Dean of the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences

PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God's kingdom. We therefore encourage applications from culturally diverse candidates.

Benefits :

We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, competitive retirement matching, vacation and sick time, and 15 paid holidays per year. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including staff chapel and a robust wellness program.

Job Summary :

Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Dean of Behavioral and Social Sciences. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Please submit application materials by Jan. 10, 2025, for full consideration. Anticipated start date can be negotiated with a preferred date of July 1, 2025.

School of Behavioral and Social Sciences

The School of Behavioral and Social Sciences offers traditional undergraduate degrees in Child and Adolescent Development, Psychology, Social Work, and Sociology; graduate degrees in Social Work (anticipated launch Fall 2025), and accelerated undergraduate degrees (hybrid and online) in Child Development and Criminal Justice. New programs in related areas are also in development.

Mission Statement

Using the lenses of our academic disciplines, we educate through spiritual and character formation, ethical engagement, vocational clarity, and cultural awareness. We seek for our students to be skilled and ready to engage as agents of faith, hope, and love toward the flourishing of individuals, families, communities, churches, and social systems. Our Christian convictions informed by our Wesleyan values compel us to engage and develop students to become whole, relational people who offer hospitality through intentional engagement with marginalized persons and communities.

Benefits

We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, and competitive retirement matching. There also may be opportunities for university assistance with the cost of housing in Southern California. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community, including faculty chapel, weekly faculty lunches and a robust wellness program.

Salary Range : $140,000 - $150,000

The actual salary will be based on the candidate's experience selected to fill this position.

Job Status : Full time

Job Description :

Under the general direction of the Provost, the Dean of the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences will oversee the academic and administrative leadership of the School, including such areas as mission alignment, program development, strategic planning, course scheduling, assessment and improvement of curriculum and instruction, accreditation reports, faculty recruitment, development and retention, budgeting, and overseeing resource maintenance. The Dean will serve as a strong advocate to enhance the profile, visibility, and effectiveness of the School and the programs housed within it by creating and strengthening partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders as well as accrediting organizations. In addition, the Dean will collaborate as part of the Provost's Council with the Vice Provosts as requested in carrying out School and university-wide assignments, policies and initiatives beyond the scope of the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences. The Dean will partner with the School of Theology and Christian Ministry regarding select operations (e.g., assessment and other administrative duties pertaining to successful operations).

Responsibilities :

• Encourage a culture of discipleship and faith expression within the School that supports and advances PLNU's core commitment to be a vital Christian learning community.
• Foster an environment of excellence and innovation in academic teaching, research, and intellectual achievement of the faculty.
• Interact with and tailor approach to working with a diverse community of students and university campus administrators from varying backgrounds and life experiences.
• Manage academic program planning, faculty matters, and administration (i.e. Associate Dean(s), Assistant Dean(s) and Program Directors), including staffing, budgets, and facilities.
• Oversee current academic programs housed in the School, ensure they maintain high quality and relevance, and develop new and vibrant programs in related disciplines in consultation with the Strategic Enrollment Planning Committee.
• Partner with the School of Theology and Christian Ministry regarding select operations (e.g., assessment and other administrative duties pertaining to successful operations).
• Develop long-range and short-range strategic plans to ensure and advance the strategic priorities and mission of the School and university.
• Provide the vision and leadership for interprofessional education to foster a collaborative learning environment among faculty and students within the various programs.
• Support academic programs through monitoring of annual program metrics, yearly and periodic assessment and review to ensure regional and discipline-specific accreditation success.
• Encourage interdisciplinary engagements within the School and with the other academic units at the university.
• Administer the School's budgets and oversee the effective use of university resources with positive and annually increasing contribution margins delivered for the School overall.
• Partner with appropriate university / faculty committees in a timely manner to facilitate and support their shared governance work.
• Enhance the University and School profile with university partners to increase PLNU's reputation within and contribution to the community and region.
• Ensure the successful recruitment, onboarding, and orientation of new faculty members.
• Work with associate / assistant deans to encourage faculty development and professional improvement.
• Oversee the faculty evaluation process for the School.
• Recommend continuation of faculty contracts to the Provost.
• Collaborate with Enrollment and Marketing to promote the School's academic programs and ensure their success.
• Partner with University Advancement on specific fundraising projects, building and cultivating alumni networks, and identifying grants and resources for investigation.
• Partner with Educational Effectiveness (Educational Access Center, Career Services, etc).
• Establish a communication network so that student feedback about significant issues and problems in academic departments proceeds according to university policies.
• Cultivate a vibrant and collaborative community within the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences.
• Serve as the mediator in resolving problems and addressing challenges arising among academic unit leaders, faculty, staff and students.
• Ensure that faculty and student grievances and student appeals are processed in a timely manner according to university policy and procedures.
• Oversee and suggest improvements to the physical learning environment for students.

Required Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

At PLNU, we believe in pursuing calling together. Deep and meaningful relationships between students, faculty, and staff is vital in nurturing our shared community and expressing God's love. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to join us in empowering our students to reach their greatest personal, spiritual and professional potential.

Point Loma Nazarene University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.

Salary : $140,000 - $150,000