration, allocation, and processing of undergraduate research stipends and funds to ensure transparent, equitable, and timely support for student scholarly activities.
- UGRC Collaboration: Serve as an ex-officio (non-voting) member of the Undergraduate Research Committee (UGRC). Work directly with the UGRC to assign sections for URCA 101, URCA 400, and URCA 499, and collaborate on overall course scheduling.
- Journal & Scholarly Publications: Edit and publish The Cupola, Christopher Newport University’s annual undergraduate research journal.
- Student & Faculty Education: Educate undergraduate students and faculty across all disciplines (humanities, arts, sciences, social sciences) regarding the nature and benefits of undergraduate research and scholarship. Maintain and deliver a regular schedule of workshops on topics such as research ethics, funding opportunities, conference poster preparation, and proposal writing.
- Major Academic Events Coordination: Plan, organize, and execute academic, institutional, and community-building events throughout the academic year, including Paideia (the annual Undergraduate and Graduate Research Conference), undergraduate research symposia, art exhibitions/presentations, open houses, and Honors programmatic events.
- Institutional Representation & Recruitment: Coordinate and participate in university recruitment sessions, admissions panels, orientation events, and campus showcase events to represent the Honors Program and ORCA to prospective students, families, and incoming cohorts.
- External Reputation & Networking: Promote the reputation of Christopher Newport University as a premier center for undergraduate research and creative activity at local, regional, and national levels; network with directors of peer institutions and participate in relevant national professional associations.
- Strategic Planning & Assessment: Lead and oversee strategic planning and assessment efforts for both the Honors Program and ORCA. Collect and analyze program data to evaluate effectiveness and prepare detailed annual assessment reports.
- Budget & Fiscal Management: Manage and monitor programmatic budgets, approve expenditures within broad university guidelines, prepare financial projections, and optimize resource allocation.
- Grant Proposals & Development: Engage in grant proposal writing and fundraising efforts to secure external funding for undergraduate research, creative activities, and honors initiatives.
- Office Management: Direct administrative workflow, oversee official program records, and manage complex filing systems to ensure efficient operation of ORCA and Honors office functions.
- This position is designated as a “responsible employee” who has the authority to redress sexual violence, who has the duty to report incidents of sexual violence or other student misconduct, or who a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.
- Develop and maintain very positive and professional customer service and/or relations within the office/department and with all constituencies to include students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees.
- Demonstrate a positive and professional attitude and treat everyone with dignity and respect.
- Fully support the “Student’s First” value at CNU and routinely go the extra mile in providing service.
- Review and communicate safety issues to assure a safe and healthy workplace and a reduction in work-related absence.
- Follow workplace safety regulations and adhere to applicable standards, processes, and programs established for your position.
- Report unsafe work conditions to your supervisor.
- Immediately report work-related incidents to your supervisor and participate in accident investigation requests.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Deep passion for undergraduate research, creative scholarship, and honors education.
- Demonstrated administrative, organizational, and operational skills, including the ability to resolve complex administrative problems within academic programs.
- Strong financial acumen and experience managing programmatic budgets and allocating student stipends/travel grants.
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills; demonstrated ability to present, write grant proposals, and publish scholarly work.
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively with university leadership, faculty governance bodies (Honors Faculty, UGRC), department chairs, students, staff, and external partners.
- Strong commitment to customer service, student mentorship, and upholding CNU’s “Student First” culture.
Master’s degree in a relevant academic discipline; or a Bachelor’s degree and work experience at a level which equates to an advanced degree. Note: A terminal degree in a liberal arts and sciences discipline or a closely related field is required for appointment at the title of Associate Dean. Individuals who are ABD and will not hold a terminal degree by the time of appointment and/or possess a master’s degree in a related field may be considered for appointment at the title of Assistant Dean.
Ph.D. in a relevant academic discipline.
- Demonstrated track record of excellence in teaching, scholarly/creative achievement, and undergraduate student mentorship.
- Experience in advising undergraduate students, grant writing/fundraising, event management, and leading complex academic initiatives.
- Demonstrated success working in a team environment with strong administrative leadership experience.
- Substantial experience as a faculty member in a college/university setting with a demonstrated research/creative record.
- Current instructional faculty member at Christopher Newport University.
- Prior experience with honors program administration, interdisciplinary curriculum design, or university-wide undergraduate research oversight.
Salary $106,000 to $145,700, Commensurate with Education and Experience
Christopher Newport University is anchored in excellence, and that is reflected in our ranking as the #1 regional public university in Virginia and #3 among regional public universities in the South. We are an inclusive and kind community, founded on our shared values of honor, scholarship, service and leadership. We offer an outstanding liberal arts education provided by dedicated, gifted teacher-scholars who are supported by a compassionate team of faculty and staff. Our 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students pursue more than 90 areas of study, as they live and learn on a largely residential campus. CNU’s on-campus performing and visual arts centers offer Broadway shows, world-class performances, engaging exhibitions, transformative lectures and classes, and more. Our athletics program is the winningest at any level in Virginia. Christopher Newport University is in the heart of Newport News, a vibrant city with breathtaking scenery and unique experiences. The city and region offer affordable neighborhoods, local and name-brand shops, diverse dining options, local parks and water access, and fun recreational opportunities. Whatever your interests and goals, you belong at CNU! For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit cnu.edu.
Yes
This position is eligible for periodic telework as determined by the department. Eligibility is not guaranteed, and is subject to supervisor approval. Eligibility will depend on the likelihood of the employee’s success in a telework arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage telework. Departments and/or Human Resources may modify or revoke eligibility at any time. Employees will be required to sign a Telework Agreement.
AP478P
1
10/14/2026
11/04/2026
Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully Committed to Access and Opportunity. Notice of Non-Discrimination & Title IX Policy Statement
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