Dean of Education

Fitchburg State University, United States

Updated: about 2 months ago
Location: Fitchburg, MASSACHUSETTS
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 13 Mar 2024

About Fitchburg State University:

Fitchburg State University, located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, is a public institution dedicated to integrating high-quality professional programs with strong liberal arts and sciences studies. Founded in 1894, the university now has more than 30 undergraduate programs and 22 master's degree programs, and 7,000 full and part-time students. We invite you to learn more about us and how we can help you achieve your educational goals.

Institutional Diversity and Social Justice

Fitchburg State University embraces a commitment to diversity, inclusion, belonging and social justice. We encourage individuals from historically underrepresented groups to apply and also those who can contribute to diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity in higher education through their teaching, research and mentorship.  


Job Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: The Dean of Education, is the chief academic and administrative officer of the School of Education.  The dean also oversees secondary education programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The dean works collaboratively with the School of Graduate, Online and Continuing Education (SGOCE) to oversee extended campus programs and the Center for Professional Studies. The dean serves as a primary liaison on behalf of the institution with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Standing Committee of Preparing Educators (SCOPE) and with Fitchburg Public Schools.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: The Dean supervises all personnel assigned to their office and, through the department chairs. The Dean assists in supervision of department personnel, as appropriate, under the various collective bargaining agreements. 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provides leadership for and oversees the development, coordination, organization, and supervision of instructional programs in the School of Education and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration with programs in the other academic schools of the university.
  • Coordinates planning at the strategic and operational levels in a manner that maintains and improves the overall effectiveness of the school.
  • Coordinates the development of new courses, concentrations, minors, and majors as well as curricular and program modifications with department chairs and faculty.
  • Initiates and oversees undergraduate and graduate program reviews and ensures that individual programs within the school achieve and maintain appropriate accreditation/certification.
  • Serves as a primary liaison with the professional community and government agencies and advisory boards as it relates to the university and education school. (SCOPE, DESE, DHE, MAA).
  • Works collaboratively with faculty, department chairs, graduate programs and continuing education chairs, coordinators and other administrators; holds regular meetings with these groups.
  • Responsible for all personnel actions within the education department. ie. new hires, reappointments, promotions, tenure, etc., per collective bargaining agreements. Works in collaboration with academic affairs and human resources on all personnel items related to the day division and SGOCE.
  • Responsible for managing grievances and concerns.
  • Works collaboratively with the Dean of SGOCE in the hiring of Graduate Chairs and adjunct faculty.
  • Responsible for addressing student issues/concerns related to academic programs within the school.
  • Provides oversight to the Director of the Education Unit/Accountability and Licensure with the development of Title II and annual AAQEP,  and DESE reports. 
  • Provides oversight to the Field Placement & Partnership Coordinator to coordinate, strengthen, and facilitate fieldwork (including Practicum) and internship programs and provide supportive environments for site supervisors and faculty.
  • Works closely with the Principal of McKay Campus School to facilitate partnerships between the school and the university as well as the teacher overseeing Fitchburg Public School's Extended Program for students 18-22 years of age.
  • Works in partnership with the Dean of  SGOCE to assure that graduate degree programs are appropriately administered and supported as it relates to education and provides support to the extended campus programs and the Center for Professional Studies.
  • Works collaboratively with the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and the Director of the Office of Grants and Sponsored Projects to secure funding from external sources that support the work of the school.
  • Responsible for coordination with the Institutional Planning and Research division for all information requests, to assure appropriate assessment of programs, and progress in attaining outcomes for the school.
  • Assures that reports, course schedules, and other written materials are submitted in a timely fashion in collaboration with the chair, academic affairs and SGOCE.
  • Facilitates transfer courses and transfer program articulation development and implementation.
  • Works with academic departments in the development of budgets according to the timeline of the university, reviews proposed budgets, and makes recommendations to the Provost/Vice President.
  • Works with Admissions and appropriate university staff for recruitment of students, and assists and collaborates in student retention efforts.
  • Assumes other duties as assigned, with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Works with partners to oversee Articulation Agreements, Memorandums of Agreement, while exploring other opportunities to increase student enrollment and retention.
  • Oversee the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (MAICEI).


    • Requirements:

  • An earned doctorate from an accredited institution in a field represented in the division or related field.
  • Demonstrated record of distinguished teaching, research/scholarship, and service consistent with a tenured faculty appointment in one of the school's academic departments or related field.
  • Demonstrated accomplishments at increasing levels of administrative responsibility.
  • Ability to work effectively and collegially with faculty, students, other administrators, parents, K-12 personnel, and other external constituencies.
  • Familiarity with national, regional and professional accreditation processes
  • Knowledge of higher education practices and trends, including but not limited to curriculum and instruction.
  • Demonstrated effectiveness in program development, review and revision.
  • Demonstrated commitment to Affirmative Action and institutional diversity.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate orally and in writing with diverse constituencies.
  • Personal qualities include:  integrity, good judgment, creativity and a sense of humor.
  • Must be able to satisfactorily pass a check conducted by the Criminal History Systems Board (CORI check), a SORI and a complete background check satisfactory to the university.
  • Ability to perform above duties with or without reasonable accommodation.


    • Additional Information:

    This is a full-time, benefited, exempt, professional non-union position. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. 

    Applications Deadline: March 13, 2024

    Fitchburg State University offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

    • a choice of 9 different pre-taxed, health insurance plan options
    • a choice of pension or 401(a), and supplemental plan retirement options
    • life insurance up to 8x the annual salary
    • long-term disability coverage
    • dental insurance
    • 20 vacation days accrued per year 
    • 15 sick days accrued per year 
    • 5 personal days per year 
    • paid holidays 
    • tuition remission for self, spouse, and dependent children
    • and more...

    We are an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Members of traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. 

    Here at Fitchburg State University it is strongly recommended that all employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 before they begin employment.  


    Application Instructions:

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