Director of the School of Education

Position Description Summary/Purpose

The University of Bridgeport invites applications for the Director of the School of Education. The Director of the School of Education is responsible for leadership, management, and administration of the academic programs in the School of Education. The Director will facilitate a vision, direct strategic planning, and lead CAEP accreditation effort while guiding the school’s faculty. The Director will support faculty research and scholarship initiatives and promote service within the School of Education.

The School of Education offers programs leading to master’s degrees and sixth-year diplomas in elementary education, secondary education, educational administration and supervision, and remedial reading, as well as certification in many subject areas and school administration. The School's doctoral program focuses on the development of experienced leaders and practitioners in both the public and private sector.

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities

Supervisory / Administrative

• Demonstrate integrity and a leadership style that evokes trust and embraces transparency.
• Support collaborative decision-making processes with all stakeholders, particularly faculty-related decisions.
• Articulate a long-term vision for the school within the University's mission and values.
• Serve as an advocate for the mission of the School, its faculty, and its students.
• Support recruitment, development, and retention of a diverse, talented faculty and staff.
• Foster an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Represent the School at fundraising events.
• Oversee the School's branding/marketing efforts to enhance its visibility and reputation.
• Ensure effective management of financial resources, including budget planning and management.
• Support research initiatives and grant opportunities for students and faculty.

Academic Management and Development

• In collaboration with program coordinators, support program development, assessment, and curriculum design.
• Support program coordinators in resolving student issues.
• Ensure that departments offer accurate advising of students.
• Facilitate academic scheduling to ensure course availability.
• Ensure that the School meets its goals of recruitment, retention, progression to degree, and on-time graduation of its students.

Internal and External Partnerships; Accreditation

• Develop, sustain, and enhance diverse and inclusive partnerships with federal, state, and local community agencies, institutions of higher education, and P-12 schools.
• Facilitate cross-departmental collaborations within the institution.
• Build effective internal and external relationships to ensure compliance with accrediting agencies and the Connecticut Department of Education.
• Lead accreditation processes, including applications and re-accreditation.

Qualifications

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Terminal degree in an education-related field (e.g. Ed.D., Ph.D.)
• 5+ years of leadership experience at the department chair level or higher in an institution of higher education
• Previous experience supervising employees, tracking budgeting and financial reports, managing academic programs, coordinating events
• Experience with CAEP accreditation
• Record of academic scholarly engagement
• Experience in Connecticut public schools (P-12) is preferred

Required Materials for a Complete Application:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter addressing: Leadership philosophy, CAEP Accreditation leadership activities, Involvement and leading student recruitment, Description of the applicant's research/scholarship engagement