Description

Cairn University invites applications for the position of Dean of the School of Professional Studies.  The Dean is a member of the Academic Leadership team and is responsible for the comprehensive administrative, academic, and strategic oversight of the School. The Dean serves as a thought leader who advances the School’s mission through innovation, faculty development, program growth, and external engagement.

This role provides leadership to multiple departments and programs, fostering collaboration across diverse disciplines while ensuring academic quality, mission alignment, and operational effectiveness.

The Dean also represents the School internally and externally, at times serving as its public face to prospective students, partners, and broader constituencies.

Requirements

• Execute all matters relative to the administrative oversight of the School.
• Provide vision and strategic leadership for the ongoing development and effectiveness of the School’s programs and initiatives.
• Serve as a thought leader in advancing professional studies within the context of Cairn University’s mission.
• Supervise and support department chairs and program directors, fostering collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
• Lead initiatives in faculty recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention in partnership with the Provost.
• Champion ongoing faculty professional development, encouraging disciplinary excellence, pedagogical growth, and biblical integration.
• Direct the ongoing assessment, development, and alignment of curricula across departments and programs.
• Serve as a member of Academic Leadership.
• Act as advisor to the Provost in matters of University policy, particularly those related to the School of Professional Studies.
• Formulate appropriate academic policies for the School and guide them through the institutional approval process.
• Guide the development and administration of the School’s annual operating and capital budgets.
• Evaluate faculty performance according to University guidelines and recommend promotion, tenure, and contract actions.
• In consultation with department chairs, assign teaching responsibilities and ensure appropriate course coverage.
• Plan and lead School faculty meetings within the University meeting structure.
• Lead assessment efforts related to program effectiveness, student outcomes, and accreditation requirements.
• Participate with the Provost and appropriate personnel in accreditation processes, reporting, and site visits.

• Clear understanding of and commitment to the mission of Cairn University and its integration into professional disciplines.
• Demonstrated leadership ability across diverse academic programs and disciplines.
• Strong interpersonal, team-building, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to think strategically and lead organizational change.
• Experience in faculty development and mentoring.
• Strong administrative, organizational, and budget management skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including public-facing engagement.
• Commitment to fostering a culture of academic excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Earned doctorate or terminal degree in an appropriate discipline.
• Significant experience in higher education, including teaching and academic leadership.
• Demonstrated success in faculty recruitment, development, and program oversight preferred.
• Experience with accreditation and assessment processes preferred.