ASSOCIATE DEAN JOB DESCRIPTION

An Associate Dean title on a resume signals something specific to search committees and provosts: this person has run programs, managed faculty, and answered for accreditation outcomes. The role sits one level below the Dean and holds direct authority over curriculum development, faculty credentialing, and academic program compliance - functions that require both scholarly standing and administrative accountability. Scope varies by school, but the ownership of regional accreditation standards and the faculty evaluation cycle appears across every institutional type. No two Associate Deans cover identical ground, yet the mandate to serve as Acting Dean in the Dean's absence defines the floor.

As the Associate Dean, you translate institutional academic strategy into daily program operations by overseeing curriculum integrity, faculty performance, and compliance with accreditation and federal standards across assigned departments. You work in close partnership with the Dean, Department Chairs, and Student Services to ensure program quality and advance the scholarly mission of the school.

Career Impact: Holding the Associate Dean seat at the director-of-faculty-evaluation level builds the kind of accreditation and curriculum governance record that makes candidates competitive for Dean appointments at research universities and community colleges alike.

Business Impact: The faculty credentialing, program scheduling, and compliance work this role owns determine whether a school retains its accreditation standing and its students' access to federal financial aid.

Growth Opportunity: Managing the full faculty lifecycle from hiring through post-tenure review, alongside hands-on exposure to institutional budget cycles, positions Associate Deans to move into Provost-track roles within five to eight years.

• Lead curriculum development and semester scheduling in coordination with Department Chairs to maintain academic program integrity.
• Oversee faculty credentialing, evaluation cycles, and professional development activities across full-time and adjunct appointments.
• Direct hiring, onboarding, and performance management of faculty and staff within assigned academic units.
• Manage program accreditation processes, ensuring compliance with regional accreditation standards and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Administer assigned departmental budgets, approve expenditures, and prepare financial reports for senior leadership.
• Represent the school on institutional committees, task forces, and governance councils, including curriculum and outcomes assessment bodies.
• Partner with Student Services, the Registrar, and advising staff to resolve student academic issues, appeals, and enrollment concerns.
• Serve as Acting Dean during the Dean's absence, assuming full decision-making authority for academic and operational matters.

• Earned doctorate or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant academic discipline or equivalent work experience.
• Ten or more years of progressive academic administration experience, with direct responsibility for faculty oversight and program compliance.
• Demonstrated knowledge of regional accreditation standards, academic program requirements, and applicable federal and state regulatory frameworks.
• Proven ability to manage complex departmental budgets, interpret financial reports, and recommend resource allocations.
• Experience leading faculty recruitment, credentialing, evaluation, and professional development within a higher education institution.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills sufficient to present to senior leadership, governance bodies, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities across curriculum, staffing, and compliance functions simultaneously.

• Background in research administration or experience supporting sponsored programs, grant writing, or interdisciplinary research initiatives.
• Familiarity with online and distance learning modalities, learning management systems, and the application of technology to academic delivery.
• Experience developing student recruitment strategies, advising pipelines, or enrollment management initiatives in collaboration with admissions offices.
• Record of peer-reviewed scholarship or professional publication demonstrating sustained engagement with the field.

• Faculty evaluation completion rate, measured as percentage of required reviews submitted on schedule each academic year.
• Accreditation audit findings, tracking the number of unresolved compliance deficiencies at each review cycle.
• Student academic appeal resolution time, measured in days from filing to final administrative decision.
• Budget variance rate, reflecting how closely administered program budgets align with approved allocations each fiscal year.
• Faculty retention rate within supervised units, measuring year-over-year continuity of full-time instructional staff.

• Base Salary Range: $110,000 to $160,000 annually, depending on institution type and program scope.
• Bonus: Merit-based supplemental pay common at private universities; less common at public institutions.
• Equity: Not typically offered in higher education administrative roles.
• Health Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage standard at most accredited institutions.
• PTO: 15 to 22 days annually, plus academic calendar breaks and institutional holidays.
• Common Perks: Tuition remission for dependents, faculty library access, and professional development funding for conferences and research.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process upon request, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States prior to the start of employment.

