The Dean for the School of Social Work has oversight responsibility for the planning, administration, evaluation and improvement of the academic and administrative programs, services, and functions of the School of Social Work. The Dean provides leadership to the faculty and staff in maintaining an excellent program of instruction consistent with the mission of the University. The Dean also has management oversight for curriculum development, accreditation, budget administration, and university advancement.
Essential Job Duties -
Direct the development, strategic planning, implementation, assessment, administration and continuous improvement of all academic curricula and programs, support services and administrative functions of the School, including operating policies and procedures. Oversee programs offered on the campuses in Jackson and Germantown.
Advance research, scholarly and creative activity within the School, in keeping with institutional initiatives and resources. Develop a vision, long-term goals, and strategic plans for the School.
Provide leadership in the hiring of faculty and staff for the School. Plan staffing needs and organizational structures. Make recommendations to the Provost/VPAA on faculty appointment, reappointment, promotion, tenure, and termination.
Confer regularly with program directors and staff to plan, coordinate and evaluate activities. Provide counsel on issues and lead in problem solving.
Advance excellence in teaching by supporting, encouraging and managing faculty development and evaluation. Ensure that non-faculty staff are provided with development opportunities.
Carry a teaching load of 6 semester hours during each twelve-month academic year.
Oversee the compliance and renewal of national accreditation with the Council on Social Work Education.
Work with the Provost/VPAA on planning full-time and part-time faculty teaching assignments, developing the academic calendar, coordinating academic schedules and enlisting faculty for various University functions such as advisement, recruitment, freshmen enrollment, etc.
Oversee the assignment of faculty advisors for students and the development and evaluation of faculty advisors.
Develop and manage budgets for the Dean’s Office and the academic programs of the School of Social Work.
Openly and effectively communicate with faculty, staff, and students to foster an environment which strongly encourages learning by students, professional growth by faculty, and person-centered relationships among faculty and between students and faculty.
Pursue and promote active and mutually beneficial collaborations with stakeholders and constituents in the community, including field agencies, local and state governments, congregations, and the general public.
In collaboration with the Office of Institutional Advancement, lead and support fundraising efforts for the School and University.
Collaborate with other College/School Deans, and serve as an active member on the Academic Deans’ Council.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Provost/VPAA and President.
Required Qualifications -
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a doctoral degree in Social Work or a related field, and five years of professional practice experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must demonstrate a commitment to academic scholarship that includes public speaking and a commendable publishing record (e.g. books, articles). A history of demonstrated leadership, budget accountability, effective stewardship of financial and human resources, and a commitment to fundraising are also required. This position also requires the ability to manage a complex organization while articulating a strategic vision for the future.
Preferred Qualifications -
Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience as an articulate advocate for the liberal arts and the Christian intellectual tradition. Preference will also be given to applicants who have experience working in both undergraduate and graduate programs that include both licensure and non-licensure programs, as well as experience and understanding of innovative delivery methods that include online, in person and off site.
Union University is a private, coeducational liberal arts-based university offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The campus is located in Jackson, Tenn., with additional campuses in Germantown, Hendersonville, and Memphis, Tenn., and enrolls about 2,700 students. Union University stands as a national leader among colleges and universities in promoting a Christian worldview and a Christ-centered approach to education. Union is consistently ranked among the nation’s premier Christian universities and has been recognized as a top-tier institution each year since 1997 by U.S. News & World Report, which also recognized Union at a national level for undergraduate teaching excellence.