Dean of the Division and College of Undergraduate Studies

Description

****INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY****

Pacific University achieves excellence and distinction by investing in exceptional people to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world. We embrace discovery in a close and nurturing environment that leads to genuine transformation. Our community is diverse, sustainable, and dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship, and practice.

At Pacific University, we thrive in an extraordinary environment, surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest, with campus locations in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, and  Eugene. We humbly acknowledge and thank the original caretakers of the lands on which we live, work, teach, and acquire and share knowledge.

REPORTS TO: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Pacific University

STATUS: Full-time, 12-month Administrative Appointment. Faculty rank commensurate with experience.

TERM: Three-year term with potential for renewal upon evaluation.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Dean of the Division and College of Undergraduate Studies serves as the administrator of the Division of Undergraduate Studies. The Dean leads and oversees all programs and operations of the Division/College, including faculty, staff, curriculum, academic standards, accreditation, and budget. The Dean leads with equity and inclusion in determining and implementing the academic programs and operations necessary to attract and retain employees and students.

The Dean leads the division as just one component of Pacific University. The Dean reports directly to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, represents the Division on the Provost’s council and various committees, and is responsible for effective communication and collaboration across all entities of the institution. In particular, the Dean, along with the leaders of the Division of Graduate & Professional Studies, supports opportunities for research, learning, shared governance and collaboration across the divisions. This includes the development of shared committees, policies, and operations for efficient decision-making and support across the institution. The Dean will work closely and collaborate with additional stakeholders across the University to support a holistic student experience and a sense of belonging for every student beginning at recruitment and throughout their learning experience.

The Dean represents the Division and College of Undergraduate Studies to the rest of the university, to alumni and donors, and to the larger community. The Dean participates actively in local, regional, and national conversations about undergraduate education and research, supports alumni relations, and actively works with community partners to enhance the student experience.

Within the Division and College of Undergraduate Studies, the Dean provides creative and dynamic leadership to support faculty and staff in curricular, fiscal and personnel matters. As such, the Dean will possess a clear vision of the value and role of the liberal arts within a university that integrates liberal arts education with professional studies. They are expected to work with faculty and senior administration to plan a sustainable future for the college. The Dean must communicate effectively with fellow administrators, faculty, staff, and students and foster a cooperative working environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic planning and Leadership

• Provide visionary, intellectual, and administrative leadership to develop and sustain the Division and College of Undergraduate Studies. This includes developing, implementing, evaluating, strengthening, and promoting curriculum, programming, and operations with an eye towards culturally sustaining and affirming outcomes for the Division.
• Works closely with the Vice President for Academic Affairs on issues of strategic and financial planning.
• Collaborates with University Advancement to develop and implement fundraising and public information programs for the College. Encourages and facilitates grant writing within the Division.
• Infuses equitable and inclusive practices in their work to establish effective and meaningful working and learning environments for every person.
• Supports the work of the Vice President of Enrollment Management and the faculty to develop and apply marketing strategies for the College.   

Academic and programmatic support

• Participates in and supports appropriate shared governance committees and opportunities to support curriculum and academic policies for the college.
• Provides leadership to all academic programs and works closely with leaders within the college.
• Encourages and supports innovation in new and current curricula.
• Encourages and advocates for initiatives from departments and individual faculty that are consistent with the needs, priorities, resources, and vision of the College and the University.
• Oversees the Academic and Career Advising, The McCall Center for Civic Engagement and the Center for a Sustainable Society and is accountable for the effective operations of these areas.
• Oversees the undergraduate portion of the university catalog and works with faculty program leaders and the Registrar to formulate course schedules that best meet student needs.
• Oversees the assessment of program quality, including outcomes assessment.
• Collaborates with the Dean of the Library to support academic student support.
• Oversees and supports compliance with academic and institutional policies across the division.

Fiscal and budget management

• Oversees the budget for all college departments, programs, endowment accounts, and grants.
• Plays a vital role in developing the College and University budget.
• Supports the work of the Vice President for Advancement and the Office of Scholarship and Sponsored Programs to create opportunities for university and college fundraising and faculty grant writing.