The Associate Dean of Religious Life leads social and interest-based programs that direct student engagement in and out of the classroom, overseeing program budgets, staff supervision, and public relations strategies across university campuses and surrounding communities. Working with university partners and senior leadership, the Associate Dean shapes academic and personal success outcomes by ensuring quality programming that reflects the USC Code of Ethics and responds to emergency operations requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Determine philosophies and direction for multiple social and/or interest-based programs to increase student engagement.
• Drive ongoing evaluation of program effectiveness, establish goals, set priorities, and allocate resources.
• Assess outcomes against objectives and monitor program performance for variances and trends.
• Approve implementation of program changes or enhancements based on feedback and evaluation.
• Supervise all assigned program staff, approve or disapprove work guidance actions, and determine staffing needs.
• Approve plans for staff training and professional development activities and oversee delivery of materials.
• Ensure quality programming enhancing student life on campus and in surrounding communities with university partners and stakeholders.
• Develop and oversee internal and external communications and public relations strategies for promoting student engagement programs.
• Resolve problems, provide policy and regulatory interpretations, negotiate priorities, and resolve conflicts in student programming.
• Direct the development and administration of program budgets, approve major expenditures, and drive search for external funding.
• Promote an environment fostering inclusive relationships and upholding principles of the USC Code of Ethics.
• Report to duty in accordance with the university's Emergency Operations Plan during emergencies and mobilize staff as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Ten years of experience in an institution of higher education.
• Seven years of directly related professional experience in pastoral care and spiritual counseling in higher education.
• Demonstrable program administration experience with strong project management skills and ability to develop and maintain budgets.
• Strong experience with staff development and demonstrated experience managing multi-platform communications and marketing plans.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and/or Adobe Creative software; experienced with Google Suite, Slack, Skype, and social media management.
• Demonstrated experience interacting with diverse groups, exercising diplomacy, good judgment, and discretion.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong ability to analyze information and problem solve.
• Fluency in one or more languages in addition to English (e.g., Spanish, Korean).
• Familiarity with local community and flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities.

Reporting to the Dean, the Associate Dean owns the academic experience of students by managing curriculum, faculty supervision, admissions committee participation, and semester scheduling in a collaborative campus environment. Partnering with the Assistant Dean, Registrar, and Student Services personnel, this role builds faculty excellence and student success through ongoing evaluation, orientation coordination, and contributions to the Curriculum Committee and Outcomes Assessment Committee.

Primary Duties

• Manage curriculum-related issues with faculty, including preparation of the course schedule and academic planning each semester.
• Interface with the Assistant Dean to troubleshoot and resolve issues arising during the course of the semester.
• Advise faculty on academic concerns and coordinate new student orientation, online registration, and registration for new students.
• Sit on the admissions committee, participate in all admission meetings, and assist with monitoring admissions requirements and transfer policies.
• Organize and participate in Open House and other student recruitment activities.
• Supervise, develop, and evaluate all full-time and adjunct faculty, including onboarding and executing undergraduate student evaluations.
• Interface with the Registrar's office to implement college policies and provide ad hoc reports to campus administration and senior leadership.
• Serve on committees including the Curriculum Committee and Outcomes Assessment Committee.
• Coordinate with pre-med and health science advisors to review course requirements.

Skills & Qualifications

• Earned Doctorate or equivalent terminal degree required.
• Ten to fifteen years of significant college teaching and administrative experience preferred.
• Strong background in the liberal arts with peer-reviewed publications and demonstrated research and analytic skills.
• Strong commitment to fostering student learning, academic excellence, and sensitivity to the constituencies served by the campus; knowledge of accreditation criteria and state agency regulations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Internet, and Blackboard; familiarity with online learning, distance learning, and new media is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience in people management with principled leadership and attention to finance, participation, and planning.
• Sophisticated interpersonal competency with the ability to work closely with diverse groups of faculty and students while managing multiple high-priority activities simultaneously.
• Understanding of the application of technology to the educational process and ability to develop and deliver presentations to senior management and the entire organization.

Sitting at the intersection of academic leadership and project delivery, the Associate Dean builds and oversees multi-track project teams from requirements definition through deployment, managing scope, schedules, budgets, and risk mitigation across digital, print, social, broadcast, and experiential projects. Operating across functional departments and external vendor relationships, this role advances faculty and student research while ensuring project outcomes are reported accurately to all relevant management channels.

Duties

• In collaboration with the Dean, build and develop project teams to ensure maximum performance, providing purpose, direction, and motivation.
• Lead projects from requirements definition through deployment, identifying schedules, scopes, budget estimations, and implementation plans including risk mitigation.
• Coordinate internal and external resources to ensure projects remain within scope, schedule, and defined budgets across functional departments.
• Analyze project progress and adapt scope, timelines, and costs as necessary to ensure adherence to project requirements.
• Establish and maintain relationships with appropriate stakeholders, providing day-to-day contact on project status and changes.
• Develop and support mechanisms that promote research and scholarship of faculty and graduate and undergraduate students.
• Manage integrated, multi-track project performance databases for digital, print, social, broadcast, and experiential projects.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with outside resources including third-party vendors and researchers, and monitor and assign resources to streamline project efficiency.
• Report project outcomes and risks to appropriate management channels, escalating issues as necessary, and assist with budget planning and management.

