"Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Online Programs"

POSITION TITLE: Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Online Programs

DEPARTMENT: Strategic Initiatives/On-line Programs

DIVISION: Strategic Initiatives

POSITION REPORTS TO: Vice President for Strategic Initiatives (direct line)

Deans of the Plaster School of Business, the School of Education and Undergraduate Programs (dotted line reporting)

EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATION: Staff, Exempt; Full-Time,12 month (2080 annual hours)

POSITION SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:

The Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Online Programs provides academic leadership and operational management for Cedarville University’s online undergraduate programs, with a initial focus on the Plaster School of Business, the School of Education and Social Work, and associate degree and SmartStart initiatives.

This position serves as the academic liaison between online undergraduate programs and faculty across these schools, ensuring course offerings, academic quality, and student support are aligned with the University’s mission. The Assistant Dean manages advising and retention processes for online students, coordinates course schedules and Canvas shell readiness, collaborates with faculty and instructional designers on syllabi and textbook updates, supports adjunct hiring and training, and reviews course evaluations to inform program improvements. The position may be structured to include a reduced-load faculty appointment for candidates who possess the appropriate credentials and experience to address identified academic needs of the university.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

Academic Leadership & Program Management

• Provide academic leadership for online undergraduate programs in the Plaster School of Business, the School of Education and Social Work, associate degree/SmartStart programs, and any additional assigned academic programs.
• Serve as the primary liaison between school faculty and Cedarville Online to ensure quality, rigor, and mission alignment across courses and programs.
• Manage semester course offerings and scheduling to ensure proper sequencing, capacity, and timely student progression.
• Ensure Canvas course shells are prepared each term with accurate syllabi, textbooks, and resources.
• Collaborate with faculty, course designers, and the Center for Teaching & Learning to maintain academic integrity, accreditation standards, and a biblically grounded curriculum.
• Contribute to new program development and expansion of undergraduate online initiatives.
• Partner with individual school and campus leaders to interpret, document, and demonstrate compliance with new and ongoing accreditation requirements.

Advising & Student Retention

• Manage advising systems, technologies, and processes for online undergraduate students in assigned schools and programs, leveraging technologies to streamline case management, early alerts, and proactive outreach.
• Monitor student persistence and retention by using data dashboards and analytics to identify at-risk students early and implement intervention strategies.
• Develop proactive strategies and communication plans (including text, email, and platform-based alerts) to support student success and timely degree completion.
• Connect students with academic support, counseling, and discipleship resources, ensuring technology-enabled referrals and follow-up.
• Continuously evaluate and refine the use of advising technologies to enhance student experience, scalability, and measurable outcomes.

Faculty & Instructor Engagement

• Manage adjunct instructor hiring, training, and evaluation in coordination with school deans and program chairs.
• Provide academic and operational support to adjuncts, ensuring consistency with faculty intent and program goals.
• Review student evaluations of instructors and courses, offering feedback and recommendations to strengthen teaching and learning.

Communication & Collaboration

• Build collaborative relationships with school deans, faculty, and staff to support program excellence.
• Communicate clearly with students, faculty, and staff regarding program needs, policies, and updates.
• Represent undergraduate online programs on cross-campus committees and initiatives as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• Master’s degree required; doctorate preferred (especially in education, business, communication, leadership, or higher education administration).

Experience

• Academic leadership or program management experience in higher education, with online program experience strongly preferred.
• Background in academic advising, faculty collaboration, and course/program operations.
• Familiarity with accreditation standards and online learning best practices.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills; able to manage multiple programs, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with faculty, staff, and students.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining a collaborative, team-oriented spirit.
• Analytical and detail-oriented, with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Personal Qualities:

• Personal faith in Jesus Christ with a lifestyle consistent with biblical values.
• Alignment with Cedarville University’s doctrinal statement and mission.
• Humility, integrity, and a heart for serving students and faculty.
• Strong desire to expand Cedarville’s mission by providing an excellent, biblically grounded education to students who cannot come to campus.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:

• Work is performed in an office environment.

General inquires should be directed to Teresa Day, Director of Staffing. This position is subject to the University's verification of credentials and other information required by law and Cedarville University policies, including the successful completion of a criminal history investigation. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Cedarville University is an equal opportunity employer.