"Dean of Campus and Community Engagement"

Dean of Campus and Community Engagement

Business Title
Dean of Campus and Community Engagement

Applications Accepted From
Public: Open to the Public

Special Instructions to Applicants
Please complete the online application and attach required documents. Candidates should submit a letter describing their qualifications as well as experiences that demonstrate leadership in the relevant areas for this position, a statement of administrative philosophy (uploaded as "other" document), a curriculum vitae, and a list of five professional references with current contact information (including telephone and email.)

The position will remain open until filled. For full consideration, please submit application materials by the March 9, 2026.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.

This position is eligible for the following benefits
medical, vision, dental, basic and supplemental life, winter break closure, paid holidays, educational benefits for you and eligible dependents, sick leave, vacation, and retirement.

Posting Number: 2016262T

Department Summary

Applications and nominations are invited for the Dean of Campus and Community Engagement at Ohio University's Lancaster campus. Ohio University's regional campus system, Regional Higher Education (RHE), consists of five locations, in addition to Lancaster, there are locations at Chillicothe, Eastern (St. Clairsville), Southern (Ironton) and Zanesville. Each campus offers unique opportunities for a student-centered environment and to build campus/community relationships. For more information please visit www.ohio.edu/regional.

Regional Higher Education (RHE) serves students throughout southeastern and portions of central Ohio with a comprised enrollment of approximately 4,000 students. For more information about Regional Higher Education, please visit www.ohio.edu/regional.

The Lancaster Campus lies just southeast of the Columbus metropolitan area and at the edge of the Hocking Hills. The Lancaster Campus serves students from Fairfield County and the surrounding region, many of whom are first generation and non-traditional; employs full-time faculty, adjunct instructors, and staff members; and offers associate and baccalaureate degrees, as well as general education coursework to support students who plan to relocate to the Athens campus.

The Dean of Campus and Community Engagement as Ohio University's primary representative and liaison in the region. Reporting to the Vice Provost for Regional Higher Education and Partnerships, the Dean of Campus and Community Engagement strengthens university visibility, advances strategic partnerships, and ensures effective campus operations that support an engaging,
student-centered environment.

Key Responsibilities:

University Representation & Regional Partnerships

• Serve as the lead ambassador for Ohio University in the region, representing the campus at community, governmental, and institutional engagements.
• Build and sustain strong partnerships with employers, school districts, community organizations, and local officials to support enrollment growth, workforce development, and community engagement.
• Collaborate with University Advancement and campus partners to cultivate philanthropic support, pursue grants, and expand scholarships and external funding.

Revenue Generation & Program Development

• Work closely with Athens-based colleges and divisions to identify and develop new academic offerings, workforce programs, and revenue-generating initiatives that meet regional needs and align with OHIO priorities.
• Expand experiential learning, internships, and career pathways in partnership with regional employers.
• Assess community demand for continuing education, non-credit training, and lifelong learning opportunities.

Campus Leadership & Operations

• Provide administrative and operational leadership for the campus, fostering a collaborative, equitable, and engaged environment for faculty, staff, and students.
• Support the academic mission through coordination with academic units, including faculty service, instructional support, and adjunct supervision.
• Oversee campus student services, serving as the primary point of contact for student concerns and ensuring prompt, compliant resolution
• Manage campus budgeting in coordination with Regional Higher Education.
• Lead campus facility planning, event coordination, emergency preparedness, and safety operations in collaboration with university and local partners.

University Collaboration

• Work regularly with the Vice Provost, Regional Higher Education leadership, and campus peers to advance strategic initiatives and contribute to planning and decision-making at the unit and university levels.

Position Profile

University Representation & Regional Partnerships
Revenue Generation & Program Development
Campus Leadership & Operations
University Collaboration

Level Summary

Responsible for the management of a campus, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to achieve campus objectives.
Contributes to unit operational plans by aligning goals with broader institutional strategies.

Supervisory Responsibilities
Manages multiple teams. Directly oversees at least 2.0 FTE employees or one or more supervisors.

Fiscal Responsibilities
Oversees a large budget.

Problem Solving
Solves strategic, organizational problems and ensures continuous improvement.

Independence of Action
High degree of autonomy in decision-making, accountable for large areas.

Communication and Collaboration
Collaborates with executive leadership, internal and external partners to drive organizational goals.

Physical Requirements
This role is primarily desk-based and involves extensive use of desktop computers. Occasionally, the job may require travel to attend meetings and programs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited institution
• 7 years of management/organizational leadership experience OR 5 years of higher education leadership
• Demonstrated experience in budget oversight; fostering collaborative work environments; community engagement; economic development OR fundraising; and strategic planning.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills; commitment to student success and the mission of regional campuses.

Preferred Qualifications

• Earned doctorate
• Higher education administrative experience
• Knowledge of associate and bachelor's degree programs, student and academic support services, and continuing education
• Experience with workforce development or college-level teaching

Department
LNCSTR Dean's Office

Pay Rate: Commensurate with experience. Employees also enjoy a generous benefits package which include health benefits, paid time off, and educational benefits for employees and eligible dependents.

Pay Grade
EXEC

Pay Range
EXEC 00

FLSA Status
Exempt

Job Category: Administrative at-will appointment

Job Family
Academic & Program Management

Job Sub Family
Academic Administration

Job Level
EXEC

Job Open Date
02/09/2026

Posting End Date: 03/09/2026

Planning Unit: Regional Higher Education

Work Schedule
As an Executive level position, based on need, early morning, evening and weekend hours are required. Otherwise, the standard University operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Months
12 month

Campus: Lancaster

Expected hours worked per week
40

Expected duration of assignment
ongoing

Applicants may contact this person if they have questions about this position.
Kim Hayden, hayden@ohio.edu