Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs

Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs

William & Mary’s School of Marine Science (SMS) at VIMS invites applicants for the position of Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs. The SMS at VIMS hosts one of the largest and most successful education programs in coastal and marine science in the United States, conferring graduate degrees in marine science at the M.A., M.S., and Ph.D. levels and hosting an undergraduate minor in marine science.

The Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs is part of a small, highly collaborative team that has responsibility for leadership and centralized administrative oversight of academic programs of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), the home of William & Mary’s School of Marine Science, which currently has 95 students in Master’s and doctoral degree programs, and offers an undergraduate minor in partnership with William & Mary Arts & Sciences.

Reporting to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, the Assistant Dean provides leadership that serves to enhance the quality and strengthen the reputation and success of academic programs, student professional development, wellness, inclusion, and overall student experience. They serve as an advisor to the associate dean and faculty; participate in setting the direction and priorities for education at VIMS by evaluating programs and initiatives, lead planning for areas of responsibility; draft policy; identify budget priorities and manage funding for programs and initiatives; provide informed oversight to ensure academic program compliance with university and external rules and policies; and serve as a conduit of communication for official business of the School of Marine Science in interactions with students, staff, faculty, administration and external constituencies.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Academic Affairs Leadership:

• Direct and manage program marketing and recruitment; Oversee admission processes for the School of Marine Science graduate program with a focus on equity-minded admission processes. Communicate with prospective students and applicants and, collaborate with faculty advisors, Admission Committee, and MA Program Director, as well as Academic Program Business Manager on application processing, interviews and on boarding; manage the application and decision processes for a variety of graduate student fellowships, grants, and awards. Participate in strategic decision-making to ensure the relevance, effectiveness and efficiency of processes and programs and their administration. Represent the school and the university with students, parents, professional organizations, and other relevant constituencies. Facilitate communication of the associate dean and Office of Academic Affairs with students, staff, and faculty.

Fiscal & Program Management:

• Participate in the development, implementation and interpretation of administrative, financial and other relevant policies for the School of Marine Science, consistent with institutional, state and federal guidelines. Manage programs and initiatives and financial aspects, for the School of Marine Science graduate program. Lead program-level evaluation, assessment and reporting for relevant areas of the academic programs and in support of program-level self-study, and assessment and reporting to the university, state and accrediting bodies by the Office of Academic Affairs and VIMS.

Student Affairs Leadership:

• Provide general supervision and leadership of Student Affairs at VIMS; Research, develop and implement strategies that enhance student programs and retention, including inclusive teaching and mentorship training for faculty and student professional development, skills development, wellness, and other programs that serve to enhance the student experience; Serve as a liaison to the VIMS Graduate Student Association and other student groups at VIMS; along with the associate dean, address student issues and complaints; oversee and coordinate new student orientation, SMS commencement and Graduate Program Town Hall events.

For complete details and qualification applicants may apply here.

Position will remain open until filled. For priority consideration please submit application materials for review beginning May 3, 2023

Position is eligible for relocation assistance

Click here for details about position benefits & leave

William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

ABOUT VIMS

VIMS has a three-part mission to conduct research in coastal ocean and estuarine science, educate students and the public, and provide advisory service to policy-makers, industry, and the public. VIMS provides these services to Virginia, the nation, and the world. Chartered in 1940, VIMS is currently among the largest marine research and education centers in the United States. The SMS at VIMS is the graduate school in marine science for William & Mary. It offers outstanding education and research opportunities for students who seek advanced careers in academia, government, or the private sector, including research-focused MS and PhD degrees and a newly launched professional MA degree. The SMS also supports a growing undergraduate marine science minor at William & Mary and is exploring the development of a major.