Dean of Academic Affairs

Franklin University Switzerland seeks a dynamic leader who can inspire and enrich our liberal arts environment across all disciplines, who has a sense of intrapreneurship and innovation in the private and public sector to build bridges to attract new opportunities for long-term sustainability, and has the appropriate skills to work effectively, cooperatively and collegially across key functional areas of the university administration. The new Dean of Academic Affairs will have autonomy to create a safe space for creativity, agility, and innovative ideas consistent with the strategic values, visibility and viability of the University.

Franklin recently celebrated the arrival of its fifth President, Dr. Samuel Martín-Barbero. Under his leadership, Franklin will grow its Strategic Plan that is committed to a shared institutional vision, imbedded values such as transparency, integrity and respect, and sustainable viability in an increasingly competitive and international environment. 

About FUS

Franklin University Switzerland, founded in 1969, is one of the first institutions to bring Liberal Arts education to Europe and to be recognized by both US and Swiss accreditation agencies. A leader in international education, we provide an experiential and multinational learning environment through small classes, strong student and faculty relationships, a residential campus, and hands-on Academic Travel experiences. We promote intellectual curiosity and critical thinking through our cross cultural, international learning experiences. We strive for academic excellence, and foster interdisciplinary opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff to support innovative and sustainable approaches to learning and research. We acknowledge the accomplishments and global impact of our community through a culture of trust that respects diversity, equity, inclusion and continuous improvement.

Mindset, competence, and experience

Intrapreneurial, forward-thinking academic leadership; Ability to lead change through communication, cooperation, companionship, and the strength of good ideas; Ability to engage in authentic and transparent collaboration with faculty, staff, and students; An understanding of and commitment to shared governance and accountability; Experience in US higher education as well as in Europe or internationally; Demonstrated experience with institutional and/or academic program accreditation; Previous experience overseeing and ensuring the continuous review and enhancement of current programs and curricula both at the undergraduate and graduate level; Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion, and documented success in supporting the success of diverse student populations; Demonstrated experience and success in attracting, retaining and engaging with diverse faculty members.

Overall Responsibilities

The Dean of Academic Affairs serves as the Chief Academic Officer, is responsible for all academic programs and advocates for Franklin’s interdisciplinary teaching and research agenda. The Dean reports directly to the President and ensures that academic excellence and a student-centered experience remain Franklin’s priority. In collaboration with the President’s Cabinet, the Dean provides vision for institutional strategic planning to further the academic mission of the University.  The academic divisions report to the Dean through their chairs. The Dean is also responsible for accreditation and quality assurance, including assessment of student learning, advancement of student success, academic personnel decisions, and budget development consistent with the expectations of US and Swiss accreditation agencies.

Key responsibilities and duties:

The Dean of Academic Affairs is responsible for the following functions, in cooperation with the appropriate University committees:

Maintenance of academic excellence in the undergraduate and graduate curriculum;

Provides dynamic academic and administrative leadership, and fosters a collegial environment which encourages scholarship, teaching, and the learning experience; Advocates and promotes quality instruction, student success, and the expansion of Student Learning Outcomes to meet the educational needs of students in a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community; Supports faculty, staff, and student collaboration in educational projects that extend beyond the classroom and traditional expectations for courses, to include Academic Travel; Oversees and supports the faculty evaluation process to encourage faculty retention and promotion; Participates in and promotes a culture of continuous quality improvement to enhance the maintenance of high academic standards; Provides oversight of the Library and the Registrar, to include the Academic Calendar, the undergraduate Academic Catalog, Academic Advising, Student Accommodations, and the Writing and Learning Center; Promotes a global Liberal Arts institution research strategy; Embraces, connects and enhances the career development opportunities within the undergraduate academic portfolio with the job-market demand and the professions (competences, skills, abilities); Possesses practical knowledge towards the configuration/development of blended programs and new pedagogic approaches (active learning in its different forms); Is responsible for the direction and execution of new academic programs through the global University network (study abroad, freshmen abroad, gap year, exchange agreements, summer programs).

How to apply

For consideration by the search committee, candidates are asked to submit the following documents in PDF format to DAAsearch@fus.edu

Current CV detailing publications; A letter of interest that addresses key areas of the job description; Contact information of three references.

The review of applications will begin immediately and will be accepted until the position is filled (expected start date: June-July 2023)

Education and Qualifications (required):

Terminal degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate field of study; Rank of full professor (preferred); Some knowledge of Italian or ability to learn the language in a short period of time, plus knowledge of another Swiss Official language (highly valuable).

Position Type

Full-time, competitive salary and benefits. Applicants can expect a welcoming, international and intercultural working and academic environment filled by a strong sense of companionship and belongingness.

Employability in Switzerland

In compliance with local regulations, precedence will be given to candidates who are Swiss nationals, foreign nationals with a permanent residence permit (Permit C), foreign nationals with a residence permit authorizing them to work (Permit B, including recognized refugees), foreign nationals with temporary admission (Permit F), persons granted temporary protection (Permit S), and EU/EFTA citizens.

Franklin University Switzerland, in compliance with U.S. applicable federal law and with the Swiss Gender Equality Act, does not practice or permit discrimination in employment, job placement, promotion, or other economic benefits on the basis of race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, marital or parental status, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, political affiliation, veteran status. For further information, please see the university website:  https://www.fus.edu/

All members of the Franklin community are encouraged to work towards achieving a more open, fair, and tolerant community, by giving their affirmative contribution in all areas of life and work at the University to eliminate patterns of discrimination and ignorance about one another that obscure our recognition of human dignity and individuality.