Inaugural Dean, College of Arts and Sciences - Empire State University

Empire State University seeks an accomplished leader to serve as the Inaugural Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. This newly formed college brings together the School of Arts and Humanities and the School of Science, Mathematics, and Technology. The establishment of the College of Arts and Sciences reinforces Empire State University's commitment to academic innovation and student-centered education, positioning the institution for sustainable growth and long-term success. The College of Arts and Sciences will serve the more than 1,400 students currently enrolled in its programs.

The Inaugural Dean will lead the strategic vision, academic quality, enrollment management, program development, and external engagement efforts for the college. Essential to this role is the leadership related to guiding institutional innovation and growth, particularly in online education and interdisciplinary program expansion, as well as commitment to shared governance and faculty and staff success.

The Inaugural Dean will report directly to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Key Responsibilities:

Student Success & Program Innovation:

• Lead efforts to enhance online education, student support, and credit for prior learning.
• Advance efforts to develop culturally responsive curricula and inclusive student support initiatives that prepare graduates to engage effectively with diverse populations.
• Develop and expand interdisciplinary programs in science, mathematics, technology, arts and humanities.
• Strengthen student pathways from high school, community college, and workforce development into degree programs

Strategic Leadership & Enrollment Management:

• Establish and implement a strategic vision for the new college, ensuring alignment with SUNY Empire's strategic plan, Elevate '28.
• Lead enrollment growth strategies, including recruitment, retention, persistence and program expansion efforts.
• Oversee budget management, financial planning, and resource allocation for the college.

Faculty & Research Development:

• Develop a collaborative, innovative faculty culture, supporting research, scholarship, and professional development.
• Promote faculty mentorship and leadership opportunities.

Accreditation & Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, including accreditation requirements for Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

External Engagement & Partnerships:

• Strengthen partnerships with external agencies, nonprofit organizations, and industry leaders.
• Collaborate with community colleges and workforce training organizations to create seamless pathways for students.

Required Qualifications:

• An earned doctorate in science, mathematics, technology, arts, humanities or a closely related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in higher education, with a minimum of 5 years in a leadership role within an academic institution.
• Demonstrated experience in online education, including the development and delivery of online programs.
• Proven success in strategic planning and enrollment growth.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 10 years of leadership experience within higher education, with demonstrated expertise at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
• Experience leading initiatives that promote inclusive curriculum development, equitable student success outcomes, and culturally competent faculty development.

Special Information:

• This position is based in Saratoga Springs, NY, with remote work options.
• Occasional travel required to fulfill university-wide commitments.
• Some evening and weekend engagement with stakeholders is required.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.

Rank/Salary: Management-Confidential / $160,000-$170,000, dependent on experience and qualifications.

We are pleased to offer our employees an excellent benefit package which includes NYS health insurance, free dental and vision, competitive retirement options, and generous vacation, sick and holiday accruals; and a strong emphasis on work-life balance. We also offer professional-development activities for professionals and support staff.

SUNY Empire is an AA/EEO/ADA employer. The University actively seeks applications from women, veterans, individuals with a disability, members of underrepresented groups or anyone that would enrich the diversity of the University. SUNY Empire is committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, or criminal conviction. Employees, students, applicants, or other members of the university community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.

SUNY Empire provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities, veterans, or wounded warriors where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (518) 587-2100 ext. 2240.

In accordance with the Title II Crime Awareness and Security Act, a copy of our crime statistics is available upon request by calling (518) 587-2100, ext. 2800. It can also be viewed online at our Safety and Security website: www.sunyempire.edu/safety-security/.