"University Assistant Dean for K16 Initiatives"

POSITION DETAILS

The City University of New York’s Office of K16 Initiatives drives systemic change by building strong and innovative partnerships that advance educational equity. Our mission is to empower young New Yorkers to envision, prepare for, and realize successful futures through programs that dismantle structural barriers and expand college and career opportunities.

Serving over 100,000 students annually, K16 Initiatives sits at the intersection of the nation’s largest public university and school systems-CUNY and the NYC Public Schools (NYCPS)-providing a unique platform for impact across the K-16 continuum.

Reporting to the University Dean for K16 Initiatives, the University Assistant Dean serves as a key strategic leader, overseeing a diverse portfolio of programs focused on improving college readiness, supporting high school-to-college transitions, and promoting postsecondary success for NYC students.

This role combines programmatic oversight, strategic planning, talent development, and cross-sector collaboration to drive excellence and impact across our initiatives. The Assistant Dean also plays a critical role in shaping office-wide priorities, policy guidance, and external engagement efforts.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Provide strategic direction, executive, oversight and operational management to an assigned portfolio of programs within K16 Initiatives, including budgeting, strategy and planning and staff supervision; ensure alignment with unit-wide strategy, mission, and goals.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop directors and managers of the specified K16 programs and other staff as assigned by the University Dean; foster a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• In collaboration with the University Dean and senior leadership cabinet, establish and support unit-wide goals, strategies, and processes for the long-term success of CUNY K16 Initiatives.
• Cultivate, manage, and represent CUNY in high-level partnerships with CUNY campus and Central Office leaders, NYCPS officials, community partners, and others to ensure that the programs within the Office of K16 Initiatives have the needed resources and support.
• Write strategic memos, policy recommendations, and reports for internal and external audiences regarding activities and accomplishments in CUNY K16 Initiatives.
• Ensure continuous improvement and programmatic excellence by monitoring and evaluating student achievement, staff performance, financial resource management, and enrollment/participation patterns across assigned portfolios.
• Identify areas of strategic opportunity, risk, and innovation, and implement improvements that strengthen outcomes and advance the University’s mission.
• Serve as a member of the K16 Initiatives Senior Leadership Team and a member of Senior Staff in the Office of Academic Affairs, contributing to university-level planning, policy development, and executive decision-making.

NOTE:

Until further notice, this position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum:

This position is in CUNY's Executive Compensation Plan. All executive positions require a minimum of a bachelor's degree and eight years' related experience.

Preferred:

• Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., education, public policy, administration, or related discipline).
• Demonstrated leadership in college access, readiness, and/or success initiatives, with a sustained commitment to educational equity and student outcomes.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and anti-racist practices in education.
• Track record of successfully managing complex programs, supervising diverse and cross-functional teams, and leading large-scale strategic initiatives from planning through implementation.
• Strong collaboration skills with experience working effectively across varied stakeholders, including staff, institutional partners, government agencies, and community-based organizations.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing evaluation systems and continuous improvement processes. Ability to make data-informed decisions by analyzing, synthesizing, and presenting data in clear, actionable formats.
• Strong written and verbal communication and a high level of creative problem solving.
• Experience working in or in partnership with New York City Public Schools and a strong understanding of the NYC K-12 and postsecondary education landscape.
• Excellent presentation and group facilitation skills with the ability to communicate complex information effectively to varied audiences.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, balance deadlines, and contribute meaningfully in a collaborative team environment.
• Technological fluency, including experience with Google Workspace, CRM platforms, productivity tools, and academic, administrative, or financial systems and databases.

CUNY TITLE

University Assistant Dean

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range is $150,000 - $165,000, commensurate with credentials, education, and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, submit a cover letter and resume online via CUNY's web-based job system, addressing how your experience and credentials meet the responsibilities and qualifications outlined.

The direct link to the job opening from external sources is:

https://hrsa.cunyfirst.cuny.edu/psc/erecruit/EMPLOYEE/HRMSCG/c/HRS*HRAM*FL.HRS*CG*SEARCH*FL.GBL?Page=HRS*APP*JBPST*FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=31706&PostingSeq=1

Current CUNY employees must apply through CUNYfirst Employee Self Service using their login credentials. After you login, click the Careers tile on the Employee Self Service Menu page to view job openings

CLOSING DATE

February 10, 2026; review of applications will begin two weeks from the posting date.