Position Summary:

The Dean is the Chief Academic Officer of the colleges. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Dean is responsible for overall academic endeavors and serves as the Chief Administrative Officer in the absence of the Executive Director. Academic excellence, program growth and mission achievement are top priorities. The Dean leads academic planning, faculty development, alliance-building, accreditation and compliance, institutional planning and research, and student assessment and improvement. The Dean is expected to be a strong communicator and leader on campus, within the colleges, and in the community.

Principal Duties:

 Leading the development, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of the Colleges’ academic programs, including curricula and instruction, together with related co-curricular activities and student services.

 Providing leadership in shared governance and working collaboratively with the Faculty Council and its committees.

 Providing leadership, supervision, and development for the faculty, librarian, registrar, and other academic and student services staff.

 Overseeing the development and implementation of academic policies and procedures including, without limitation, admission, retention, and probation standards; grading and student learning assessment policies; retention and probation standards; and matters concerning student behavior and discipline policies, including Title IX sexual harassment matters.

 Coordinating Academic Program Review and academic-related aspects of the Institutional Effectiveness Plan (IEP).

 Developing budget proposals and managing academic expenditures.

 Representing the academic interests of the Colleges and the concerns of faculty and students to the Executive Director and other administrators, regarding matters concerning the academic programs, budget proposals, and academic personnel policies.

 Recommending academic personnel for employment, and providing oversight of recruitment, selection, mentoring, advising, evaluation, promotion, succession planning, scholarship, and professional development for faculty and staff.

 Serve as the Colleges’ liaison to The Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California and representing the Colleges at meetings of the CALS Deans Association and as Accreditation Liaison Officer for the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

 Leading Colleges’ accreditation reviews and preparations to include self-studies, focused and comprehensive visits.

 Monitoring and responding to advances in the field of legal education, and legal practice.

 Building and maintaining a continuing and ongoing relationship with alumni.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

 Senior level experience in higher education administration with a strong record of academic leadership and a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement

 Demonstrated leadership in accreditation processes

 Very strong interpersonal and relationship building skills

 Evidence of successful decision making in a collaborative environment

Position Qualifications:

• An earned JD degree from an accredited institution.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible, successful administrative and academic management experience in a growing, multifaceted organization; higher education and legal experience are a plus.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, academic practices, financial analysis, and budget formation.
• Experience coordinating efforts across functions and departments, and working effectively within a matrix organization.
• Experience managing within a growth-oriented organization, demonstrating ability to be flexible and willingness to adapt.
• Experience in building relationships with alumni, partners, and outside stakeholders.
• An understanding of how technology utilization can support the academic functions of the colleges.
• Demonstrated ability to define issues, develop alternatives, and build solutions; effective leadership experience with managing diverse teams.
• Excellent analytical, professional, written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience relating to and effectively working with multiple constituencies and ability to work effectively as a member of a matrix leadership team.
• Familiarity with accreditation and regulations of higher education.
• California State Bar membership preferred.

The Colleges of Law offers a generous compensation and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to work for a leader in the field of education. Some of our key benefits include: generous paid time-off, medical and dental coverage, company-paid life and disability insurance, 403b savings plan, multiple flexible spending accounts (FSA), tuition reimbursement, and professional development.

The Santa Barbara & Venture Colleges of Law is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

About The Colleges of Law:

Founded more than 45 years ago to expand opportunities for legal education, today the Colleges of Law are widely recognized as being among the state's premier regional law schools. Our part-time, evening law program and online M.L.S. program allow students to prepare for rewarding professional careers without abandoning their job and family responsibilities.

Many of our JD graduates have distinguished themselves as judges, public officials, and attorneys working in private law firms, corporate law offices, and governmental entities. Others have used their legal knowledge to pursue successful careers in fields such as business, education, health care, and law enforcement.

For more information and to apply, visit http://bitly.com/Dean_and_CAO_Position