Dean of Education & Social Sciences

Talladega College invites applications for the position of Dean of Education & Social Sciences. The Dean will serve as the academic and administrative leader of the School of Education & Social Sciences, overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of academic programs, faculty, and students in the fields of education, social sciences, and related disciplines. The Dean will provide strategic vision, leadership, and direction for the School while ensuring academic excellence, fostering student success, supporting faculty development, and promoting research and community engagement. The successful candidate will possess a strong record of leadership, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in education and social sciences.

Specific Qualifications:

• Education: A Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in Education, Social Sciences, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Experience:
  • At least five years of experience in higher education, with a record of progressively responsible leadership positions, including faculty and administrative experience.
  • Demonstrated experience in curriculum development, academic program assessment, and accreditation processes.
  • Proven track record of faculty and staff development, student mentoring, and fostering a culture of academic excellence and inclusivity.
  • A strong background in managing budgets, staffing, and resource allocation for academic programs.
  • Experience working with accreditation bodies, such as the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and regional accrediting agencies.
• Other Requirements:
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with faculty, students, staff, and external stakeholders.
  • A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of academic leadership and program delivery.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with faculty and other academic leaders to develop and implement strategic goals and initiatives for the School.
  • A vision for the future of education and social sciences that includes innovative approaches to teaching, learning, and community engagement.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Leadership Experience: Previous experience as a department chair, associate dean, or in another senior academic leadership role.
• Research and Scholarly Activity: A record of scholarly activity and publications in the fields of education, social sciences, or related areas.
• Grant Writing and Fundraising: Experience in securing external funding through grants, partnerships, and fundraising initiatives to support academic programs and student scholarships.
• Community Engagement: Experience in fostering strong relationships with local, regional, and national partners, including schools, government agencies, non-profits, and other community organizations.

Job Responsibilities:

The Dean of Education & Social Sciences will have the following key responsibilities:

1. Academic Leadership & Strategic Direction:
   • Provide visionary leadership and direction for the School of Education & Social Sciences, ensuring that academic programs are aligned with the College's mission, goals, and strategic priorities.
   • Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of curriculum and academic programs in education, social sciences, and related disciplines.
   • Foster an environment of academic excellence, innovation, and student success across all programs.
   • Lead the development and execution of the School’s strategic plan, focusing on growth, academic quality, student engagement, and faculty development.
2. Faculty and Staff Development:
   • Support and mentor faculty members in their professional development, including teaching effectiveness, research, and service.
   • Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive academic community that encourages faculty and staff engagement and collaboration.
   • Evaluate and support faculty performance through regular reviews and feedback.
   • Oversee recruitment, retention, and development of high-quality faculty and staff.
3. Student Success and Support:
   • Ensure that academic programs within the School of Education & Social Sciences are responsive to the evolving needs of students, both academically and professionally.
   • Advocate for and support initiatives that improve student retention, graduation rates, and post-graduation success.
   • Promote programs and initiatives that support diversity, equity, and inclusion among students and faculty.
4. Administrative and Budgetary Oversight:
   • Manage the operational and budgetary responsibilities of the School, including resource allocation, staffing, and facilities management.
   • Ensure that the School’s financial resources are effectively and efficiently allocated to support academic programs and initiatives.
   • Provide regular reports on the School’s financial status, enrollment trends, and other key performance indicators to senior leadership.
5. Accreditation and Program Assessment:
   • Oversee the accreditation process for the School’s programs, including ensuring that programs meet the requirements of accrediting bodies and institutional standards.
   • Lead efforts in continuous improvement, including program evaluation and assessment of student learning outcomes.
   • Work closely with the College’s institutional assessment team to ensure that all programs within the School are regularly reviewed and meet or exceed accreditation standards.
6. Community and External Relations:
   • Represent the School of Education & Social Sciences to external stakeholders, including prospective students, alumni, educational institutions, government agencies, and professional organizations.
   • Build and maintain partnerships with local K-12 schools, social service agencies, and other community organizations to enhance educational opportunities for students and contribute to community engagement initiatives.
   • Advocate for the School’s programs, students, and faculty within the College and the broader academic and professional communities.
7. Fundraising and Grants:
   • Seek and secure external funding for academic programs, research initiatives, and student scholarships through grants, donations, and partnerships.
   • Develop and implement fundraising strategies in collaboration with the College’s advancement office.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

1. A cover letter outlining qualifications, leadership philosophy, and vision for the role of Dean of Education & Social Sciences.
2. A current curriculum vitae (CV).
3. A statement of leadership philosophy and approach to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion.
4. Contact information for at least three professional references.

Application Deadline: [Insert Application Deadline]

Talladega College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to women, racial and ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities.

TALLADEGA COLLEGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER