What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dean, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences position at Heartland Community College?
Description
We seek applicants for the full-time administrative position of Dean of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. This is a 12-month position anticipated to begin July 1, 2026, or sooner based on availability.
The Dean provides leadership to ensure high-quality academic programming aligned to community needs, supervises faculty and staff in specified areas, and leads divisional planning and budgeting operations. The College seeks an inclusive, collaborative leader who will foster a student-focused environment committed to the success of diverse learners.
General responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Supervise the selection, training, and evaluation of division faculty and staff
-
Serve as the curriculum and instructional leader for the division
-
Support faculty in the development and review of curricula and instructional methods
o Foster faculty scholarship and development
o Lead program review, advisory committees, and other data-informed program improvement efforts
o Collaborate with the Provost, other administrators, and faculty to identify and coordinate development of new programs
o Work with faculty to ensure systematic measurement of course and program outcomes, including general education outcomes (Essential Competencies) in alignment with collegewide assessment protocols and initiatives
-
Support faculty in the development and review of curricula and instructional methods
- Develop and staff a dynamic and responsive schedule of courses for subjects within areas of responsibility
- Develop and maintain division programming at the regional centers
- Oversee budget development, approvals, and expenditures for area of responsibility
- Promote and foster open communication among all faculty, both full-time and part-time, which includes conducting divisional and/or inter-departmental meetings on a regular basis
- Collaborate with appropriate College departments to execute strategies to improve student recruitment, persistence, and success
- Represent areas of responsibility to the broader division, College, and community, including serving on boards, committees, and task forces as appropriate
Requirements
Master’s degree in discipline within Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
Appropriate experience in higher education, including successful teaching experience
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to work independently and to function professionally under pressure
Ability to foster professional relationships to advance strategic goals of the division and work inclusively with diverse groups of students, employees, external leaders, and other community members
Demonstrated leadership skills
Desired Qualifications
Supervisory experience
Community college work experience
Relevant experience in business and industry as appropriate
Terminal degree in discipline or higher education
A complete application package includes the following documents
- Online employment application
- Letter of application that includes your approach to academic leadership and administration, educational philosophy, and the community college mission
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Transcript copies
Applications received by January 26, 2026, will receive priority consideration, with review of applications continuing as needed.
THIS POSITION IS BASED IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS AND ABILITY TO BE PRESENT ON-CAMPUS/IN-PERSON IS REQUIRED.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
Heartland Community College is an equal opportunity institution.
HCC values equity, diversity and inclusion. We create a collegial and welcoming culture by taking collective responsibility in the creation, protection, and enhancement of an equitable, diverse, and inclusive campus community.
Salary : $101,231