American Career College
Dean/Program Director, Biology (Education)
SUMMARY:
The Dean/Program Director, Bachelor of Biology Online program oversees the development, management, and administration of the program, including strategic planning, curriculum development, delivery, evaluation, teaching, budgeting, selection of faculty and staff, maintenance of accreditation, and commitment to strategies for professional development. Ensures program compliance according to state specific as well as programmatic accreditation requirements. Participates in fiscal administration, curriculum development and coordination, determination of teaching assignments, supervision and evaluation of faculty, and design and operation of online instruction in a manner consistent with University practice. Provides professional leadership and support for teaching faculty; serves as a mentor and facilitator for faculty assigned; and enables an environment which fosters creativity, responsiveness, and accountability.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position.)
Plans, organizes and implements a bachelor's degree online program in Biology in accordance with the accreditation standards and requirements of WASC.
Researches and develops an approved curriculum to meet degree requirements. Ensures the development of catalog narrative, syllabi, identification of required textbooks and collection for the library. Ensures consistency and appropriate sequencing of syllabi, textbooks, learning outcomes, etc. across the program.
Helps to organize and develop innovative online labs and simulations for the effective completion of distance lab work.
Holds periodic faculty meetings to provide for subject matter correlation and curriculum evaluation, and to coordinate activities of full-time, and adjunct faculty.
Participates as part of local campus leadership team, partnering with colleagues to ensure positive student outcomes, including those which may not be specific to the academic program.
With help of the Online Faculty Manager, recruits and selects qualified faculty. Interviews, selects, trains, counsels and evaluates faculty to ensure effective support of the program. Serves as a mentor and facilitator to faculty. Reviews the efforts of faculty and provides direction where needed, ensuring timely completion in accordance with objectives.
Establishes start-up and ongoing budgets. Monitors budget performance against approved budgets. Prepares and submits status reports to supervisor.
Develops program policies and procedures as well as admission, academic progressing, and graduation standards, all of which need approval from the Provost and potentially the University's Academic Council.
Ensures Biology program complies with state specific Bureau of Consumer Affairs, and other essential entities and represents the University and its Biology program to those entities.
Oversee the delivery of online education, including the ability to effectively ensure student learning in that modality of delivery.
The Program Dean/Director may be required to teach courses annually within the Bachelor of Biology program as assigned by their supervisor.
Oversees development and implementation of a program strategic plan as necessary to fulfill goals and plans of the Biology program.
Assesses and makes recommendations for programmatic improvements following the defined processes and protocols. Leads the annual “Program Review” process, ensuring sufficient learning outcome and other required data are gathered on a timely basis, input into appropriate templates and reviewed in a highly collaborative fashion with faculty. Makes recommendations for action plans based upon concise presentation of evidence, findings, and conclusions.
Leads in the process of new course development and assures quality outcomes and consistent implementation.
Recruits and advises potential program candidates and students. Partners with Admissions and Marketing departments on program changes and provides information on program and program design.
Work effectively with students and staff of varied cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds and ages, and interact successfully as a member of an educational team. Ensures that student issues and concerns are addressed within 24 hours of being made known.
Ensures the development of a program advisory board comprised of professionals who work in the field and who can contribute to the ongoing evaluation of program currency and relevance.
Represents the program with both internal and external constituents.
Functions as a member of the University's Academic Council. Provides feedback regarding improvement and/or revision of the occupational therapy programs and curriculum based on regulatory changes.
Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal reporting requirements.
Ensures processes are in place to track, monitor and record student completion and/or outcomes of tests/exams for certification and/or licensure status in field of program and provides required reports as needed.
Monitors and analyzes student attrition and retention data and works with other campus leaders to develop initiatives that can be implemented to improve retention.
Establishes short- and long-range goals, objectives in accordance with University operating plans. Plans will be evaluated as part of the Provost's submission for University Academic Affairs.
Develops budgets, plans, and staffing requirements for the operation of the program and manages daily operations, staffing and expenses to remain within budget guidelines.
Works closely with University Administration, attends meetings, and provides reports and/or information as needed.
Participates in professional development and organizations on a planned and pre-approved basis in order to maintain an understanding of current ideas, research and practices. Ensures that faculty development is a high priority, including faculty pursuits of board and specialty certifications in occupational therapy.
Maintains professional appearance for position and serves as a role model, leader and mentor to the campus community.
Adheres to University policies and procedures and provides leadership to all staff through guidance and example.
Maintains regular and timely attendance, reports to work as scheduled and assures time worked and/or time-off is recorded properly.
Conducts job responsibilities in accordance with the standards set out in the University's Code of Ethical Conduct, Compliance Agreement, Sexual Harassment Policy or any of its policies and procedures, applicable federal and states laws, and applicable professional standards.
Maintains confidentiality of all student, associate, and/or university information as required.
Exercises care, proper use and maintenance of department equipment and supplies and identifies unsafe conditions and makes appropriate adjustments.
Maintains order, cleanliness and safety at work.
Performs other job duties as assigned.
EDUCATION:
Earned doctoral degree required that is awarded by an institution that is accredited by a USDE-recognized national or regional accrediting body. The doctoral degree should be that which is appropriate to lead the program, given accreditation requirements.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:
None required.
KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:
Minimum one year administrative experience including program planning and implementation, personnel management, evaluation, and budgeting.
At least five years of experience in a full-time academic appointment with teaching responsibilities at the post-secondary level. Additional administrative experience may be substituted for a lack of full-time academic experience.
Demonstrated experience in the delivery of online instruction.
Demonstrated experience in the delivery and/or development of online laboratory work and/or simulations.
General Requirements:
Leadership knowledge in the program field to cultivate a learner-centered environment and to foster excellence.
Knowledge in technological support and delivery of program area and services through online instruction.
Knowledge and evidence of strong supervisory and management skills as applicable to specialized program area.
Knowledge of state, federal and local laws/regulations relating to programs, governmental compliance and other regulatory standards such as Title IV, WASC, and other accreditation standards.
Experience with MS Office.
Knowledge of applicable databases and computer application systems to supply the most accurate information, reports and projections.
qualifications/Skills: (Every effort has been made to identify the essential skills/qualifications of this position. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only skills/qualifications you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of skills/qualifications does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is an essential skill/qualification of the position.)
Ability to work independently with general supervision.
Ability to demonstrate a thorough, accurate and practical knowledge of the field or discipline.
Ability to interpret and evaluate the theories of their field or discipline.
Ability to effectively operate related equipment and machines for instructional purposes. Most notably, ability to optimize student learning through instruction delivered in an online modality.
Ability to operate a variety of office equipment and machines such as computer terminal, calculator and copier.
Ability to manage and work effectively in a highly ethnic and culturally diverse student and associate community.
Ability to use effective communication skills, both oral and written, including presentations and effective listening skills.
Ability to speak before public groups, committees and meetings.
Ability to effectively use interpersonal skills, follow through with duties, provide attention to detail, and demonstrate the ability to motivate others.
Ability to use creative facilitation and conflict resolution skills to resolve difficult and sensitive issues.
Ability to demonstrate excellent analytical and organizational skills.
Ability to self-direct, self-pace, multi-task and function well under pressure of deadlines and conflicting priorities.
Ability to work with individuals at all levels of the organization.
Ability to exercise good judgment.
Ability to interpret rules, regulations, policies and procedures and assure compliance.
Ability to demonstrate excellent customer service skills and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule.
Ability to travel/drive locally on a weekly, daily and/or on an as needed basis.
Ability to demonstrate bilingual skills is a plus but not mandatory.
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