Assistant Dean

Department: Undergraduate Studies

Division: Academic Affairs

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to: Associate Provost and Dean for Undergraduate Studies

Work Schedule: M-F

Compensation Range: $66,000-$82,400

Position Summary: The assistant dean position supports Undergraduate Studies and Academic Affairs operations and management with the goal of creating more sustainable, transparent, and collaborative systems and processes. The position collaborates with academic leadership, staff, and faculty to forward innovative programs and partnerships that advance MICA’s mission, vision, and strategic plan. The successful candidate will play a vital role in supporting faculty governance processes, and administering policies, procedures, activities, and programs related in Undergraduate Studies and Academic Affairs.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

CURRICULUM & ASSESSMENT

• Support curricular innovation through the development and review of new course and program proposals
• Work with Academic Affairs partners and Undergraduate program leads to ensure effective cyclical Program Learning Outcomes assessment for the division
• Participate in Academic Program Reviews within the division
• Support compliance with requirements of external accreditation bodies
• Represent the division in cyclical planning and implementation of significant academic year events such as Orientation, Open Houses, Art Walk, and Commencement

POLICY & COMPLIANCE

• Collaborate with divisional and campus partners to develop, support, communicate, and assure compliance with Academic Affairs Policies
• Collaborate with Academic Affairs partners to develop and communicate unified, transparent labor policies and ensure compliance
• Address complaints & appeals from students and faculty by advising, mediating, or coaching, and when appropriate, liaising with divisional and campus partners, such as HR and Student Affairs

STUDENTS, STAFF, & FACULTY

• Assist in overseeing and implementing contract evaluation processes for faculty within the division
• Collaborate with Academic Affairs and HR partners to develop, support, communicate, and implement unified search and onboarding guidance for full-time and part-time faculty
• Coordinate student and faculty participation in annual/cyclical events supporting recruitment (admissions), registration, orientation, and retention
• Coordinate onboarding for new faculty, including office assignments, technology access, and integration into institutional systems and culture
• Participate in the design and implementation of professional development opportunities for Academic Affairs staff and faculty
• Provide logistical and administrative support (including preparing draft agendas and minutes)
• Collaborate with Academic Affairs partners on cyclical communication and policy compliance for faculty sabbatical leave and evaluation processes
• Conduct twice-yearly review of course syllabi to assure compliance with MICA’s unified syllabus guidelines
• Participate in faculty governance by attending Academic Affairs Committee meetings at the invitation of the Committee Chair
• Provide support for major academic events and traditions, including faculty meetings, holiday gatherings, and faculty recognitions
• Perform other duties as assigned

The structures of Undergraduate Studies and Academic Affairs are currently under review. Accordingly, this appointment may transition to a similar position within a reorganized unit.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong organizational abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Understanding of academic functions and policies
• Understanding of curriculum-management processes, academic policies, accreditation standards, and applicable legislation
• Ability to manage time wisely and adapt to a busy workload with capacity to multitask and make decisions in a complex environment
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to work empathically with faculty and staff in a collaborative and constructive manner, exercising independent judgment and taking initiative when necessary

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree
• Experience: Deep, varied, and substantive teaching experience relevant to a curricular area at MICA (art, design, art education, liberal arts)
• Evidence of sustained scholarly professional contributions relevant to a curricular area at MICA (art, design, art education, liberal arts)
• Relevant experience in and engagement with academic administration (e.g. governance activities and/or administration of a department, program, or school)
• Demonstrated track record of empathic and accountable leadership

Preferred Qualifications

• Terminal degree or demonstration of the equivalent level of professional accomplishment
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching at levels relevant to the division
• Evidence of sustained engagement in art & design contexts, or with artists and designers
• Demonstrated success using inclusive approaches to teaching and/or organizational change
• Experience with strategic planning for multiple and diverse constituencies
• Prior engagement in sponsored projects or college & community collaborations
• Professional recognition in a field of creative or scholarly inquiry

Conditions of Employment:

• Conditions: Satisfactory Background Check
• Teach one 3-credit course (or the equivalent) in each of the fall and spring semesters, usually within the division of Undergraduate Studies
• Unusual circumstances related to position: Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends when educational events necessitate; Ability to work on-campus, with the possibility for some telework

About MICA: Acknowledged nationally as a premier leader in art and design education, the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) is deliberately cultivating a new generation of artists one that is capable of seamlessly integrating innovation, entrepreneurship and creative citizenship with contemporary approaches to art, design and media. MICA is redefining the role of the artists and designers as creative, solutions-oriented makers and thinkers who will drive social, cultural, and economic advancement for our future. As the oldest continuously degree-granting college of art and design in the nation, MICA is located in Baltimore, deeply connected to the community. It is a leading contributor to the creative economy regionally and a top producer of nationally and internationally recognized professional artists and designers. Visit the College’s website at www.mica.edu.