Personnel and faculty affairs

• Is responsible for the hiring, retaining, and dismissing of all faculty and staff in the College within the guidelines established by the policies and procedures of the university and the college.
• Is a member of the University Personnel Committee.
• Collaborates with the Dean of the Library, Human Resources, and others to support and encourage faculty and staff development.

Enrollment and student affairs

• Works closely with the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Admissions to maintain full faculty support for recruitment and registration of students.
• Supports the Office of the Dean of Students to ensure that the non-academic areas of student life are run smoothly and effectively.
• Oversees a system for academic and career advising students in the College.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have a terminal degree in discipline or equivalent, and a record of academic accomplishment commensurate with senior academic rank.
• Demonstrated inclusive management and mentorship experience for employees and students.
• Demonstrated ability to share a vision and lead strategically to implement that vision.
• Evidence of leadership qualities and experience in development, implementation, and facilitation of strategic planning, and curricular innovation.
• Experience and evidence of leading teams with an integrative vision and action, with the ability to facilitate creativity and foster productivity.
• Demonstrated skills in leading teams through change.
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity and the infusion equity and inclusion in decision-making.
• A demonstrated commitment and ability to model the highest standards for honesty and integrity, ethics and values, scholarship and clinical/experiential practice.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to be student-centered and approachable.
• Must be capable of maintaining ethical and legal standards of confidentiality and privacy
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituents, including students, staff, faculty, and community members.
• Ability to meet deadlines, be detail-oriented, and work independently as well as part of a team.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills, including ability to make presentations and facilitate group discussions.
• Flexibility and ability to work autonomously in unit development and maintenance, and also to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY

Will recruit, train and supervise employees within the unit including faculty and staff. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

Typical office environment. Flexible schedule with expectation to work evenings and weekends to support and supervise unit activities when required. This is a full-time, in-person (not remote) position based on the Forest Grove Campus.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Position requires some physical aspects such as hearing, reaching, repetitive motion, standing, talking, walking, and some lifting (up to 20 pounds).
• Sedentary work. 

APPLICATION MATERIALS

Please upload a cover letter and CV along with your application no later than end of business April 30, 2025.

At Pacific University, we are dedicated to offering experiences that are authentic, holistic, equity-minded, and responsive. Our communal success rests on the recognition that complex problems and effective solutions are best approached by teams with a variety of diverse perspectives. and life experiences. As we continue to develop our equity practices, we actively promote access to opportunities and equitable pay for all employees.

We, who make up Pacific University, aspire to become a community of purpose where everyone is enabled to be wholly and comfortably who they are; accountable for inclusive behaviors and practices; built on trust, civility, care, openness, and honest conversations often around critical subjects. We know that these values are critical to prepare for a global world with complex problems, through an asset-based mindset so that every one is afforded an opportunity to succeed. We believe in fostering a workplace where every employee is respected, their contributions are valued, and they are provided opportunities to succeed.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for qualifying employees. Current benefits include:

• Generous paid time off (for vacation, holidays—including winter break—and sick leave)
• Medical coverage with alternative care options (with in-network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction)
• Comprehensive dental and vision plans
• Annual 9% retirement contribution after one year of service with no match required
• Free mental health appointments
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependent child(ren) who meet eligibility requirements
• Employer-paid life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance
• On-campus benefits, including free access to our sports facility and library
• Discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services, and outdoor program gear rentals (including kayaks, snowshoes, and bikes)

Equal Opportunity Employment

Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all applicable laws, including those concerning employment and workplace policies. We are committed to fostering a non-discriminatory and inclusive work environment. We are proud to encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups.

Notice of Nondiscrimination Policy

Pacific University makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. Applicable laws include, but are not limited to, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions or complaints may be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs at 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116 or via email at provost@pacificu.edu.

Application Process

To apply, please upload your CV and cover letter along with your Paycom application.  Persons who do not follow and complete the application process are not applicants and will not be considered for employment.

Only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. During the selection process, we will strive to provide timely notifications. The selection process may vary from recruitment to recruitment but typically includes multiple interviews and may take several weeks depending on the position. All qualified applicants will be notified once the selection process has closed.