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Walsh University is seeking a dynamic, energetic, and passionate individual who is enthusiastic about the environment found on a private, values based, Catholic liberal arts campus for the position of Dean of the School of Arts, Sciences and Education (SASE). This Dean will provide strategic leadership to achieve the University and SASE’s strategic goals. This role will enhance the School’s academic reputation, provide an outstanding student experience, and ensure an affirming environment for faculty and staff development. The SASE Dean reports directly to the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) and represents SASE in all academic and other pertinent matters. The primary role of the Dean is to serve as the leader of the School of Arts, Sciences and Education aligned with the Walsh University mission and strategic goals.

As a member of the VPAA leadership team providing university-wide leadership, the Dean of SASE works effectively within a shared governance model with other University leaders, including the other school Deans, faculty, staff, and members of the President’s cabinet. In addition, the SASE Dean will work closely with external partners to develop focused and long-lasting relationships that support the growth of the School and University goals and objectives.  The Dean (SASE) is responsible for the human, fiscal, and strategic resources for the Divisions of Mathematics and Sciences, Education, Humanities, Communication, Media and Arts and the Honors and General Education Programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Dean of the School of Arts, Sciences and Education is responsible for the following:

• Create a great work environment to foster community
• Assure cross-enterprise coordination of efforts by modeling collaboration
• Provide strategic and tactical oversight of all programs within the School of Arts, Sciences and Education
• Lead strategic hiring to foster mission alignment, intellectual contribution to the SASE, and collegial engagement as a community leader
• Participate in strategic fundraising efforts and relationship building with internal and external stakeholders
• Engage robustly in institutional strategic planning and execution of such plans
• Provide ongoing leadership, mentoring and coaching for SASE Division Chairs, Program Directors and Coordinators
• Make decisions relative to application of university and program policies
• Manage accreditation compliance, reporting and site visits strategically
• Ensure professional behaviors and engagement by all SASE employees at all times
• Manage annual faculty and staff performance reviews to ensure compliance with academic and code of ethics standards as outlined in the faculty and employee handbooks
• Manage faculty performance portfolios as they occur to ensure compliance with academic and code of ethics standards as outlined in the faculty and employee handbooks
• Coordinate efforts to engage faculty and staff to participate in admission events, opening day events, matriculation, commencement, enrichment week and other key university events designed to foster community and celebrate our students
• Engage the local, regional and national community to advance the SASE through strategic partnerships, collaborations and projects
• Execute fiscal decisions with institutional and SASE needs in mind
• Prepare annual budget requests for the SASE and work collaboratively with the VPAA to craft final budget requests for the CFO
• Work collaboratively with the VPAA and other Deans as needed to advance the mission of the university and manage challenges as they occur
• Increase focus on and success with research

Knowledge, Skills, and Requirements

The Dean of the School of Arts, Sciences and Education must understand and support the Mission, Vision and Code of Ethical Conduct of Walsh University, as a Catholic higher education university as expressed in Ex Corde Ecclesiae, and possess the following:

• Terminal degree from an accredited institution in a represented discipline of SASE
• Ten years of administrative experience in higher education at the level of a chair or above in a supervisory capacity. Must qualify for appointment at the rank of professor
• Ongoing commitment to supporting excellence in teaching
• Demonstrated effective leadership, collaboration, and communication skills
• Proven ability to marshal internal and external resources and organize faculty and external constituencies for implementation of University’s mission and strategic plans
• Accomplishments that demonstrate knowledge of current and emerging trends in higher education and humanities and sciences that support excellence for faculty, academic programs, and student success
• Demonstrated experience leading at operational and strategic levels
• Comprehensive knowledge of assessment in higher education
• Practical knowledge of technology tools that are used in the functioning of higher education institutions
• Excellent communication skills that enable the dean to articulate the vision, mission, and needs of the SASE to multiple internal and external constituencies
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills needed to manage a multi-unit, multi-disciplinary academic unit
• Effective budget management skills to include allocation of funds based on strategic priorities, promotion of operational efficiencies, and development of thorough and accurate budget reporting
• Ability to build consensus and collegiality among faculty and staff with disparate interests and sometimes competing demands
• Ability to evaluate staff to promote ongoing professional development
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously
• Commitment to the Walsh University mission, core values, code of ethical conduct and adherence to Ex Corde Ecclesiae

The School of Arts, Sciences and Education has

• approximately 48 degree and licensure programs for undergraduate and graduate students
• a team of 40 full-time faculty and 72 adjunct faculty
• 458 undergraduate students (University wide: 1473 undergraduate students)
• 47 graduate students (University wide: 687 graduate students)

Walsh University is located in North Canton, Ohio.  An independent, co-educational Catholic, liberal arts and sciences university, founded by the Brothers of Christian Instruction, the University is dedicated to educating its students to become leaders in service to others through a values-based education with an international perspective in the Judeo-Christian tradition. Walsh believes in the desirability of a small university that promotes academic excellence, a diverse community, and close student-teacher interactions. The University provides its students a higher education that fosters critical thinking, effective communication, spiritual growth, and personal, professional and cultural development. Walsh University encourages individuals to act in accordance with reason guided by the example and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Walsh University is being assisted by the partners of Hyatt-Fennell, Executive Search.  Submit nominations and application materials to WalshDASE@hyatt-fennell.com.  Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should be submitted prior to November 13, 2023, to receive full consideration. The position will remain open until filled. Applications include a cover letter, a current résumé/cv, and contact information for three professional references, in separate documents. All applications and nominations will be considered highly confidential.

Walsh University is committed to principles of equal opportunity and is an equal opportunity employer.