"Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, School of Social Work"

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, School of Social Work

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Camden, New Brunswick, and Newark, New Jersey

THE SEARCH

Rutgers School of Social Work (“RSSW,” “the SSW,” or “the School”) seeks an accomplished and visionary academic leader to serve as its next Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Building upon Rutgers’s strong commitment to scholarship, research, community engagement, and public service, the Associate Dean will play a pivotal role in facilitating communication and collaboration across a complex multi-campus school, shaping academic programs that equip future social work leaders for community impact, and creating an environment where all stakeholders can thrive.

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a Big Ten research university and the nation’s eighth-oldest institution of higher learning, serving close to 70,000 students. Ranked number 12 by U.S. News and World Report, among the top 10 public universities, Rutgers School of Social Work serves a passionate and engaged cohort of more than2,000 students across its undergraduate and graduate programs. The School's mission is to develop and disseminate knowledge through social work research, education, and training that promotes social and economic justice and strengthens individual, family, and community well-being in the diverse and increasingly global environment of New Jersey and beyond.

Reporting to the Dean, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs is tasked with streamlining the SSW’s complex internal processes and creating structures that advance excellence in teaching and learning while supporting future growth. With a focus on fostering a culture of continuous enhancement and improvement, the Associate Dean will actively work towards refining and optimizing work processes and communication channels within the School of Social Work and its academic programs, increasing efficiency and enhancing inclusivity in workspaces and educational settings. A visible, accessible leader and transparent communicator, the Associate Dean will foster and develop collaborative teams and engage faculty and staff in the cultivation of academic programs that promote positive student outcomes.

The incoming Associate Dean joins the School of Social Work at a pivotal moment as it strives for greater national and global impact. The successful candidate must be an experienced administrative leader who understands and values contemporary social work practices and is comfortable working across a large, complex, and interdisciplinary environment. Skilled at communicating and collaborating with a variety of stakeholders and senior leaders, the Associate Dean will support the implementation of innovative academic programs and practicum opportunities that are aligned with workforce and community needs, leveraging a visionary and data-driven approach. The incoming Associate Dean will support effective strategic planning efforts, navigate organizational change with acuity while promoting clarity for stakeholders across the School, and cultivate relationships that support measurable gains in enrollment and retention while facilitating meaningful academic outcomes and professional growth for students.

APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent electronically via the Isaacson, Miller website for the search: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/rutgers-state-university-new-jersey-school-social-work/associate-dean-academic

Donna Cramer, Partner
Afi Tettey-Fio, Senior Associate
Ryan Smillie, Managing Search Coordinator
Isaacson, Miller