| Description of Job Duties and Responsibilities |
Fairmont State University is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the Dean of Graduate Studies and Professional Education. The Dean will provide strategic leadership, oversight and administration in the development, implementation, and advancement of graduate programs and professional education initiatives. This position will play a critical role in enhancing the university’s mission of providing high-quality education and fostering strong community relationships. The Graduate Studies Council is a standing committee within the Dean’s office, and its recommendations are advisory to the Dean of Graduate Studies and Professional Education.
- Provide visionary leadership for Graduate Studies and Professional Education.
- Provides leadership to and serves as Chair of the University Graduate Studies Council.
- Oversee the development, implementation, operations, and evaluation of graduate, certificate, micro-credentialing, and professional education programs.
- Oversee the development, implementation, operations, and evaluation of community and professional education programs.
- Lead the strategic planning and growth of graduate and professional education programs in alignment with institutional goals.
- Cultivate partnerships and collaborations with academic departments, student support services, community organizations, and external stakeholders to enhance student success and retention efforts as well as workforce development, community education and professional education efforts.
- Develop and implement strategic retention initiatives and interventions to support graduate student persistence, engagement, and success throughout their academic journey.
- Engage in cross-functional collaboration with enrollment management, financial aid, counseling services, and other university departments to provide comprehensive support for graduate student success and retention.
- Provides oversight and administration of graduate program policies, procedures, regulations, and certification of graduate students for graduation.
- Reviews, recommends, and manages all graduate curriculum and policy proposals.
- Coordinate graduate faculty reviews and appointments; Approve graduate faculty rank in accordance with graduate membership policy.
- Works in close partnership with the other Deans and Graduate Program Directors & Assistant Provost for Teaching & Learning for instructional best practices, curriculum design and innovation, and professional development.
- Oversee graduate assistant selection, placements, evaluations, policies, orientation, training, and mentoring activities.
- Work in collaboration with the Office of Institutional Effectiveness to standardize data collection, analysis, reporting and monitoring of graduate student enrollment, retention, program completion and other metrics.
- Serve as the primary liaison between the university and community partners, establishing and nurturing partnerships with businesses, non-profits, government agencies, and other educational institutions.
- Develop and manage initiatives that connect the university’s resources and programs with community, industry and state needs.
- Represent the university at local, regional, and national events and conferences.
- Ensure effective communication between the Office of the Provost and all other University divisions, the President’s Office, and the external community.
- Coordinate the resolution of graduate student problems, grievances, and academic appeals.
- Oversee annual review and update of graduate catalog and related publications.
- Prepares annual graduate report, and other graduate related reports and documents as needed.
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| Minimum Required Qualifications |
- Five years of working in an academic leadership capacity in higher education.
- Higher education teaching experience.
- Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, data-informed decision-making abilities and assessment methods.
- Effectively analyze information and make informed decisions.
- Demonstrate creativity, adaptability, resilience, and versatility.
- Ability to address and resolve conflicts.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Knowledge of emerging technologies and innovative online teaching-learning practices.
- Knowledge of accreditation standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices in academic affairs and student success.
- Experience with shared governance in a higher education setting.
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