Dean of Business and Technology

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: The Dean will provide vision and leadership, serve as an advocate, and be the academic leader of the School of Business and Technology. The Dean, who is a 12-month excluded employee, is the chief academic and administrative officer of the School, consisting of the departments of Business, Engineering Technology, and Computer Science. The Dean will also serve on various university committees and boards that are pertinent to work of the Schools. The position reports to the Provost/Executive Vice President.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: The Dean supervises all personnel assigned to his/her office and, through the department chairs; he/she assists in supervision of department personnel, as appropriate, under the various collective bargaining agreements. The Dean works closely with department chairs to shape the curriculum and strengthen teaching, faculty scholarship, and service in all programs. The Dean also works to establish partnerships with stakeholders across the University, the community, and the state in advancing the mission and the strategic plan of the University.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides leadership for and oversees the coordination, organization, and supervision of instructional programs in the division.
• Works with faculty to modify or develop new academic programs to meet the needs of a 21st-century learner in a rapidly changing, global society.
• Promotes interdisciplinary collaboration with programs in the other academic schools of the University.
• Engages in synergistic planning at the strategic and operational levels in a manner that strengthens the effectiveness and reputation of the division.
• Working with institutional research and assessment, the Dean initiates and oversees undergraduate and graduate program assessment and reviews, and ensures that eligible programs within the division achieve and maintain appropriate accreditation/certification.
• Works collaboratively with the division's program leadership (department chairs, graduate program chairs and continuing education chairs and coordinators) to establish a transparent and data-driven management process that respects the institution's commitment to shared governance.
• Works with academic departments in the development of budgets according to the timeline of the university, reviews proposed budgets, and makes strategic recommendations to the Provost.
• Works with academic departments and the Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education in course scheduling.
• Assures the integrity of degree and curriculum requirements of undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
• Encourages and facilitates the development of articulation agreements with partner colleges and universities.
• Collaborates with the Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education to support, and strategically grow graduate degree programs, as well as strategic continuing education initiatives.
• As the school leader, the Dean will work with departments in retaining the existing faculty members through the established faculty evaluation process as well as recruit and hire recognized and credentialed faculty committed to excellence in teaching and continuing scholarship.
• In collaboration with Human Resources, attract and retain a diverse faculty in a manner consistent with the policies of the university, and assists in faculty retention.
• Supports and develops the faculty and staff in the division through strategic professional development opportunities (especially in the development of faculty scholarship and service), recognition of accomplishments, active mentoring as well as resolving personnel issues in consultation with Human Resources.
• Addresses any student issues/concerns related to academic programs within the division.
• Fosters partnerships and stimulates collaboration with external stakeholders in order to facilitate, strengthen and expand public service, fieldwork, and internship programs.
• Develops and maintains a network with community and regional stakeholders including but not limited to professional associations, regional employers, government agencies and advisory boards.
• Works collaboratively with the Vice President for Institutional Advancement in leading the division and academic units in expanding fundraising activities.
• Provides leadership in efforts to expand scholarship and works with the Director of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs to secure extramural funding that support the academic and scholarly work of the faculty and students.
• Works with Admissions and appropriate university staff for recruitment of students.
• Leads and is accountable for the School's student retention and graduation efforts.
• Manages information requests for the division in coordination with the Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness.
• Assumes other duties as assigned, with or without reasonable accommodations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• An earned doctorate from an accredited institution in a field represented in the division or related field.
• Demonstrated record of distinguished teaching, research/scholarship, and service consistent with a tenured faculty appointment in one of the School's academic departments or related field.
• Demonstrated accomplishments at increasing levels of administrative responsibility.
• Ability to work effectively and collegially with faculty, students, other administrators, parents, and other external constituencies.
• Familiarity with national, regional, and professional accreditation processes.
• Knowledge of higher education practices and trends, including but not limited to curriculum and instruction, shared governance, faculty evaluation, budgeting, and strategic planning.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in program development, review, and revision.
• Demonstrated commitment to Affirmative Action and institutional diversity.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate orally and in writing with diverse constituencies.
• Personal qualities include: integrity, good judgment, creativity, open mindedness and being an attentive listener.
• Must be able to satisfactorily pass the Criminal Criminal Offender Record/Sexual Offender Registry Information (CORI/SORI) and a complete background check satisfactory to the university.
• Ability to perform above duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with strategic planning processes and the ability to lead stakeholders toward a vision for the school
• Innovative and effective leadership of professional, instructional, and scholarly development for faculty staff.
• An appreciation of, and the ability to advocate for the unique program mix in the School of Business and Technology.
• Enrollment management, including recruitment and retention of high-quality students.
• Experience with budget development and the principles of sound fiscal management.
• Experience or scholarship in areas that cross disciplines.
• Leadership in developing and/or facilitating international opportunities for faculty, staff and students.
• Curricular development including that for online instruction and graduate programs.
• Leadership and oversight of scientific facilities and resources.
• Experience with field placements and clinical training programs.
• Experience working in a collective bargaining environment.
• Outstanding interpersonal relationship skills with the ability to motivate faculty and staff and develop a collaborative environment that engages the entire institution, students, and external partners and friends of the institution.
• Experience raising external funds via grants, partnerships, or cultivation of donors.

Fitchburg State University offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• a choice of 9 different pre-taxed, health insurance plan options
• a choice of pension or 401(a), and supplemental plan retirement options
• life insurance up to 8x the annual salary
• long-term disability coverage
• dental insurance
• 20 vacation days accrued per year
• 15 sick days accrued per year
• 5 personal days per year
• paid holidays
• tuition remission for self, spouse, and dependent children and more...

This is a full-time, benefited, exempt, professional non-union position. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Applications Deadline: February 7, 2025

Fitchburg State University it is strongly recommended that all employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 before they begin employment.

Fitchburg State University is an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Members of traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.