Dean, School of Education

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About Holy Family University

Holy Family University is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth founded in 1954. The University is a private institution in the Catholic tradition with campus locations in Philadelphia and Newtown PA. The main campus is nestled in the heart of a historic residential neighborhood in Northeast Philadelphia that is vibrant and just minutes from the excitement of Center City. The Newtown campus is located in Bucks County surrounded by nature and a step away from parks, farmers’ markets and great dining.

One of the best parts of Holy Family University is our welcoming atmosphere--and that's not by chance. Our mission centers on creating an environment that encourages all members to get to know one another, learn from one another, and experience a range of perspectives and worldviews. Our community is strong because of this.

University Benefits

Holy Family University takes pride in offering a range of meaningful and flexible benefits designed to promote the health and wellness of our employees and their dependents. Our comprehensive benefits and resources focus on physical, mental and financial wellness to include medical, prescription, dental and vision. We did not stop there; we also offer our employees the following fringe benefits and more.

  • Commuter Benefits: Transit and park benefits through pre-tax payroll deductions
  • Half-Day Fridays: Enjoy half day Fridays in the summer
  • 403(b) Retirement: Discretionary match up to 5%; vested immediately
  • Time Off: 12 Paid Holidays, Vacation, Personal, Sick Days and a week off for Winter Break
  • Tuition Benefits: Employees or dependents pursuing a first Undergraduate Degree receive 100% tuition remission; employees pursuing a first Master’s or Doctoral degree, receive 100% tuition remission; eligible dependents pursuing a first Master’s or Doctoral degree, receive 50% tuition discount
  • Alpha House: 50% Discount for Nursery, Pre-K and Kindergarten 

Position Summary

The Dean for the School of Education is responsible for the overall management and operations of Holy Family University’s School of Education and will report to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The candidate must be dedicated to excellence in teaching, scholarly activity, service, and is expected to cultivate strong alumni and external relationships to support and grow the School of Education. The Dean also works to advance both the vision of the School of Education and the University’s Strategic Plan through creative, engaged leadership and a commitment to transparency, collaboration, and collegial communication. The Dean for the School of Education serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the School, with responsibility for the substantive review and decision-making of matters within the School, and for advancing recommendations to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Direct Reports

  • Associate Dean
  • Program Directors
  • Field Placement Director
  • Faculty and Staff in the School of Education

General Expectations of Holy Family University Employees

  • Uphold the mission and core values of Holy Family University, supporting the education of students to assume lifelong responsibilities towards God, society and self
  • Accomplish assigned duties in an efficient, effective and competent manner
  • Strive for improvement and excellence in all work performed
  • Demonstrate the ability to effectively interact with and work with students, faculty, staff and the public
  • Follow and abide by all University policies, rules, regulations and guidelines

If an alternative work location is permitted or should become necessary, the employee must be able to perform all parts of this job description while working away from the office, on campus or a combination, and be proficient or willing to become proficient in the technology needed to work away from the office.

Essential Functions

Job duties must be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, and may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics.  This position description is illustrative and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents in this position.

Strategic Leadership & Management

  • Provide leadership to the faculty in development of academic policies, procedures and plans for furthering the educational mission and strategic plans for the School of Education and the University’s Strategic Plan
  • Administer and maintain accurate records for students, faculty and support staff, such as advising reports, professional development plans, annual evaluations and other personnel records as appropriate for specific program needs and responsibilities of the school
  • Supervise class scheduling and allocate administrative functions within the school, e.g., coordinators, directors, and ad-hoc task groups
  • Direct personnel search processes by assigning committee members and Chairs, determining job specifications, supervising the direction of the search, reporting results to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and independently making a recommendation of a final candidate
  • Conduct formative and summative evaluations of faculty and support staff in accordance with institutional policy to make recommendations to the Vice President for Academic Affairs such as initial appointments, promotions, sabbaticals, leave of absences, release time and other personnel matters
  • Lead the process of new program development and revision of existing programs, together with the faculty of the school in keeping with strategic planning initiatives and seek accreditation and approvals by relevant state, regional, national and professional accrediting agencies
  • Attend University meetings. These include, but are not limited to leading School of Education Faculty Meetings and Professional Development, Academic Affairs Leadership Team Meetings and Deans Meetings with the VPAA
  • Attend internal and external events to represent the School of Education. These include but are not limited to graduation, honors ceremonies, open houses, orientation, meetings with leadership teams in school districts, meetings led by the office of the Mayor of Philadelphia, and other organizations
  • Work in conjunction with the Vice President for Finance, Vice President for Enrollment and other university departments in developing and monitoring initiatives for student enrollment and retention, including budget preparation

