RAMAPO COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY
JOB DESCRIPTION
TITLE: Academic Dean (School of XXXXXXXXXX – Dean 1, D35)
UNIT/DIVISION: Academic Affairs
DATE: September 2007, May 2012
JOB SUMMARY:
Deans are responsible for the academic integrity of the curriculum and the overall
operation within the School. The Dean has both the authority and responsibility for
planning, budgeting, scheduling, personnel matters, curriculum, instruction, and other
academic matters within the School. Deans report directly to the Provost/Vice President
for Academic Affairs and have influence in appropriate college-wide matters.
DUTIES
The duties of the Dean include:
School Vision, Mission, and Planning
 Leading the development and articulation of a vision and mission for the School that
aligns with and supports the College Strategic Plan and the division plans for
Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, and Instructional Technology.
 Operationalizing the vision and mission through School goals and assessment plans
that includes goals and outcomes for student learning and for the operational aspects
of the School.
 Coordinating activities at the School-level to integrate with all-College goals.
 Working with conveners and faculty to ensure successful implementation of the
School mission.
 Preparing reports that document and advance school activities and accomplishments.
 Representing the School and the College to students, parents, professional
organizations, articulation partners, business and industry and other relevant
constituencies.
Curriculum, Academic Integrity, and Course Scheduling
 Ensuring academic excellence and integrity through documented School, program,
and course assessment.
 Leading the development, review, and revision of curriculum by conveners and
School faculty, considering student needs and available resources.
 Supervising program reviews and accreditation reviews.
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Providing curricular leadership in relation to College-wide goals by initiating,
sustaining, delivering, or eliminating academic programs and school core curricula in
accordance with the College Strategic Plan.
Supervising conveners in the construction of class schedules based on student needs
and institutional resources including advisement and registration.
Special Programs and Facilities
 Supervising the administration of and ensures the academic quality of special
programs, facilities, centers, or institutes assigned to the School.
 Supervising the operation of any labs, studios, or computer facilities in the Unit.
Human Resources and Relations
 In consultation with Conveners, developing long-range staffing plans to include new
faculty hires, retirements, and adequate support staff that are aligned with program
delivery, enrollment, and market projections.
 Preparing job descriptions/ads and other documentation for all positions.
 Appointing search committees, supervising search processes, and recommending
appointment of faculty and staff.
 Rendering timely, professional judgment on faculty and staff periodic evaluations,
reappointments, and tenure and promotion.
 Mediating between students, faculty, staff and parents.
 Facilitating the resolution of disagreement or conflict between faculty and students.
Fiscal Accountability
 Administering all fiscal matters at the School level and overseeing fiscal matters of
program and or institutes assigned to the School
 Planning for, requesting, and disbursing operational, travel, capital, and other funds.
 Providing accountability and transparency in the distribution of resources.
Enrollment Management
 Working closely with the units within Enrollment Management to recruit, retain and
ultimately graduate students from both Ramapo College and the School.
Collaborations with Enrollment include duties such as:
o attending and representing the school and its majors to prospective and
accepted students and parents at official recruitment events including Spring
Open House, Fall Open Houses, Multicultural Open House, Admitted Student
Days, Presidential Scholarship Receptions, Immediate Decision Days, Deans
Receptions;
o coordinating Academic Advising Training Sessions for all School faculty,
overseeing the assignment of faculty advisors, and overseeing the release of
Advisement holds during mandatory registration;
o working with the Registrar’s Office to update the College Catalog which
includes a review of each convening groups updates to ensure adherence to
academic policies and curricular guidelines;
o adjudicating student appeals to academic policies and enforcing academic
policies including serving as the final sign off on all School graduation
applications.
Participation in Academic Affairs and College-wide Initiatives
 Participating in college-wide strategic planning activities, especially as related to
academic matters.
 Developing/reviewing academic policies and may recommend on all-college policies
and procedures; Communicating with the School such matters and activities.
 Actively participating in Deans Council, Provost’s Council, and Graduate Council
meetings, initiatives, and activities.
 Collaborating with constituent governance bodies with regards to School and College
goals.
 Collaborating with other College units and divisions for school alignment with allcollege goals and activities.
 In collaboration with the President and Institutional Advancement, successfully
developing external sources of funding.
 Advocating for the School’s interests and maintaining and enhancing the reputation
of the School and its program.
 Developing external relationships for the School.
DUTIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACADEMIC UNIT
School of XXXXXXXX – School-Specific Responsibilities
REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION
A terminal degree in an appropriate academic discipline from an accredited institution.
EXPERIENCE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
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A record of teaching, scholarship, service to college and community, and professional
responsibility equivalent to that expected at time of tenure at Ramapo College.
Experience with graduate, online, and adult degree completion programs as well as
international education programs and curricula with a global focus.
Knowledge of disciplinary/professional trends and higher education activities on the
state and national level.
Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
Collaborative approach to governance.
Demonstrated commitment to the principles of a liberal education.
Continued adherence to high professional and ethical standards.
A minimum of five years of administrative experience.