Faculty are essential to Liberty University’s mission of Training Champions for Christ. It is expected that a faculty member model a personal commitment to the goals and values of Liberty University, engage in an active commitment to, and experience of, personal spiritual formation within a biblically informed Christian worldview. Faculty should view their teaching, engagement with students, and scholarship as a means to a significant educational end. They should strive to employ a variety of techniques for the development of good learning conditions, view each student as a unique individual, and insofar as it is possible, provide for individual differences, abilities, and interests.
The Dean is a full time, 12-month contracted position within the School of Engineering. This position is a senior academic administrator, as well as a member of the faculty, whose primary role is to provide exceptional leadership and overall direction to the School of Engineering. The Dean meets regularly with the Provost, Vice Provosts, Associate Vice Provosts, and Registrar regarding the administration of academic programs offered through the College/School, the development of new curricula and programs to be offered, the development of goals and objectives, the initiation or response to necessary curriculum changes, and the implementation of the routine responsibilities of the School of Engineering faculty. In coordination with the Provost office, the Dean also appoints departmental leadership, oversees accreditation of the School of Engineering, and strengthens external partnerships.
The Dean is responsible for providing exceptional leadership and overall direction for the School of Engineering's curricular initiatives, strategic planning, program evaluation and development, market planning, interdisciplinary initiatives in education, research and scholarship, professional networking, alumni engagement, enrollment, retention, student persistence, and student completion. The Dean is also responsible for the School of Engineering financial and administrative affairs, including the creation of budget proposals and assisting in the management of fiscal resources, as well as the recruitment, evaluation, and retention of high-quality faculty and staff. Other duties may be required as determined by University leadership.
In addition to the academic and professional development of faculty, the Dean is also responsible for spiritual leadership within their College/School and should conduct themselves in a manner that supports and fosters Liberty University’s doctrinal commitments. The Dean leads the spiritual development of faculty, staff, and students, ensuring that Christian values remain the focus of our mission and purpose. The Dean should also actively participate in a local church and live a life that leads people to Jesus Christ as the Lord of the universe and as their own personal Savior so their lives can be lived as testimonies to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Faculty and Curriculum:
In accordance with the mission and teaching philosophy of Liberty University, promote excellence and continuous improvement in all matters of College/School administration, delivery of academic programs, and development of the faculty.
Recruit, evaluate, and retain high quality faculty and staff.
Ensure faculty members possess proper credentials, develop professionally, and contribute to University and College/School academic operations.
Supervise, mentor, and coach Associate Dean(s) Assistant Dean(s) Online Chair(s), Instructional Mentor(s), Program Director(s), Subject Matter Expert(s), and curriculum developers in academic matters.
Approve and endorse Program Director and Chair appointments, ensuring that appointments are appropriately aligned with the academic standards of accreditors.
Oversee scheduling of faculty teaching and evaluation; recommend faculty promotions.
Oversee curricular program assessment and the development of learning outcomes for new academic programs.
Ensure quality program content and delivery and facilitate the sharing of best practices among faculty.
Report to internal and external stakeholders on the matters related to the curriculum, faculty development, and student success.
Lead annual reviews of curriculum changes, develop curricular and policy revisions, and assist with textbook selection.
Ensure that faculty and staff provide academic support and advising to students when relevant; connect students with University services and support offices relevant to student affairs.
Other duties as assigned.
2. Administrative and Financial Affairs:
Provide leadership and assist the Provost’s Office in administering University academic programs.
Maintain professional accreditation of College/School programs.
Articulate and implement a vision/plan for strategic program development, improvement, and expansion.
Organize regular departmental meetings to develop goals and objectives for the College/School, initiate necessary curriculum changes, and facilitate the implementation of routine College/School responsibilities.
Ensure academic comparability of courses and degree programs offered both residentially and online; ensure coordinated efforts across campuses in the interests of the University’s mission and philosophy of education.
Develop direct/indirect measures to assess and improve the quality of all programs.
Play an integral role in student recruitment and program growth.
Analyze, evaluate, and interpret institutional reporting, then recommend data-driven decisions to staff, faculty, and administration.
Regularly monitor and respond to program enrollment, credit hours delivered, student retention, program effectiveness, and overall College/School growth.
Ensures that all Institutional Effectiveness and Research requirements that relate to the Strategic Plan and SACSCOC Reaffirmation are completed in a thorough and timely manner.
Identify opportunities for new program development or modifications to existing programs in order to ensure that Liberty’s academic offerings meet the changing needs of our student population, industry, and society in general.
Manage fiscal resources, prepare the annual department budget, and submit budget proposals.
Monitor monthly expenditures.
3. University Service:
Participate in special projects and assignments, as assigned by the Provost or Vice Provosts.
Complete benchmark comparisons and programmatic reviews.
May periodically serve on one or more of the following types of University, College/School, or departmental committees: Faculty Senate, Faculty Senate Organizational Committees, school/department, and/or special committees.
Attend special University events, including faculty orientation, baccalaureate and commencement exercises, team building exercises, etc.
4. Spiritual Leadership:
Encourage a commitment to the Christian life, one of personal integrity, sensitivity to the needs of others, social responsibility, and active communication of the Christian faith, and, as it is lived out, a life that leads people to Jesus Christ as the Lord of the universe and their own personal Savior.
Support and foster Liberty University’s doctrinal commitments.
Support and foster the spiritual development of faculty, staff, and students, ensuring that Christian values remain the focus of our mission and purpose at Liberty University.
QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS
Education and Experience
Minimum Qualifications:
• Ph.D. or terminal degree in specific area of study, or relevant/related field.
• Online and residential teaching experience, with program development experience as a plus.
• Understanding of technologies associated with education.
• Experience with curricular development and planning.
• Passion for student and faculty development and mentorship.
• Academic and research experience (conducting and disseminating) in related field.
• Commitment to the vision, mission, and purpose of Liberty University.
• Demonstrated servant leader.
Preferred Qualifications:
• History of outstanding teaching, student mentorship, and University leadership (at varied levels).
• Established success in academic administration.
• Track record of publishing.
• Interest in emerging educational technologies.
• Administrative experience in higher education with assessment, course outcomes, and/or accreditation.
ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB
Communication and Comprehension
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated information.
• Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
• Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of business and community customers and associates.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Ability to contribute to a team environment and contribute expertise at appropriate times while recognizing each team members strengths and contributions.
• Listen first communication style to ensure that everyone is heard so the best decision can be reached.
• Ability to show respect to their colleagues and to work in a collegial manner.
Problem Solving
• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.
Physical and Sensory Abilities
• Occasionally required to travel to local and campus locations.
• Frequently required to sit for extended periods to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard.
• Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the building.
• Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work Environment
The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled office setting. It is well lighted, and the noise level is moderate.
Driving Requirements
Use of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) is required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position. Proof of a valid Virginia driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.
THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE WITH A BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES ENTAILED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS OR HER JOB WITH LIBERTY UNIVERSITY (LU). IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE ALL-INCLUSIVE. THIS DESCRIPTION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. EMPLOYMENT WITH LIBERTY UNIVERSITY IS AT-WILL AND MAY BE TERMINATED BY EITHER THE EMPLOYEE OR LU WITH OR WITHOUT ADVANCE NOTICE FOR ANY REASON OR FOR NO REASON AT ALL. ONLY THE PRESIDENT AND CHANCELLOR IS AUTHORIZED TO MAKE CHANGES TO ANY LU POLICY. JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT THE DISCRETION OF MANAGEMENT.
Target Hire Date
2024-10-22
Time Type
Full time
Location
Lynchburg - In Office
The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University’s hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.
