Dean of Arts and Sciences

Employer
Augsburg University
Location
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Starts
Closes

Augsburg University invites applications for a Dean of Arts & Sciences, with a proposed start date of July 1, 2019.

Augsburg University Mission

Augsburg University educates students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. The Augsburg experience is supported by an engaged community that is committed to intentional diversity in its life and work. An Augsburg education is defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies, guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, and shaped by its urban and global settings.

Job Description:

The Dean will join Augsburg at an exciting moment in our institutional history: we are asking new questions about academic structure in light of our recent transition to university status; we are holding our first year of classes in a new signature academic building--the Hagfors Center for Science, Business, and Religion; and we are currently engaged in a redesign of the general education core curriculum. Among the University's distinctive strengths is an intentionally diverse mix of students: 57% of the 2018 incoming undergraduate class were students of color, 10% self-identified as Muslim, more than 8% as LGBTQIA, and 54% were Pell eligible. Distinctions within the arts & sciences include: a vibrant theater arts and music scene, a student literary magazine, and a robust faculty-student research program. Augsburg is also recognized for being military-friendly, has earned recognition for interfaith work, supports a nationally-recognized program for students in recovery (StepUP), and offers strong support for students with disabilities. We have a rich history of leadership in experiential learning and civic engagement. We seek to develop strong intercultural skills in our students as well as in ourselves.

The Dean will play a key role in articulating an inspiring and compelling vision for the liberal arts and sciences at Augsburg University, in alignment with Augsburg's mission, identity, and strategic plan. As an academic leader, the Dean will ensure that resources are allocated to the highest priorities in the arts & sciences division and help grow the leadership of faculty in a culture deeply committed to engaged collaboration and shared governance. Working collaboratively with the Provost, faculty, and staff, the Dean will work to develop, grow, and enhance signature programs in the liberal arts that cultivate critical and creative intelligence, capacities for collaborative problem-solving, integrative and interdisciplinary learning, and agency that prepares students not just to adapt to a changing world but to be positioned to change that world. Moreover, the Dean will model and support the University's commitment to intentional diversity and equity in hiring and reviewing faculty, and in encouraging the professional development of faculty at all stages of their career. The Dean will report directly to the Provost and serve on the Academic Affairs Leadership Team.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • A terminal degree from an accredited institution, preferably in an arts and sciences discipline.
  • At least six years of significant academic leadership experience as a dean, department chair or comparable role in higher education.
  • Demonstrated scholarly qualifications and experience commensurate to the rank of associate professor with tenure; demonstrated record of excellence in teaching.
  • Demonstrated experience with budget management, evidence-based decision making, and strategic planning.
  • Demonstrated capacity to work effectively and with advanced intercultural skills in a diverse work environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Strong collaborative leadership style and practice.
  • Capacity to motivate and inspire others.
  • Outstanding communication skills - speaking, listening, and fostering conversations.
  • Deep understanding of the history, cultures, and philosophies of higher education and contemporary trends and challenges.
  • Outstanding interpersonal relations skills with diverse constituents - faculty, staff, students, institutional partners and external constituents.
  • Demonstrated strength in reasoning/analysis; emotional intelligence; patience and understanding.
  • Demonstrated analytical and problem solving skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a team environment; ability to work independently with little to no supervision.
  • Commitment to cultivating excellence in self and others.

ABOUT AUGSBURG UNIVERSITY:

Augsburg's Statement of Commitment on Equity

We believe that education is the key to healthy, meaningful and productive lives for individuals, as well as to the vibrancy of our democracy. Augsburg University is dedicated to achieving an educational experience free from the barriers of poverty, racism, and discrimination so that students can fully realize their unique gifts. Recognizing that higher education's democratic promise is compromised by systemic and systematic barriers to college access and completion, Augsburg is called to stand for equity in everything we do to fulfill our academic mission, serve our students and engage our fellow citizens.

Our Students

Augsburg University has approximately 2000 traditional undergraduate students, 400 adult undergraduate students and 1,000 graduate students. Augsburg's commitment to equity and inclusiveness is reflected in the student body: for the past two years, students of color have comprised more than 50 percent of the incoming first-year undergraduate class. In Fall 2018 the University celebrated the most diverse incoming class in its history. With approximately 875 students living on campus, Augsburg engages students in a wide range of co-curricular activities, including NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletics. 

Our Institution

Augsburg University offers more than 80 undergraduate majors and 9 graduate degrees to approximately 3,400 students of diverse backgrounds. In the arts & sciences, 110 full-time faculty in 20 departments teach in more than 60 undergraduate majors and 3 graduate programs. With a student/faculty ratio of 13:1, the University focuses on close personal interaction with faculty, vocational discernment, and experiential education opportunities on campus and in the community. An Augsburg education is defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies, guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, and shaped by its urban and global settings.

Among the distinctive features of the University are its deep dedication to civic and community engagement, and a strong belief in the integration of liberal arts and professional studies across all programs. The University's commitment to the local neighborhood and the world is enhanced through the work of four signature centers: the Christensen Center for Vocation, the Center for Global Education and Experience, the Sabo Center for Democracy and Citizenship, and the Strommen Center for Meaningful Work. At both undergraduate and graduate levels, students actively engage in international travel and intercultural experiences that broaden their view of the world and deepen their engagement in it. Augsburg University has been nationally recognized for welcoming and supporting an intentionally diverse mix of students, both locally and abroad.

Augsburg's main campus is located in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis, one of the most diverse areas in the Twin Cities. The University of Minnesota West Bank campus and one of the city's largest medical complexes are adjacent to Augsburg; the Mississippi River and the Seven Corners Theatre district are just a few blocks away. The Twin Cities offer a wide range of cultural, sports, and outdoor activities. In addition to its Minneapolis campus, Augsburg has a vibrant location in Rochester, the fastest growing city in Minnesota and headquarters of the Mayo Health System. The Physician Assistant Studies program is located on the campus of Luther Seminary in St. Paul. In addition to these locations, Augsburg owns and operates international sites in Central America and southern Africa.

Augsburg University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, familial status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or public assistance status. The University is committed to building a culturally diverse faculty and staff; we strongly encourage applications from women, people of color, and members of other groups historically underrepresented in higher education. All candidates are encouraged to highlight skills and experiences that demonstrate these commitments and competencies.

Additional information about the University is available here: http://web.augsburg.edu/hr/AIP_2019.pdf

Application Instructions:

To ensure full consideration, materials should be received on or before January 7, 2019 and must include a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and five professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notice to final candidates. The search committee will continue to consider applications until the position is filled.

Augsburg University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, familial status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or public assistance status. The University is committed to building a culturally diverse faculty and staff; we strongly encourage applications from women, people of color, and members of other groups historically underrepresented in higher education. All candidates are encouraged to highlight skills and experiences that demonstrate these commitments and competencies.