Dean Search

Dean, School of Education

The University of San Francisco invites applications for the position of Dean of the School of Education to begin in AY 2013-2014.

The University of San Francisco

The University of San Francisco is recognized nationally and internationally as a premier Jesuit, Catholic, urban University with a global perspective that educates leaders who will fashion a more humane and just world. The University offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional students the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as persons and professionals, and the values and sensitivity necessary to be men and women for others.

Established as San Francisco’s first institution of higher education in 1855, the University of San Francisco presently serves over 10,000 students in Arts and Sciences, Education, Law, Management, and Nursing. The University is recognized as one of the most ethnically diverse institutions in the country and in 2009 it was ranked as one of the top 100 universities considered to be “Saviors of our Cities.” In addition, the Corporation for National and Community Service has placed the University of San Francisco in the President’s Honor Roll for 6 years in a row and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has classified the University of San Francisco as a community-engaged institution.

The School of Education

The School of Education programs began in 1947 and currently offers graduate programs (Masters and EdD) on-campus (San Francisco, Sacramento, Santa Rosa, San José, Pleasanton) as well as online.

The School of Education’s website may be viewed at www.usfca.edu/soe

Duties and Responsibilities

The Dean serves as the Chief Academic Officer of the School, and is responsible for the design, development, and delivery of more than 25 academic programs that currently serve approximately 960 graduate students. The dean supervises 42 full-time faculty, approximately 75 part-time faculty, and 28 staff members. Faculty excel in teaching, research and service with interests as varied as K-12 urban education and teacher training, school and family counseling, digital media and learning, human rights education, special education, international and multicultural education, learning and instruction, and leadership studies including Catholic Educational Leadership. The University is searching for a visionary leader who will build on what is already a strong School in order to reach new levels of scholarly achievement and impact.

In addition, the Dean:

• Ensures the quality of academic programs, faculty, staff, and students; prepares and administers the School’s annual budget; carries out strategic planning; recommends appointment, promotion, tenure, and termination of faculty and provides teaching and research faculty development resources including encouraging, supporting and advocating for excellence in teaching and research; and, works collaboratively within the context of a unionized environment.
• Provides leadership and vision to the School, works with faculty and staff to create an academic, cultural, and physical environment conducive to scholarship, intellectual vitality, and learning; and establishes and nurtures a supportive diverse work environment.
• Promotes the Vision, Mission and Values of the University as a Jesuit Catholic institution through the activities and programs of the School and works with other University administrators to assure the well-being and success of the University of San Francisco.
• As an executive officer of the university, envisions future trends, challenges, and opportunities in higher education and how USF can lead the way.
• Engages in curriculum updating and new program development including new methods of delivery.
• Supports the continuous improvement of the School through procedures relevant to the assurance of student learning including program review, assessment, and programmatic and institutional accreditation.

The Dean reports to the Provost/Academic Vice-President and serves as a member of the Provost’s Council and the President’s Leadership Team. The successful candidate will be appointed at the appropriate rank with tenure in one of the departments of the School and therefore must meet the University’s criteria for rank and tenure.

Qualifications

The University seeks a proven visionary leader in the field, with a distinctive record of achievement through teaching, scholarship, and service, who is committed to liberal education in the Catholic Jesuit tradition. The candidate should demonstrate an:

• Understanding and commitment to the Vision, Mission, and Values of the University and its Jesuit Catholic heritage.
• Established record of superior university teaching, exemplary scholarship, and distinguished university, professional, and community/public service.
• Administrative leadership, vision, and a record of increasing experience and responsibilities in a diverse environment characterized by collegial management, mentorship, inclusive decision-making, and effective communication skills.
• Ability to create and  nurture a supportive environment that utilizes transparent processes to foster intellectual vitality, creativity, student learning, and outstanding teaching, research, and service.
• Commitment to affirmative action, equity, social justice, and diversity in all its forms; experience in supporting, promoting and implementing the learning opportunities offered by a diverse community.
• Experience and commitment to fostering international perspectives in the curriculum and promoting global experiences for students, faculty, and staff.
• Ability to effectively represent the School of Education while working in collaboration with the University community and San Francisco Bay Area stakeholders.
• An understanding of managing within a unionized higher education environment.
• Knowledge of current issues in K-12 and higher education and appreciation of innovative technologies and delivery systems.
• Demonstrated ability to support faculty in obtaining grants and contracts and to institutional and school fund-raising.

Application Process

Inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited (no calls please). Candidates should send (1) a CV; (2) three letters of recommendation; and, (3) a cover letter describing their interest in the position and commenting on their background in the context of the qualifications described above. The names of five references should be provided, with telephone numbers and email addresses. All materials should be submitted electronically through www.usfjobs.com. Materials that must be mailed can be sent to:

Review of Applications will begin on November 30th, 2012 and will continue until a selection is made. Telephone interviews with pre-finalists are tentatively scheduled to take place during January 2013.

The University of San Francisco is a Jesuit Catholic university founded in 1855 to educate leaders who will fashion a more humane and just world. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to work in a culturally diverse environment and to contribute to the mission of the University.

USF is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to affirmative action and to excellence through diversity. The University provides accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities upon request.

• School of Education Dean Job Description