Associate Dean, School of Social Work

Associate Dean, School of Social Work

About Sacred Heart University:

As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 80 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has satellites in Connecticut, Luxembourg and Ireland and offers online programs. More than 9,000 students attend the University's eight colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; the Dr. Susan L. Davis & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing; and St. Vincent's College. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change-in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 385 Colleges-2020 Edition, "Best in the Northeast" and Best 252 Business Schools-2019 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theater. www.sacredheart.edu

Job Description:

Sacred Heart University's College of Arts and Sciences established its School of Social Work (SSW) in October 2019 and seeks applications for the position of Associate Dean to lead the School as it expands its reach and impact. The position is to begin July 2021, pending final budgetary approval.

The School of Social Work comprises a BSW program, CSWE-accredited since 1981; a MSW program (both on-ground and online) that earned its initial CSWE accreditation in spring 2019; an online PhD in Social Work program that will accept its first cohort of students in fall 2021; 19 talented full-time faculty; and 3 full-time staff members. The School's programs distinctively integrate micro and macro practice. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Associate Dean of the School of Social Work will be responsible for the administration and coordination of the various programs within the School; for faculty recruitment, mentoring, and evaluation; for assessment, reporting and maintenance of CSWE accreditation standards, in coordination with relevant University and College committees; fostering and maintaining strong ties with our community's practitioners through an Advisory Council; establishing and maintaining a Board of Visitors for the School; participating in fundraising efforts on behalf of the School; alumni relations; overseeing the development and implementation of new school initiatives.

Requirements:

• A doctorate in Social Work or closely related field is required. 
• Master of Social Work (MSW) from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program is required.
• A distinguished record in teaching, scholarship, and service commensurate with potential appointment as tenured associate or full professor.
• Proven record of program administration, including budget management, and an ability to manage personnel matters; ability to mentor and develop faculty; a deep understanding of and ability to oversee the implementation of an equity pedagogy that demonstrates the School's strong commitment to social justice; ability to foster and maintain collaborative working relationships with professional colleagues, students, faculty and staff both throughout the university and within the larger community.
• Knowledge of CSWE accreditation standards. Commitment to diversity, inclusivity and equal opportunity. Commitment to implementing the distinct vision of the School of Social Work that the faculty and Dean have developed and affirmed.
• Personal and professional resonance with and commitment to the mission of the Sacred Heart University's SSW mission:

"To prepare social workers-through instruction in integrated social work theory, research, methods, and practice-to identify, dismantle, and resist all forms of social inequality and oppression, particularly issues of racism and its impact on social work practice. We are deeply committed to training social workers to think critically and intervene against cultural, social, political, and economic practices that do not advance human rights, justice, or the dignity and worth of every human being."

Additional Information:

Sacred Heart University, rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, embraces a vision for social justice and educates students in mind, body and spirit to prepare them personally and professionally to make a difference in the global community.  The University aspires to achieve prominence through innovative teaching and learning while cultivating a campus community that is recognized as caring and creative.

Application Instructions:

To apply, submit a cover letter, CV, statement of leadership philosophy, statement of teaching philosophy, copies of transcripts, and contact information of three references.  Review of resumes will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.  Only online submissions will be considered.

Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff.  As an equal opportunity employer applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live are encouraged.