Associate Dean, Graduate Studies

The University of Northern Iowa seeks applications for the Associate Dean, Graduate Studies. This position supports and assists in advancing the University vision, mission and strategic plan in relation to academic affairs activities; assists in providing oversight of the Division of Graduate Studies and staff as directed by the AVP & Dean of the College of Graduate, Research & Online Education (GROE); provides leadership for strategic initiatives, including working with partners across divisions on joint student success initiatives, particularly those involving graduate students; provides leadership for meeting goals of the University strategic plan, including assisting with the development and implementation of graduate student success and engaged learning efforts at UNI; provides campus-wide leadership on graduate application process, graduate program assessment, and curriculum matters; and represents the Division of Graduate Studies and GROE on multiple initiatives and university committees.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversees student and faculty support initiatives for GROE including facilitating the development of and support for faculty research, scholarship and creative activity; works with the deans to enhance faculty collaboration and elevating graduate student research; and works with faculty, deans, associate deans, department heads and the Associate Provost for Faculty to advance other scholarly activities, including the scholarship of integration, application, teaching and learning and the writing of grants and contracts. Works closely with the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs and Online Education and Individual Studies as well as various offices across campus, including Student Success and Retention, IT, Rod Library, etc., to develop and implement graduate programs, advising and curricula that supports the strategic initiatives with various academic departments, colleges, Graduate Studies and the Provost’s Office; provides leadership to academic support personnel in support of Graduate Education and beyond; and in collaboration with the AVP/Dean of GROE, develops and oversees budget allocation for Graduate Studies. In collaboration with the AVP/Dean of GROE, the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs, Rod Library and various offices within other Divisions, advances ideas and themes that improve graduate programs, recruitment and student success at the University of Northern Iowa; elevates innovation, creativity and accessibility as key elements in these initiatives; and collaborates with Academic Affairs, Institutional Research and other Divisions to develop and implement a comprehensive plan to define, track, and measure graduate recruitment, curriculum development, engaged learning, and post-graduation success at the University of Northern Iowa. Provides leadership for development of effective and efficient Graduate Studies processes including policies impacting admission and retention of students, assistantships and scholarships, graduation requirements, student requests and grievances, thesis and dissertation requirements, faculty and student awards, and other policies and procedures related to graduate studies; provides support for the development and implementation of graduate program assessment; oversees and facilitates the Graduate Curriculum Committee; and as needed, serves on committees that work to address goals and objectives of the strategic plan relating to graduate education. In collaboration with the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and the Office of Admissions, University Relations, Deans, and Director of Institutional Research, supports recruitment activities for Graduate programs; and additionally, collaborates with the AVP/Dean of GROE and the Director of Institutional Research in leading university-wide assessment initiatives related to Graduate Programs including leading workshops and providing academic program assessment consultations. Works in collaboration with the AVP/Dean of the College and GROE team in researching and implementing best practices for recruitment, student success, and post-graduation career placement; provides leadership and collaborates with others within and beyond Graduate programs to facilitate students’ research projects, presentations, publications, and career placement; when appropriate, supports grant writing efforts to secure internal and external funding for the Graduate Studies or individual programs within the University of Northern Iowa. Collaborates with the AVP/Dean of GROE to develop and implement a vision, mission, and strategic plan for the College; and works to increase the visibility of Graduate programs to internal and external stakeholders by working with faculty, staff and students across divisions. Direct supervision of the Division of Graduate Studies staff. Provides support to the program coordinator and oversees program assessment for Master of Interdisciplinary Studies and performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:  Doctorate or other terminal degree; at least seven years of university teaching experience at various faculty ranks, including Associate Professor or higher; experience in teaching or supporting online courses or programs; at least two years of experience in higher education leadership (program coordinator, director, department head, etc.); demonstrated knowledge of and skills related to graduate academic programs and educational assessment; demonstrated ability to mentor others in recruitment or assessment activities, and scholarship; experience with graduate academic program development including management of curriculum processes; experience with cross-divisional and interdisciplinary collaboration and student success initiatives; evidence of extensive research and scholarly record over a period of time; experience in writing and applying for externally- and internally-funded grants; ability to handle sensitive situations and information with discretion; experience with college/university policies and procedures, as well as current trends in higher education; outstanding communication skills in writing, speaking, and listening; and a commitment to serving all students required.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in online teaching and online program development, interdisciplinary education, and contemporary approaches to recruiting graduate students; and hold the rank of full Professor preferred.

Curriculum Vita and cover letter required when applying.

Applications received by October 4th, 2024 will receive full consideration. To apply, visit http://careers.uni.edu/. For more information, please contact Dr. Karen Cunningham, Search Committee Chair, at 319-273-2504 or e-mail at karen.cunningham@uni.edu. Pre-employment background checks required.

UNI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University encourages applications from persons of color, women, individuals living with disabilities, and veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or any other basis protected by federal and/or state law.