Requirements

• Terminal degree required; master's degree considered with considerable experience.
• Five or more years of strategic project management experience; professional certification including PMP/PRINCE II preferred.
• Experience developing in-house platforms for internal processes and coaching and educating project teams to strengthen capabilities.
• Hands-on experience developing web technologies and software platforms for maximum usability with previous success producing deliverable software platforms.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, strong presentation skills, and proven success working with all levels of management.
• Strong attention to deadlines and budgetary guidelines; must be punctual.

Embedded within the college's Academic Affairs division, the Associate Dean of Library delivers strategic vision and operational oversight for library services, collections, and information literacy instruction across physical and digital modalities. Working closely with faculty, the Systems Librarian, and support units such as the Academic Success Center and Disability Resource Center, the Associate Dean builds a library program that advances equity, student success, and institutional accreditation goals.

Core Functions

• Provide general oversight of information literacy instruction in various modalities.
• Support curriculum development for the currency, relevancy, and adequacy of physical and electronic library collections.
• Provide direction and support in the development and delivery of diverse and culturally sensitive library programming and services.
• Oversee operations of the library space, hours of operation, and staffing.
• Develop and provide oversight for Open Educational Resources (OER) curriculum and services, and serve as campus copyright officer.
• Provide overarching support for Baccalaureate programs.
• Evaluate tenure-track faculty candidates, oversee the tenure evaluation process, and manage post-tenure reviews.
• Manage and evaluate full-time faculty and the Systems Librarian in maintaining library systems, online resources, and critical technologies.
• Direct recruiting, hiring, onboarding, retaining, mentoring, supervising, evaluating, and disciplining of a diverse library workforce.
• Provide strategic vision for the library team and advance its central role in college strategic goals through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Collaborate with support units, ensure timely submission of library statistics, and monitor the allocated budget.
• Represent the college on SBCTC councils, contribute to college-wide governance and accreditation processes, and actively participate in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science or equivalent from an accredited institution; relevant experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis.
• Two years of experience teaching in higher education or as library faculty, two years developing library collections and services, and two years using and managing Integrated Library Systems (ILS).
• Experience supervising faculty and staff, managing complex budgets and financial reporting, and increasing administrative leadership responsibility in higher education.
• Experience in information literacy, assessment, learning outcomes, curriculum development, and addressing disproportionate impact and equity issues.
• Familiarity with copyright law, open licensing, fair use, author rights, institutional repositories, and scholarly publishing.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, implement complex program and administrative policies, and work collaboratively with diverse employees and student groups.

A key member of the academic leadership team, the Associate Dean delivers oversight for clinical rotations, curriculum development, faculty credentialing, and program accreditation across health sciences programs. Collaborating across department committees, task forces, and external regulatory bodies, this role leads faculty and staff to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local standards while serving as Acting Dean in the Dean's absence.

Functions

• Provide oversight for clinical rotations, partnerships, and affiliation agreements; oversee curriculum development, changes, and initiatives.
• Oversee faculty credentialing and guide the process to develop, revise, and implement department policies and procedures.
• Represent the department on committees and task forces; develop and maintain internal and external relationships.
• Observe and provide feedback on faculty teaching; provide oversight of academic and student issues and appeals.
• Prepare and administer assigned budget and provide leadership for program accreditation.
• Direct and oversee faculty and staff, including hiring and disciplinary recommendations and performance evaluations.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local program standards and serve as Acting Dean in the Dean's absence.

Experience & Qualifications

• Five years of management experience in the assigned area; equivalent combination of education and experience may be acceptable.
• Knowledge of managerial principles, academic program requirements, program coordination and planning, budgeting principles, and research methods.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and codes; customer service principles; and diverse populations and cultures.
• Ability to manage and evaluate staff, prioritize and assign work, and manage and administer program budgets.
• Ability to interpret academic program requirements, plan and coordinate program components, and ensure compliance with applicable requirements.
• Proficient in computers and related software applications.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills sufficient to interact effectively with subordinates, coworkers, supervisors, and the general public.

