Interim Assistant Dean - College Of Arts & Sciences

Job Title: Interim Assistant Dean - College of Arts & Sciences

Position Summary

The Interim Assistant Dean is a critical member of the Avila University leadership team, which is dedicated to building innovative education, nurturing our academic environment, ensuring core values of inclusivity, respect, and spiritual growth, and helping Avila become a premier university of access. This position is ideal for someone who is passionate about education, leadership, and the positive impact of learning and personal development. The position is a 12-month appointment structured as 50% administrative and 50% faculty appointment (either tenured or non-tenured depending on candidate experience and existing faculty rank).

Responsibilities:

• Curriculum Development and Requirements: Work with faculty regarding the development and revision of curriculum, ensuring it meets the highest standards of academic excellence and aligns with Avila's Mission and Values.

• Academic Requirements: Work with academic advisors and faculty mentors to regularly review academic requirements and assessments to maintain relevance and rigor in academic programming and address possible exceptions when necessary.

• Liaison with University Units: Serve as an academic bridge to i) the Registration and Student Records Office (RSRO) to address potential questions and/or issues, ii) the Admission Office to align recruitment strategies with academic offerings and ensure prospective students are well informed and iii) the College of Innovative Professional and Graduate Studies (CIPGS) to enhance collaboration and program integration.

• Student Grievances: Address and resolve student grievances related to academic affairs in a manner that is empathetic, fair, and in-line with university policies.

• Prospective Student Visit Contact: Act as an academic contact for prospective students and their families during campus visits, showcasing the academic opportunities and community spirit that define our university.

• Faculty Appointment: Teaching 9-12 credit hours per academic year within a discipline that can be found in a school in the College of Arts and Sciences.

• Assessment and Accreditation: Collaborate with the Associate Dean, Dean, and Provost to advance initiatives related to assessment and programmatic and institutional accreditation matters and other quality assurance initiatives.

• Other: Other duties assigned by the College Dean.

Qualifications:

• An earned doctorate or equivalent terminal degree is required.

• Previous academic rank needs to be attained at either Associate Professor or Professor.

• Demonstrable experience in academic leadership with a proven track record in curriculum development, teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels, and assessing the impact and outcomes of academic programs.

• A minimum of three to five years' experience in the administration and management of programs, with responsibilities that could include strategic planning, budget oversight, and/or personnel management.

• Demonstrated capability to mentor and support students coming from diverse backgrounds.

• A working knowledge of, and a deep appreciation for, the principles of shared governance within a university setting.

• Proven success as a collaborator with the ability to forge and maintain coalitions with a diverse range of individuals and stakeholders, aiming to achieve strategic outcomes and advance institutional goals.

• Demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity, promoting a collegial atmosphere, and enhancing a constructive environment through open communication, team building, and effective management.

• Strong interpersonal skills complemented by superior oral and written communication abilities, as evidenced by your application materials and professional interactions.

• Ability to contribute to a climate that supports a diverse student body, serves first-generation college students, multilingual learners, and contributions to equity and social justice through their work.

Preferred Qualifications:

• or other doctorate in a discipline relevant in the College of Arts and Sciences

• Demonstrated experience relevant to student services, including enrollment management, advising, and retention.

• Ability to thrive in a matrix environment while bridging interests of multiple stakeholders from different perspectives

• Strong interest in new paradigms of higher education with development of novel programs.

• Multilingual skills highly preferred.

Benefits:

This is a full-time position, eligible for the usual and customary benefits. Avila University's comprehensive benefit package includes a generous holiday schedule, tuition remission for employee and dependents, vacation and sick leave, employee assistance program, retirement benefits and health insurance.

The Community:

Kansas City, a two-state metropolitan area with a population of nearly two million, offers a wide variety of cultural, educational and social life opportunities. Avila University, a Catholic university founded and inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, provides undergraduate and graduate education in the liberal arts and professional studies, preparing lifelong learners who make meaningful contributions to the global community.

Additional Employment Information:

Avila University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of, sex, race, religion, age, color, sexual orientation, disability, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran's status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

Avila University requires the successful completion of a background check as a condition of employment.