Academic Dean

Academic Dean

Position Summary

The Academic Dean is responsible for the overall leadership, operation, and effectiveness of the Education Department, ensuring the delivery of high-quality instruction that prepares students for entry-level employment in their chosen field. This role provides direct supervision and support to faculty, adjunct instructors, and externship coordinators while driving student retention, curriculum quality, instructional consistency, and regulatory compliance.

The Academic Dean partners closely with campus leadership to support accreditation requirements, new program development, compliance initiatives, and institutional goals. This position also ensures instructional staff remain current in industry standards, teaching methodologies, and student engagement strategies to foster an effective and supportive learning environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations and effectiveness of the Education Department.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate full-time and adjunct faculty, externship coordinators, and instructional staff.
• Ensure instructors teach according to approved lesson plans, curriculum standards, and institutional policies.
• Monitor instructional quality, classroom management, and teaching effectiveness to promote student success and retention.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant academic documentation and student records are maintained.
• Support instructors in implementing engaging and effective teaching strategies and classroom techniques.
• Conduct regular departmental meetings and provide constructive coaching and feedback to instructional staff.
• Interview, hire, onboard, and train new instructors on institutional policies, procedures, and teaching best practices.
• Ensure classrooms, laboratories, equipment, and instructional supplies are properly maintained to support learning.
• Oversee inventory management and timely requisition of classroom and laboratory supplies.
• Monitor student academic progress and collaborate with leadership regarding probation, suspension, leaves of absence, transfers, terminations, re-entries, and graduation status.
• Advise students regarding attendance, academic performance, and behavioral concerns as needed.
• Collaborate with the Career Services Department to align instructional delivery with current industry needs and graduate employability expectations.
• Supervise and manage externship programs and externship coordinators to ensure successful student placement experiences.
• Assist with data collection, reporting, and institutional compliance requirements, including accreditation and regulatory reporting.
• Maintain working knowledge of institutional systems and software, including student information systems and reporting platforms.
• Assist with scheduling students and assigning instructors in coordination with campus leadership.
• Support curriculum review, program development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Follow and enforce all institutional policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.
• Maintain regular, reliable attendance and professional conduct.

Skills, Competencies, and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Previous supervisory, management, or academic leadership experience required.
• Strong leadership, communication, coaching, and organizational skills.
• Ability to motivate faculty and students while fostering a positive educational culture.
• Knowledge of higher education operations, student retention strategies, and academic compliance standards preferred.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Proficiency with student information systems and Microsoft Office applications preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced educational environment.

Classification

Exempt

Work Hours

Full-time position. Standard workweek is forty hours; however, schedules may vary based on operational needs and may include occasional evening or weekend hours.

Travel

None

Working Environment

Primarily an indoor office and classroom environment.