Founding Dean of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies

 

Canisius University is seeking an experienced Founding Dean of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) to provide bold and innovative leadership for a new academic unit offering courses and programs in high-demand areas. The Founding Dean will be charged with establishing strategic priorities and providing leadership for the school develop, organize, and implement the University’s strategies for expanding post-secondary learning programs and activities within the purview of SCPS in service to Canisius and the greater Buffalo region

 

The Dean of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) reports to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and is a member of the Academic Leadership Council. This position involves close collaboration with other academic deans, leaders from various functional areas, and instructors from different schools and disciplines to advance the university's academic mission and strategy.

 

The Dean is responsible for ensuring the overall quality of the school’s academic programs, assessing curriculum and instruction, growing enrollments, and supporting faculty and staff development. Additional responsibilities include budgeting and fiscal management, fundraising, and developing new programs to meet the needs of constituents in Western New York and beyond.

 

It is essential for the Dean to have a strong, active presence in the community to effectively build and maintain relationships within the industry. Success in this role will involve meeting important benchmarks and adhering to industry standards. This position requires in-person participation and is based locally in Buffalo, NY. Flexible work arrangements are available.

 

Responsibilities:

• Supervises and assists with recruiting, selecting, evaluating, and retaining qualified instructors and administrators.
• Strengthens and develops academic program experiences to prepare students for success in a global marketplace.

• Raises funds in support of SCPS and the University, with the support of the Office of Institutional Advancement.
• Oversees assurance of learning processes to promote continuous improvement of teaching pedagogy and curriculum.
• Develop strong partnerships with the local business community to ensure that programs prepare students well for professional success;
• Leads efforts to broaden and diversify the instructional and student body.
• Recruit instructors in a coordinated manner to shape and align with curriculum revisions in all SCPS academic programs;
• Supports systems that improve student retention, persistence, and completion;
• Leads faculty in the effort to improve student learning through program assessment.

• Maintains established regional markets, expanding domestic markets beyond the traditional footprint and developing international markets to support recruitment efforts.
• Periodically evaluates curriculum and staffing needs for SCPS; identifies and obtains appropriate resources to fulfill the needs of SCPS.
• Creates and adheres to a budget for SCPS.
• Identifies available funding opportunities including state and federal grants; drafts proposals and completes applications for grants and other funding.
• Integrates appropriately the Catholic, Jesuit intellectual tradition and Jesuit values across the SCPS curriculum.
• Conducts performance evaluations for SCPS faculty and staff that are timely and constructive.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Experience in curriculum design and development in an adult learning environment.
• Understanding of current trends in continuing and professional education nationally as well as regionally, with the expertise to link workplace continuing education needs to University noncredit program development.
• An entrepreneurial mindset with proven experience creating and managing high enrollment and revenue-generating credit and non-credit programs that meet the needs of adult learners.
• Prior successful and progressive leadership experience in a continuing and professional education unit within a college or university setting, including demonstrated results in the development and implementation of strategies for attracting and retaining continuing education students.
• Keen business mind with an understanding of how to create and manage multiple diverse revenue streams including from credit and noncredit micro-credential programs.
• Dedication to inter- and intra-unit collaboration across Canisius’ academic and administrative units.
• Ability to articulate a clear and compelling vision for anticipating and creating future trends.
• Experience building/improving infrastructure for continuing and professional education programs, including policies and protocols.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to develop networking relationships and partnerships.
• Ability to create and present ideas and budgets to the university and the community at large.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

 

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in a related field is minimally required; Doctorate or appropriate terminal degree preferred.

• Minimum of seven years of experience with a combination of higher education teaching and educational administration preferred.
• Knowledge of adult learning theory.
• Proven track record of creating, evaluating, and refining programs for adult learners, including both credit and non-credit courses.
• Experience developing strategic partnerships, including partnerships with industry, government, and community organizations that support program development and growth.

 

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to travel to and navigate various locations across the campus as needed to research and promote continuing education opportunities.

 

The Office of Human Resources at Canisius University utilizes an online recruitment management system. Individuals who need reasonable accommodations under the ADA in order to participate in the search process should contact the office of human resources at (716) 888-2240.

To apply, go to https://www.canisius.edu/about-canisius/employment-canisius. Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled.  Please include your cover letter and resume with your application. 

Canisius University, a Catholic and Jesuit University, has as its foundation the fundamental values of academic excellence, leadership, faith and social justice.  Canisius is committed to educating and preparing men and women to become leaders in their professions and their communities, and in service to humanity.  The University is an equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting, supporting, and fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff and students.                

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary: $115,000 - $130,000

Please note that the compensation information is a good faith estimate of the base pay for this position. The selected candidate’s actual base pay will be based on job-related, non-discriminatory factors including experience. Information about the total compensation package for this position will be provided during the interview process.

This is a full-time, 12-month position. Benefits are available the first of the month after the full-time employee’s date of hire and include – health, dental and vision insurance, life and long-term disability insurance, and retirement plan enrollment is available to full-time employees with contribution from the University after one year. Paid holidays, vacation, personal leave and sick leave.  Tuition benefits are also available for full-time employees and their qualified dependents.