Dean, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Fine Arts

Highland Community College is accepting applications for the position of Dean of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Fine Arts, with an expected start date no later than January 2, 2025. Candidates should hold a Master’s degree in a relevant humanities, social sciences, or fine arts discipline and possess at least five years of college-level teaching experience.

The Dean will oversee the development, supervision, coordination, and evaluation of instructional programs within these areas. Responsibilities include directing and managing all facets of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Fine Arts education, including program development, securing funding, budgeting oversight. managing grants, and ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements. Preferred qualifications include experience in administering instructional programs and related support activities, as well as working in a unionized environment. A successful criminal background check is required for this position.

Application is not complete until the following materials are submitted: cover letter, resume/CV, copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts, (unofficial copies are acceptable for the purpose of application), and three current professional letters of recommendation. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.

To apply for this position and view complete job description and requirements, please visit our website at: www.highland.edu/employment or contact 815-599-3534 for an alternative application method.

Highland Community College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, and encourages applications from veterans, minorities, people with disabilities and other diverse groups.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES: To provide supervision and direction for the programs within the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Fine Arts areas of the College.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES: (essential functions)

• Trains, supervises and evaluates the work performance of assigned staff and faculty. Recommends employees for promotion, reassignment, discipline and termination.
• Develops, supervises, coordinates and evaluates the instructional programs related to areas of assignment.
• Directs the development of class schedules and teaching assignments and efficiently distributes teaching loads.
• Directs and coordinates all aspects Humanities, Social Sciences, and Fine Arts education related funding options, grants, and state and federal requirements.
• Actively participates in and seeks opportunities to develop and promote new and existing programs and courses.
• Develops partnerships with internal constituents and external organizations to better serve the students and local community.
• Prepares and manages the annual budget and makes recommendations for the purchase of supplies, materials and equipment.
• Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of annual goals and objectives for the College, the division, other supervised areas and individuals.
• Interprets administrative policies to faculty and staff and represents division faculty and staff members to the administration.
• Provides supervision, leadership, and motivation to improve the quality of instruction, to implement the concept of the learning college, and to establish quality management principles and processes.
• Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of annual goals and objectives for the College, the division and individuals.
• Oversees and facilitates the assessment of student learning within the division.
• Participates in the College accreditation process and other projects as assigned.
• Oversees the course development, implementation, and evaluation of transitional reading and English on campus and in regional high schools.
• Develops personnel requirements and qualifications for assigned areas and, with the assistance of Human Resources, locates, interviews and recommends qualified personnel.
• Assists in the preparation and maintenance of a variety of reports, plans, surveys and questionnaires as required.
• Participates in collective bargaining as requested.
• In accordance with the Risk Management Policy and Program:

Reviews student complaints.

Oversees and monitors instructor and student travel.

Performs safety assessments of Humanities/Social Sciences/Fine Arts classrooms and equipment.

Procures and oversees the use of program materials and supplies necessary to maintain campus safety.

Serves as a member of the College’s Emergency Operations Team. Participates in emergency response training and drills and assumes an emergency response function as outlined in the College’s Emergency Operation Plan.

Reviews student conduct and interventions.

• Oversees and manages the Community Leadership Programs.
• In consultation with the Vice President/CAO, Academic Services, may teach up to 6 credit hours per fall and spring semesters within appropriate content area.
• Represents the College at various meetings on and off campus.
• Communicates effectively with staff and departments to support efficiency and the sharing of institutional knowledge.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

Knowledge of English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.

Knowledge of practices in the administration of instructional programs and related support activities.

Knowledge of curriculum, programs and staff development.

Knowledge of assessment practices of student learning.

Knowledge of personnel management and supervisory principles and practices.

Knowledge of utilizing data to make informed decisions.

Knowledge of budget preparation and expenditure control.

Knowledge of technology used in teaching and learning.

Skill in operating computers and software applications.

Skill in assessing community and instructional education needs and developing responsive programs.

Skill in effective leadership, delegating tasks and authority, and training personnel.

Skill in planning and developing instructional services.

Skill in assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.

Skill in developing and implementing long and short-range goals and procedures for cost effective management of allocated resources.

Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives and implementing effective solutions.

Skill in preparing reports, developing and monitoring budgets, and administering policies and procedures.

Skill in establishing and maintaining effective relationships with a diverse population of co-workers and others.

Skill in researching and writing grants and other operational reports.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ACTIVITIES: The physical requirements of this position are sedentary in nature, exerting up to 10 lbs of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s degree in humanities, social sciences, fine arts or a related field and five (5) years full-time teaching experience at the college level.

REQUIRED LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: None.

SECURITY SENSITIVE POSITION: Requires a criminal background check.

REPORTS TO: Vice President/Chief Academic Officer, Academic Services