Dean, Agriculture, Business, and Technology

Highland Community College is accepting applications for the position of Dean of Agriculture, Business, and Technology, with an expected start date of January 2, 2025. Candidates should hold a Master’s degree in vocational education, business education, agriculture, administrative or a related field and five (5) years teaching experience in a business or technical field, along with some non-academic work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provide the required knowledge and skills.

The Dean will oversee the development, supervision, coordination, and evaluation of instructional programs within these areas. Responsibilities include directing and managing all facets of agriculture, business, and technology education, including program development, overseeing dual credit within the division, 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, coordinating with area career and technical centers, 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, 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 direction and leadership within the areas of Agriculture, Business, and Technology Programs.

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 and coordinates all aspects of Vocational/Technical education related to program and curriculum development, funding options, including grants, and state and federal requirements.
• Prepares and manages the annual budget and makes recommendations for the purchase of supplies, materials and equipment.
• Represents the College at various meetings on and off campus.
• 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.
• Directs the development of class schedules, making teaching assignments and efficiently distributing teaching loads for Agriculture, Business, and Technology.
• Develops partnerships with internal constituents and external organizations to better serve the students and local community.
• Participates in the College accreditation process, and other projects as assigned.
• Oversees and facilitates the assessment of student learning within the division.
• Participates in collective bargaining as requested.
• Assists in the preparation and maintenance of a variety of reports, plans, surveys, questionnaires as required.
• 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.
• Develops personnel requirements and qualifications for assigned areas and, with the assistance of Human Resources, locates, interviews and recommends qualified personnel.
• 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.
• Actively participates in and seeks opportunities to develop and promote new and existing programs and courses.
• In accordance with the Risk Management Policy and Program:

Reviews student complaints.

Oversees and monitor instructor and student travel.

Performs safety assessments of Agriculture, Business, and Technology 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 Emergency Operations Team. Participates in emergency response training and drills and assumes an emergency response function as outlined in the College’s Emergency Operations Plan.

Review student conduct and intervention.

• 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 vocational/technical instructional programs and

related support activities.

Knowledge of curriculum, programs and staff development.

Knowledge of assessment practices of student learning.

Knowledge of technology used in teaching and learning.

Knowledge of grant administration techniques, budget preparation and expenditure control.

Knowledge of research and analysis techniques and strategies.

Knowledge of training needs of local business and industry.

Knowledge of utilizing data to make informed decisions.

Knowledge of personnel management and supervisory principles and practices.

Skill in operating a computer and software applications.

Skill in communicating effectively orally and in writing.

Skill in effectively managing staff, delegating tasks and authority, and training personnel.

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

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 resolving conflicts.

Skill in researching and writing grants and other operational reports.

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.

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 vocational education, business education, administrative or a related field and five (5) years teaching experience in a business or technical field, along with some non-academic work experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience that provide the required knowledge and skills.

REQUIRED LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Valid driver’s license.

SECURITY SENSITIVE POSITION: Requires a criminal background check.

REPORTS TO: Vice President/CAO, Academic Services