A coherent institutional brand and national media presence depend on the Associate Dean for Communications, who formulates and manages comprehensive communications strategies spanning local, national, and global print, television, and social media on behalf of the Bloomberg School of Public Health. Serving as the Dean's senior-most executive for communications, this role stewards brand standards, develops benchmarking criteria for strategy effectiveness, and cultivates external stakeholder partnerships in support of the School's diversity and inclusion commitments.

Accountabilities

• Provide vision, leadership, and counsel for the Bloomberg School's communications and branding, serving as the Dean's senior-most executive for communications.
• Develop new collaborations with departments and centers to strengthen, align, and guide communication strategies while maintaining the School's overall brand and messaging.
• Formulate and manage a comprehensive media relations strategy at local, state, national, and global levels across print, television, and social media; provide media training to School leaders and faculty.
• Create and lead an innovative approach to promoting the value of public health to broader audiences.
• Take a research-based approach to identify key messages and audiences, weaving School stories into a consistent, unified message for diverse targeted audiences.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the school and administrative units to align messages and promote key initiatives.
• Reinforce a culture of excellence, innovation, and creativity while anticipating and mitigating issues with potential reputational impact.
• Develop short- and long-term strategic initiatives for communications units, ensuring cohesive and effective strategies across all units.
• Work closely with the Assistant Dean for Strategic Initiatives and the Associate Dean for Development to keep communities informed and align development communications with School branding.
• Support development of a student recruitment and marketing strategy in collaboration with the Office of Admissions.
• Develop benchmarking criteria and evaluate the effectiveness of communications strategies regularly.
• Cultivate collaborative relationships with external stakeholders and support the School's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• At least 15 years of progressive experience managing communications and/or marketing in a complex, dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated senior leadership experience designing and executing strategic communications plans in large, complex, decentralized organizations, including hiring, developing, retaining, and evaluating high-performing teams.
• Significant experience leading communications strategies in a global environment and working with national and international media and digital channels.
• Background in a research-focused, public health, or health-related organization with experience translating research into general-consumption content preferred.
• Holistic understanding of all aspects of communications, positioning, and messaging including best practices in traditional and emerging media platforms and state-of-the-art communications technology.
• Outstanding management and planning skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent writing ability with strong interpersonal, presentation, and public speaking skills.
• Proven ability to lead with direct authority and through influence, including partnering across peer leadership groups and deploying resources to support individual units.

As the Associate Dean, this role shapes TC's research enterprise by overseeing the Office of Sponsored Programs, Research Centers and Institutes, and interdisciplinary funding initiatives that improve educational outcomes across local, national, and international settings. The research committee and graduate training programs rely on this work to sustain compliance with federal and university policies, advance diversity and inclusion in scholarship, and translate research findings into practice across education, psychology, and health sciences.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Provide and implement a vision for strengthening and expanding TC's research enterprise consistent with institutional aims.
• Support scholarship in education, psychology, and health sciences that improves lives, engages communities, and exchanges new knowledge.
• Oversee the College's research units including the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research Centers and Institutes.
• Partner with Department Chairs to support the research experience and training of graduate students.
• Engage in effective and transparent decision-making in consultation with key stakeholders including the President, Provost, and faculty.
• Contribute to professional development and mentoring of junior faculty in research aspects.
• Lead efforts to organize and identify funding for interdisciplinary research and graduate education initiatives.
• Coordinate graduate research training efforts including support for grant and fellowship writing and ethics education.
• Foster creativity and cultivate critical partnerships across the state, region, nation, and world with communities, foundations, industry, and academic institutions.
• Pursue and promote federal, state, and foundation support for strategic research and economic development initiatives.
• Chair TC's research committee and maintain integrity of the research enterprise through compliance with university, state, and federal policies.

Position Requirements

• Earned doctorate or equivalent degree from an accredited institution.
• Outstanding, nationally recognized record of scholarship and success in attracting competitive research funding with experience leading multidisciplinary research initiatives.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in administration, management, and graduate student program development and mentoring.
• Experience in cultivating diversity in research and education and fostering the development of faculty research programs.
• Familiarity with research methods and standards across disciplines including the Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities.
• Comprehensive understanding of TC's role in the vitality of the region and state and the importance of research, creative activity, and scholarship across the university.
• Demonstrated achievement in teaching and scholarship meriting appointment as a tenured Full Professor; demonstrated ability to work effectively in a diverse, collaborative environment and provide leadership to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to articulate a vision for research, creative activities, and graduate education representing the diverse disciplines of TC.