Assistant Dean - Undergraduate Academic Affairs

Assistant Dean - Undergraduate Academic Affairs

Company: North Carolina State University

Job Location:

Category: Engineering Deans

Type: Full-Time

Join the Pack! A community with nearly 8,000 faculty and staff, and 30,000 students. NC State is one of the largest employers in North Carolina, offering a large range of career opportunities. Visit us at https://jobs.hr.ncsu.edu/.

Location: Raleigh, NC

Essential Job Duties:
The Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs serves as a central leader within the College of Engineering, acting as the "Dean of Students," leading the First Year Engineering program, and supervising the Director of First Year Engineering and all academic advising staff. This role oversees the full scope of undergraduate academic operations-including transfer and first-year programs, student orientation, CODA, course withdrawal and grade changes, graduation certification, and curriculum oversight-while chairing the College of Engineering Course and Curriculum Committee.

As the Assistant Dean you will drive strategic initiatives that shape the undergraduate student experience, including scholarship and honors programs, cooperative education academics, dual degree and study abroad opportunities, and academic support for students across partner and site-based programs (e.g., UNC-Asheville, UNC-Wilmington, UNC-Chapel Hill, Craven Community College, and other dual degree partners). Serving as a key liaison across college and university committees, you will ensure high-quality, innovative programming and a cohesive, supportive academic environment for all undergraduate engineering students.

Core responsibilities will fall within four key functional areas outlined below.

Academic Dean Leadership

• Serve as the primary academic authority for undergraduate students, overseeing complex academic matters including course withdrawals, schedule revisions, credit evaluations, and enrollment certifications (including military and partner programs)
• Act as the central point of contact for student cases requiring coordination with campus partners, including counseling and student conduct
• Lead the Change of Degree Application (CODA) process, leveraging data and enrollment trends to inform student placement and capacity planning across engineering disciplines
• Direct the execution of critical academic operations, including New Student Orientation, internal and external transfer processes, and graduation certification

Team Leadership & Curriculum Oversight

• Provide strategic leadership to a large, multi-functional team, including the Director of First Year Engineering, academic advisors, coordinators, and instructional staff
• Cultivate a high-performing, student-centered culture with a strong emphasis on professional development, accountability, and service excellence
• Chair the College of Engineering Course and Curriculum Committee, guiding curriculum governance, academic policy, and continuous improvement efforts
• Ensure the quality, consistency, and accreditation readiness (ABET) of undergraduate curricula and academic policies
• Oversee the planning and delivery of key academic courses and initiatives within the Office of Academic Affairs

Student Success & High-Impact Programs

• Lead the strategic direction and continuous enhancement of First Year Engineering and Transfer programs, driving student transition, retention, and success outcomes
• Provide executive oversight of high-impact academic experiences, including Honors and Scholars programs, Cooperative Education (Co-op), dual degree programs, and study abroad opportunities
• Serve as a senior representative of undergraduate academic affairs, partnering across the College and University to advance student success priorities and initiatives

Student Engagement & Institutional Collaboration

• Maintain direct engagement with students through advising, teaching, and visible leadership presence to stay connected to the student experience
• Build and sustain strong partnerships with key university offices (e.g., admissions, registrar, financial aid) to improve processes and reduce barriers for students
• Represent the College in internal and external settings, including cross-institutional partnerships and 2+2 or joint program sites
• Provide leadership and support for additional strategic initiatives as assigned by the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs

If you are a strategic academic leader who thrives in complex environments, brings a student-centered mindset, and is motivated to shape and elevate the undergraduate experience at scale, we encourage you to apply.

Minimum Experience/Education:
A PhD in engineering or a related science is required, with at least one graduate degree in engineering or computer science. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Required Qualifications:

• Extensive experience leading complex academic or student services functions in higher education, including strategic planning, assessment, and continuous improvement
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and inspire high-performing teams in a collaborative, accountable, and student-centered environment
• Experience working within university-level academic programs, with a strong understanding of curriculum, academic policy, and the student lifecycle
• Record of effective teaching at the university level, supporting student learning in a rigorous academic environment
• Recognized effectiveness in academic advising, including navigating complex pathways and supporting student progression
• Track record advancing student success, access, and retention initiatives, ideally within engineering or STEM programs
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership, faculty, students, and external partners
• Strong organizational and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and exercise sound judgment in complex or sensitive situations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading or supporting high-impact academic programs such as Honors/Scholars, Cooperative Education (Co-op), dual-degree, or study abroad programs
• Experience supporting academic programs across multiple campuses or partner institutions, including site-based or 2+2 programs
• Experience with curriculum oversight, academic policy implementation, and supporting program assessment

Required License or Certification:
A valid North Carolina driver's license or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of start date.

AA/EEO Statement:
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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