Future Generations University seeks an entrepreneurial and mission-driven Academic Dean to serve as the chief academic leader of its innovative graduate program in Applied Community Development. This role is ideal for a builder — someone who can strengthen academic programming, expand partnerships, and actively contribute to fundraising and external engagement.
As the Chief Academic Officer, the Dean will both oversee the academic program on a day-to-day basis and shape the next phase of the University’s growth by advancing Future Generations’ distinctive model of applied, community-embedded education.
About Future Generations University
Future Generations University is an accredited globally oriented graduate institution dedicated to inclusive and sustainable community change. Our mission is to advance research, learning, and action towards inclusive and sustainable community change worldwide. Through applied education, research, and partnerships, the University supports learners and practitioners working on issues such as climate resilience, equity, sustainable livelihoods, and community leadership. Its flagship master’s program combines online learning, field-based experience, and community practice, reaching learners across more than 50 countries. Headquartered in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, our scenic hub is located on top of North Fork Mountain near Franklin, West Virginia, at the headwaters of the Potomac River. Learn more: future.edu.
Key Priorities of the Role
1. Academic Program Development
- Lead the ongoing evolution of the MA in Applied Community Development, including the development of new courses and microcredential opportunities.
- Ensure academic quality, coherence, and alignment with accreditation expectations.
- Encourage innovative pedagogy grounded in applied, community-based learning.
- Support program assessment and continuous improvement.
2. Partnerships and External Engagement
- Build strategic partnerships with universities, NGOs, foundations, and community-based organizations.
- Strengthen pathways for collaboration with global and regional networks (including Appalachia and international partners).
- Represent the University with credibility among academic, philanthropic, and practitioner communities.
- Cultivate relationships that support student recruitment, program growth, and shared initiatives.
3. Fundraising and Resource Development
- Collaborate closely with the President and advancement leadership to support fundraising.
- Contribute to grant development and foundation and/or partner relationships.
- With assistance from the communications department, help articulate compelling academic and programmatic priorities for external audiences.
- Serve as a visible ambassador for the University’s mission and impact.
4. Academic Leadership and Administration
- Serve as Chief Academic Officer, reporting to the President.
- Chair the Dean’s Council, the academic governance body of the University.
- Recruit, supervise, and support faculty and instructional staff.
- Ensure that all faculty meet institutional and accreditation qualification standards.
- Lead efforts to increase faculty research productivity, enhance scholarly impact of faculty and alumni, and support career milestones by developing a robust publications program.
- Oversee admissions, student success, and academic policies.
- Work with the University’s Accreditation Liaison Officer to ensure compliance with accreditation and regulatory expectations.
- Foster a collaborative, mission-aligned academic culture.
Desired Background and Qualities
The ideal candidate will bring:
- A doctoral degree or terminal degree in a related field of study
- Senior experience in higher education, nonprofit leadership, and/or applied education settings
- A strong commitment to community-based, justice-oriented, and/or sustainability-focused work
- Experience developing academic programs or innovative learning models
- Experience maintaining third-party accreditation
- Comfort building partnerships across sectors and geographies
- Ability to contribute meaningfully to fundraising and external engagement
- Strong communication skills (oral and written) and strategic thinking
- An entrepreneurial mindset suited to a small, mission-driven institution
Candidates from diverse academic, professional, and institutional backgrounds (including community colleges, international education, NGOs, and interdisciplinary programs) are encouraged to apply.
Compensation and Benefits
This is a full-time, exempt position. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include:
- Retirement Matching (up to $200 per pay period)
- Health, Dental & Vision Plan available (employer pays 80% of employee & 50% of dependent premiums)
- Medical and Dependent Care FSA available
- Flexible work schedule which is aligned with institutional needs, the expected annual workload is equivalent to approximately 230 working days per year, with the ability to determine their preferred holiday and time off schedule
Location and hours
Regular hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with an occasional need to work irregular hours and/or weekends. While the University headquarters are located in Franklin, WV, the position will be hybrid or fully remote with periodic travel to headquarters. University-owned lodging is available for multi-day stays in Franklin.
Physical Demands
This position requires the ability to perform essential job functions in both office settings and field environments as necessary. This position may include extended time periods of sitting, working at a computer, and participation in virtual and in-person meetings as necessary. This role requires the ability to occasionally travel, both domestically and internationally as required. This may include travel to locations that are not accessible by public transportation, thus the individual must be able to meet the travel requirements with or without reasonable accommodation. The position may be required to occasionally lift and/or carry materials weighing up to 20-25 lbs. Future Generations University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state law.
Equal Opportunity
Future Generations University does not discriminate and provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or genetic information. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply for job openings for which they qualify. In addition to federal law requirements, Future Generations University complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities.
Information about Future Generations University is available on our website www.Future.Edu
Interested candidates should send a letter of motivation, three professional references and CV/Resume to hr@future.edu.