Dean - Career and Technical Programs and Adult Education

The Dean of Career and Technical Programs provides strategic leadership and management of the division's instructional and support service programs, aligning these efforts with the college's mission as well as its strategic, operational, and Provost's Division objectives. This role is instrumental in building strong partnerships with community organizations, employers, and business and industry leaders to enhance division programs and elevate the student experience. The Dean actively engages external stakeholders to support fundraising efforts, secure donations, and grow participation on the Business and Industry Leadership Team and Advisory Committees. Additionally, the position fosters collaborative partnerships that create meaningful work-based learning opportunities, internships, and real-world experiences for students. Committed to accessibility and student success, the Dean works closely with internal and external partners to cultivate inclusive environments and implement strategies that address the varied needs of students, ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities and positive outcomes for all.

Plan, organize and administer the educational offerings of the division. Oversee operations and academic offerings at the Learning and Career Center, Education Workforce Center, and other specialized academic program sites.

Provide leadership for Adult Education and WIOA programs.

Establish and sustain procedures consistent with College policy for the effective operation of the functional areas of the Division.

Provide an effective two-way channel of communication between the administration and teaching faculty to ensure the integrity of educational programs.

Provide leadership in the development of new programs and courses, developing course schedules, assessing student learning outcomes, and supporting teaching and learning strategies within the Division.

Develop and manage career and technical and adult education related grants including compliance, budget management, outcomes assessment, and reporting in collaboration with the grants and accounting offices.

Use data to inform decisions, to evaluate academic and student support program effectiveness, and affect change.

Demonstrate leadership in the College's core values within the Division and across the College.

Contribute to the success of the College's Strategic and Operational plans.

Fiscal:

Develop and recommend fiscally responsible operating budgets for the division and assume responsibility for the management of the adopted budget for the current fiscal year.

Allocate resources and implement procedures for the request, purchase and maintenance of instructional equipment and supplies, and maintain accurate inventory control.

Pursues appropriate grant opportunities for programs and facilities within the division.

Staff and Faculty:

Provide leadership to the division faculty and staff to ensure quality academic programs and student success.

Schedule and conduct regular meetings of the division and maintain a close working relationship with department chairs and program coordinators.

Evaluate faculty and direct reports within the division; make recommendations for retention, promotion and/or tenure appointments; and provide support for staff and faculty growth, development, and advancement opportunities and activities.

Recruit faculty and staff, serve on divisional search committees, and make recommendations to the Provost.

Coordinate the orientation of all new full and part-time faculty to the responsibilities of their positions and assist in appropriate training.

Curriculum and Program Development/ Course Offerings and Instruction:

Stimulate the development of new courses and programs and changes to current courses and programs in the Division to meet the changing and emerging needs of the district and regional and national labor markets and to ensure program currency and relevancy.

Develop and recommend class schedules, assign full- and part-time faculty, and oversee appropriate room assignments.

Create and support innovative, strategic, student-centered course schedules and learning modalities, such as online, blended, flex, fast-track, apprenticeships, internships, etc., to meet the needs of students and industry.

Facilitate alignment between credit and noncredit career programs (continuing professional education and community education) in collaboration with workforce and community education leaders.

Ensure compliance with external accreditation requirements and reporting, as applicable.

Ensure that each department prepares an annual program and five=program review as prescribed by the college and the Illinois Community College Board.

Facilitate the articulation of programs and courses with secondary and postsecondary institutions.

Coordinate and recommend the effective marketing of educational programs within the division.

Create relationships with district employers to assure curriculum relevancy and to create experiential learning opportunities for students. Ensures career advisory committees are active and productive.

Community Service:

Serve as an agent of the College within the community as related to the disciplines of the Division.

Promote the visibility of the division within the College and within the larger Harper community.

Cultivate productive partnerships with industry and business partners and maintain day-to-day relationships, working collaboratively to assess the relevancy of coursework and identify emerging skills and hiring trends.

Collaborate with faculty and the Educational Foundation to engage external partners in fundraising initiatives and donation opportunities that benefit division programs and student success. Foster relationships with alumni, local businesses, and community organizations to support resource development and enhance educational offerings through philanthropic contributions.

Professional Development:

Commit to regular professional development to acquire new skills and knowledge to promote effective academic leadership for the Division and the College.

Maintain currency in instructional technology, culturally competent pedagogy, and evidence-based best practices.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications

Education:

Masters' Degree in Higher Education, Community College Administration or a discipline represented in the Division. Doctorate preferred.

Experience:

Minimum 5 years' successful collegiate-level teaching at an accredited institution. Progressively more responsible experience in an administrative capacity within an academic environment or appropriate institutional setting that includes specialized accreditation experience. Experience working, teaching, and leading in a career and technical setting and/or academic environment is preferred.