External Partnerships & Outreach

  • Develop, cultivate, and maintain strong relationships with public and private school districts, educational organizations, and community partners to identify collaboration opportunities for student placements, professional development, research, and program development
  • Lead initiatives to expand partnerships and field experiences for students, ensuring high-quality, diverse, and faith-informed practical training
  • Represent the School of Education at external events, conferences, and meetings, promoting its programs and mission
  • Assist the division of Marketing and Communications with marketing and planning
  • Assist the division of University Advancement in grantsmanship, stewardship, and fundraising

Accreditation & Compliance

  • Serve as the primary liaison between the School of Education and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to ensure all School of Education programs meet and exceed accreditation standards.  This includes preparing and submitting annual PDE program reports as well as Title II federal reports
  • Oversee the preparation of accreditation reports and lead site visits, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements
  • Stay abreast of changes in state and national educational policies and accreditation standards, advising the faculty on necessary program adjustments

Program Development & Innovation (in keeping with strategic planning initiatives)

  • Lead the process of new program development and revision of existing programs, together with the faculty of the school in keeping with strategic planning initiatives and seek accreditation and approvals by relevant state, regional, national and professional accrediting agencies
  • Identify emerging trends and needs in education to inform the development of innovative and relevant academic programs, professional development opportunities, and community engagement initiatives
  • Collaborate with faculty and program directors and staff within the School of Education to integrate external feedback and industry best practices into curriculum design and program delivery
  • Explore and develop new revenue streams through grants, contracts, and partnerships with external organizations
  • Collaborate with faculty and staff across the university in the development of programs and other opportunities that emerge at the university

Mission Integration

  • Ensure that all external initiatives and partnerships align with and reflect the faith-based mission and values of Holy Family University
  • Promote the integration of faith and learning in all aspects of the School's engagement with external stakeholders

Non-Essential Duties/Responsibilities

Any other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience Requirements

  • An earned doctorate (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) in Education or a closely related field from an accredited institution
  • Professional experience appropriate to appointment at the level of professor
  • Evidence of progressively responsible administrative roles within an academic setting
  • Experience working collegially in a shared governance model
  • Strong commitment to both professional education and the liberal arts

Or

  • An earned doctorate (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) in Education or a closely related field from an accredited institution
  • Minimum of five to seven years of progressively responsible administrative experience in education, preferably within a School or College of Education
  • Demonstrated success in developing and managing partnerships with external agencies, school districts, and/or state educational bodies
  • Strong understanding of state accreditation processes and standards for educator preparation programs
  • Experience in program development, assessment, and evaluation
  • Experience in K-12 education

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Extensive knowledge of curriculum development and academic policy
  • Knowledge of and ability to follow university policies and procedures
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Outstanding oral, written, and presentation skills
  • Organizational skills, particularly when it comes to academic administration
  • Exhibited capacity to network effectively within and beyond the academic community
  • Knowledge of and ability to facilitate grant opportunities in collaboration with our Advancement office
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal), with the ability to effectively engage diverse stakeholders
  • Proven leadership and management abilities, with a capacity to lead, inspire, and motivate others
  • Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
  • Proficiency in relevant technology and data analysis

Mission Commitment

A demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of Holy Family University and a willingness to integrate faith into professional practice.

Work Environment

  • Operates in an office environment that may have frequent interruptions
  • The area is well-lit, temperature controlled and free from hazards
  • Noise level is generally quiet to moderate

Physical Requirements

  • Communicates frequently, in person, over the phone, or via a computer
  • Hearing is needed for extensive telephone and in person communication
  • Regularly required to sit for long periods of time; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms
  • Manual dexterity is needed in order to operate a computer keyboard
  • Operates standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines

Non-Discrimination Statement

Holy Family University seeks to foster a welcoming and a healthy educational and work environment based on respect, the dignity of each person and the oneness of the human family. Holy Family University is dedicated to ensuring an environment free of discrimination or harassment of any kind, and promotes equal opportunity in its employment and education.

Find more details on our commitment to nondiscrimination.

We invite qualified applicants to view our open positions and apply directly at our career center by submitting a cover letter and resume.