Associate Dean for College of Education

Recruitment #: S2557 Review Date: Open | Open until filled Department: College of Education Salary Range: $100,957 - $118,773 Start Date: July 1, 2026; earlier start dates may be considered. About Western Oregon University: Western Oregon University is a regional public, mid-sized university - committed to changing lives, strengthening communities and transforming our world. Located in Monmouth, the heart of Oregon's lush Willamette Valley, WOU is about 20 minutes from Salem, the state's capital and about 75 minutes from Portland, the state's cultural hub. Western is one of Oregon's oldest public institutions of higher education and was incorporated into the state system as a teacher training institution in 1882. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in arts and sciences, education and professional areas. It's known for small class sizes, a focus on sustainability and a diverse liberal arts education in a student-centered environment. Western is a Hispanic Serving institution, with over 40% of undergraduates being students of color. Position Summary: This is an exciting opportunity to join a vibrant leadership team in the College of Education at Western Oregon University (WOU)! Under the direction of the Dean, this position works under broad, administrative direction with significant responsibility in leadership with faculty and staff to ensure the highest quality student support and achievement through curriculum and course refinement/management, excellence in pedagogy, and assessment/accreditation/continual improvement. Requires planning, organizing, and managing services and personnel associated with academic affairs, student success, community partnerships, and licensure. This position collaborates closely with units and unit leadership as well as with faculty and staff to ensure the quality and consistency of academic offerings and support the success of all College of Education (COE) students. This position works to advance Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging for students, faculty, staff, curriculum and pedagogy. The Associate Dean ensures the COE's program quality, including leadership to support curriculum and accreditation work and serves as the internal day-to-day manager. This position is a primary responder to inquiries from within the university, educational institutions, the community, students, and/or external agencies, and supervises unclassified/unranked academic professional, and classified staff. Click here for the complete position description which includes knowledge areas and preferred qualifications. Required Qualifications: Please ensure your application materials clearly demonstrate how you meet the following: Master's degree and leadership experience in higher education at the associate dean or dean level OR Doctoral degree (Ph.D., J.D., Ed.D.) or other terminal degree Minimum earned rank of associate professor in a COE associated discipline OR Prior administrative leadership in higher education at the associate dean or dean level. Evidence of creative leadership, organizational abilities, and student support/success work. Evidence of leadership skills using listening, discernment, and collaboration to result in leadership growth in others and program successes. Demonstrated leadership that has had a meaningful impact on the success of programs and people during challenging situations. Evidence of responsive interpersonal skills and the ability to contribute to a collaborative, transparent, and equitable culture of work. Evidence of a strong record of student support, including demonstrated meaningful systemic changes resulting from this work. A record that shows a meaningful commitment to, and demonstrated/specific accomplishments in, social justice, equity, and inclusive practices. Superior communication skills: the ability to articulate a compelling message to diverse audiences; clarity in written and oral presentation. Experience with curricular planning, review/assessment, change, and implementation. Evidence of attention to issues of governance in a complex organization. Experience with or desire to understand leading-edge methods and instructional technologies to support students, faculty, and staff in a public university. Experience in actively participating in accreditation efforts and the assessment of learning outcomes. How to Apply: Please upload the following required materials within the application portal. Applications missing any of the required documents will not move forward for consideration. Please include only the materials listed below: 1. WOU Employment Application form available here - unclassified/faculty 2. Cover Letter that outlines your qualifications and how they align with the position 3. Resume/CV 4. Unofficial transcripts for your highest degree earned 5. Complete and submit the Reference Check form, available here along with your application