Assistant Dean - Academic

Sweet Briar is a liberal arts college for women with a long history of forging female leaders.  Sweet Briar College is repeatedly named by the US News and World Report as one of the most innovative liberal arts colleges in the nation.  Sweet Briar College is growing rapidly, attracting students who are drawn to it for its excellent liberal arts program, coupled with distinctive programs in women's leadership, engineering, sustainability, arts, and its legendary equestrian program.

The College boasts a modern core curriculum focused on women's leadership in the 21st century and undergraduate programs in the arts, sciences, and humanities, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching. It is one of only two women’s colleges in the United States with an ABET-accredited engineering degree. The women’s leadership core curriculum is innovative and energizing.

When students graduate, they are persuasive communicators who know how to think on their feet and bring people together. No matter what they study or where they go, Sweet Briar women are prepared to lead. The campus community is a family of faculty, staff, coaches, and alumnae who support and encourage students and each other. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1, students lead research, ask questions, and forge supportive relationships with faculty that can last for decades.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Sweet Briar College is committed to enhancing our community and encourages applications from qualified individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints who would strengthen the College.

Job Title: Assistant or Associate Dean-Academic

Job Summary/Objective:

Supporting the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the College (referred to as “Dean” below), the Assistant or Associate Dean will serve in the Dean’s office in the primary role of interfacing with students and families, ensuring student academic progress and resolving academic concerns.  Depending on educational background and teaching experience, the incumbent may also teach courses annually in the College’s Leadership Core Curriculum, our version of a general education curriculum. 

Classification: Three-year initial appointment, renewable, benefits- eligible, position, full-time for 10 months, with a 50% summer appointment.  Evening and weekend hours will be required.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Primary responsibility for addressing student academic issues that come to the Dean’s office, after students have gone through the appropriate process of working with other individuals and offices (e.g. faculty, advisors, the Student Academic Success Center).   In doing so, adhere to processes and policies set by the College catalog, College handbooks, Faculty rulings, and the Dean.
• Leadership in supporting the academic side of student retention, working in close partnership with the Manager and other staff of the Student Academic Success Center and developing co-programming as appropriate with the Dean of Student Life.  May teach, co-teach, or support co-curricular or for-credit offerings related to college readiness.
• Maintain consistent communication with the Academic Dean
• Work closely and collaboratively with other College offices and administrators, including the Registrar’s Office, Student Academic Success Center, Student Life, Library, and Athletics/Riding
• Meet with students planning to participate in study abroad or other off-campus academic experiences; take leaves of absence; etc., on their plans and pathways to graduation
• Support admissions efforts by interacting with prospective students as directed by the Dean, both individually and at admissions open houses and other events
• Serve on College committees related to the student academic experience
• Provide strategic support and fill other duties as assigned by the Dean 
• Pending background and experience, teach courses in the College’s Leadership Core Curriculum.  Specific courses will be determined in consultation with the Dean and the Director of the Core.

Requirements:

• Graduate degree completed
• 3+ years teaching and/or working in student academic support at the undergraduate level; longer experience at other levels or work in higher education policy may be considered
• Experience in advising students on graduation requirements and other academic matters
• Familiarity with issues in undergraduate higher education, such as retention, honors, and first-year experience
• Problem solving and conflict resolution skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred:

• Terminal degree (e.g. Ph.D., M.F.A., M.B.A.)
• 3+ years of experience in student-facing academic roles that include an advising component; could be at the high school or college level
• Experience working with both students struggling academically and those who are looking for additional and more intensive academic opportunities

Other Duties: 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

How to Apply: 

To apply, visit https://sbc.edu/human-resources/faculty-staff-job-openings/. All applications should include: 1) cover letter; 2) CV; 3) statement of teaching and/or advising and mentoring philosophy; 4) the names and full contact information for three professional references (you will be notified before references are contacted). Please combine these materials into a single pdf for uploading. Candidates who advance in the search may be asked to provide additional materials.  The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.