Academic Dean, Business & Technology

Academic Dean for Business & Technology

Aims Community College actively supports an environment that embraces the College's Mission, Vision, Values and a culture of innovation and care. The College embraces and seeks to hire individuals who want to be a part of this environment and have the skill sets necessary to be successful in this position.

Reporting to the Chief Academic Officer, the Academic Dean for Business & Technology is responsible for effective planning and vision, comprehensive leadership, program review, budget oversight, data analysis, institutional coordination, supervision, and management of all activities and credit-bearing degrees and certificates. This includes programs in Accounting, Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Business, Computer Information Systems, Construction, Engineering Technology (CAD), Graphic Design and Rich Media, Industrial Technology, Marketing/Management, Oil and Gas Technologies, CIS/CSC, Communication Media, and Welding. This position also coordinates and collaborates with other departments and divisions at the College to support applicable non-credit courses and programs. The Academic Dean is responsible for leading the strategic objectives and initiatives of the academic plan and overseeing programmatic and college accreditation efforts. This role provides forward-thinking leadership through futures thinking, environmental scanning, and strategic planning to anticipate emerging workforce trends, evolving technologies, regional economic needs, and opportunities for program innovation. Collaborating closely with internal stakeholders and industry partners, the Dean works to identify program development needs and to support the creation of innovative curricula that align with employers' requirements, enhance employees' skills and knowledge, and prepare students for success in a dynamic workforce. While partnering and working with program Chairs and Directors to ensure compliance with professional accreditation requirements and state regulations. The responsibilities of this position include recruiting students and faculty, overseeing operational budgets for various programs, and managing logistics for major grants and contracts. This role may also involve serving as a liaison with external agencies, community organizations, industry partners, and other stakeholders within the College. The Academic Dean must be adept at developing, building, and maintaining strong relationships; providing leadership for faculty and staff within the programs; participating as a member of the College's academic leadership team; contributing to long-term academic and institutional planning; and representing the College within the community. Interpreting and analyzing data, labor market information, stakeholder input, and emerging trends to make informed decisions regarding program growth, sustainability, innovation, and continuous improvement. The Academic Dean of Business & Technology works independently, exercises discretion and sound judgment in decision-making, effectively responds to critical issues, and represents the College professionally. This position requires a commitment to student success, fostering a collaborative work environment, delivering high-quality service to all stakeholders, and developing academic programs that are responsive to current needs while preparing for future opportunities.

Leadership, Analysis & Budgeting: 35%

• Serve as principal administrator of instructional programs in the academic division, Business & Technology.
• Create and administer budgets in accordance with the College's strategic plan and policies; conduct trend and data analysis; prepare capital, Perkins, operating, personnel, and grant requests; generate budget reports and respond to requests for information.
• Facilitate/initiate respectful and effective communications internally and externally; provide staff with information and interpretation of College policies and procedures; schedule and preside at Division meetings/committees; create and distribute written communications internally and externally in a timely manner; serve as an essential link to administration in communicating needs of departments, faculty, staff, and advisory committees.
• Lead in the development of programs, courses, and related classroom, laboratory, and work-based learning experiences in accordance with professional guidelines and College procedures.
• Assist in the preparation and editing of handbooks, the College catalog, and other informational literature.
• Lead Program Review process for the Division.
• Assist in the development and implementation of processes and procedures designed to assess student learning at the course, program, and college level.
• Evaluate, research, and initiate new programs.

Management & Advocacy: 30%

• Provide strategic leadership and management for a multifaceted, multi-subject division.
• Plan, develop, and direct division activities.
• Coordinate program, department, and division reviews, as well as accreditation and evaluation processes.
• Delegate and monitor administrative responsibilities of chairs and other employees as appropriate.
• Coordinate administrative duties with the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) and college constituencies.
• Implement systems to maintain and centralize academic administration and division records, forms, and procedures.
• Assist in the review of operational contracts.
• Develop and recommend policies and procedures to the CAO or President.
• Oversee all processes related to the semester and yearly course schedule.
• Communicate and interact with officials and agencies at the state and local levels.
• Serve on community workforce teams and committees on behalf of the college.
• Represent the college at state-level committees, councils, and with other higher education institutions.

Planning: 20%

• Create strategic and operational plans for programs within academics and the division to provide safe, efficient, and effective programming and services.
• Develop and implement long-range goals for academic administration, the division, and programs.
• Facilitate and support the development and delivery of alternative curriculum options.
• Plan for faculty professional development; investigate and support grant opportunities; develop and review Academic Plan.
• Complete reports.
• Maintain credentials and knowledge of educational technology and the College's infrastructure related to technology and the position.
• Provide professional development activities as appropriate.
• Work with Department Chairs and Program Directors to oversee course scheduling, catalog presentation, and marketing/recruiting materials for programs in conjunction with the Marketing and Communication Office.
• Actively encourage faculty members across all departments to use emerging learning-centered processes and support their professional development.

Personnel Management: 10%

• Supervise full-time and part-time faculty and staff.
• Hire and supervise staff.
• Anticipate and plan for personnel needs.
• Evaluate support staff.
• Oversee preparation and review of contracts.
• Chair hiring committees.
• Review and approve staff appointments.
• Serve as the point of contact for student/faculty disputes and grade change requests.
• Resolve employee and student conflicts or direct them to the appropriate office on campus.

Other Duties as Assigned: 5%

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in a discipline in the Division, or in Higher Education, Educational Administration, or a similar discipline; plus, three (3) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in higher education, including experience in academic administration, academic program leadership, department chair leadership, or a closely related role, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Of the required three (3) years of work experience, one (1) year must be supervisory experience.
• Completion of a background investigation with results satisfactory to the College and program requirements.

Strategic and Future-Focused Leadership

• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic, forward-looking leadership for academic programs, engaging in futures thinking, environmental scanning, and academic planning.
• Proven ability to anticipate and respond to emerging workforce needs, technological changes, regional economic trends, and opportunities for program innovation.
• Effective alignment of divisional priorities with institutional strategic plan objectives, academic plan initiatives, accreditation expectations, and student success goals.

Academic Program Leadership and Innovation

• Extensive experience designing, implementing, evaluating, and continuously improving academic programs relevant to the division.
• Commitment to supporting program growth, sustainability, innovation, and relevance through data-informed decision-making and the creation of innovative curricula and academic pathways that meet student, employer, and community needs.

Operational, Budget, and Compliance Oversight

• Knowledgeable in budget planning and management, program evaluation, accreditation processes, regulatory compliance, and data-informed decision-making.
• Experienced in managing specialized accredited programs and ensuring compliance with state, federal, and professional standards, alongside operational complexity, including budgets, personnel, grants, contracts, scheduling, assessment, and student success initiatives.

Data-Informed Decision Making

• Proficient in using data, business intelligence, labor market information, and community college best practices to inform planning, program development, and resource allocation.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with