About the Role
Description
Juneteenth Intercontinental University / Faculty of Arts & Sciences (FAS)
Position Summary
The new Dean of FAS will provide transformative leadership for the faculty. The successful candidate will work closely with Associate Deans, Division Chairs, elected FAS Faculty Council, staff, and others in the University as they collectively seek teaching excellence and national prominence through the pursuit of scholarly and creative work. S/he will represent the arts and sciences as a member of the University’s leadership team and together with JIU faculty and staff will develop and implement a strategic vision for the faculty.
The Dean must be a highly collaborative leader and effective communicator. They must support academic and research programs to achieve the University’s strategic vision. Crucial to the position is the ability to support the academic endeavors of first-generation and urban college students and enhance the visibility of JIU’s distinctive educational programs.
As part of the leadership team, the Dean will work closely with the Provost, Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs regarding key programmatic, budget, and development issues. S/he will work with the faculty and staff to develop and implement new programs that will attract a diverse faculty, student body, and academic staff. The Dean will also work in partnership with the appropriate University units, supporting fundraising and relationship building efforts with alumni and other constituencies.
Opportunities and Challenges
JIU wants to be a dynamic and aspirational institution. Based on the existing needs for higher and quality education among minority groups, the future holds significant potential for growth, excellence, and the opportunity to propel the University into the ranks of the top-tier-serving universities. The next Dean has to commit to a fiscally and operationally healthy institution that is deeply committed to its mission; an institution with strong community and legislative support. The Dean will provide leadership in a number of critical areas including but not limited to:
• Strategic Visioning and Organizational Enhancement – In alignment with the Strategic Plan for the campus, the Dean will have the opportunity to lead a collaborative strategic planning process within FBT. As a part of this process, there will be an opportunity to consider further organizational enhancement to the School. It will be necessary for the next Dean to lead the School’s efforts in shaping a scalable structure for the future as it expands degree offerings and further defines its organizational identity.
• Enrollment Management and Program Development – The next Dean must ensure initial enrollment, the growth, retention, and successful graduation of students. Improving academic services must be a priority in regards to future program development, including exploring new methods to promote excellence and distinction in meaningful ways.
• Faculty Development – JIU’s dedicated faculty will be one of its central strengths. They must bring energy, innovation, and positive perspectives to FAS. Areas the next Dean must work on in addition include support of excellence in scholarship, teaching, and faculty mentoring at all levels. The Dean will play a key role in providing guidance and in identifying resources for the development of faculty, both individually and as a community.
• Strengthening Diversity – JIU is committed to diversity. FAS faculty and staff must promote inclusive excellence. Progress will require sustained, structured, and vigorous commitment from the entire community. The Dean will play an essential role in building an environment supportive of diverse faculty, staff, and student body.
• Community Engagement –The University must engage in outreach and constantly seeks partnerships and collaborations with its community and wider region. FAS will play an important role in this process. The new Dean will be expected to work with the University administration and campus community to create and deepen these ties.
• Developing New Resources – JIU is announcing a major capital campaign in spring 2024. The next Dean of FAS is expected to engage in this and other fundraising activities to provide additional resources to support construction, students, faculty, and programs.
Requirements
Qualifications
The Dean of FAS will be a transparent leader with exceptional communication skills and the ability to make decisions following an open and collaborative consultation process. The next Dean must possess an understanding, commitment, and passion for JIU’s cause. Moreover, the Dean must have a strong commitment to shared governance and the ability to reconcile differing opinions and develop solutions within an open environment. S/he will be a strong manager with a proven record of creating and enhancing academic programs and a history of improving and promoting academic excellence.
To be appointed the Dean of FAS, the candidate must have a doctorate and academic credentials that engender respect and qualifications for appointment as a full professor with tenure. Specifically, it is desired that the Dean will possess the following qualifications, abilities, and skills:
• The ability to lead in developing and articulating an ambitious vision for the School — ensuring that FAS plays a critical role in realizing the University’s strategic plan;
• An understanding of the importance of academic leadership in promoting excellence in a University environment, supported by a record of effective leadership in higher education;
• The ability to persuasively advocate for FAS and JIU, its faculty, academic programs, staff, and students, both internally and externally and within the larger University as a whole;
• A strong commitment to diversity as evidenced by a record of success supporting diversity at all levels, including faculty, staff, and student recruitment and retention;
• An understanding of the nature of developing-country-serving universities;
• A deep knowledge of supporting first-generation students and guiding their educational experience;
• Experience in fostering strong connections between internal and external constituencies and creating meaningful connections with urban and rural communities;
• Experience with budget management;
• A familiarity with current trends in higher education and serving as an advocate for faculty development and academic advancement;
• A record of success in promoting interdisciplinary research and teaching, and;
• A history of external fundraising to support program initiatives, faculty scholarship, and student success.
Qualities and Characteristics
Additionally, the successful candidate will have the following personal qualifications and characteristics:
• Openness in dealings with others and acceptance of diverging perspectives;
• Ability to formulate and inspire others with a clear vision;
• Skills and the capacity to bring individuals and groups with diverse views to consensus and common action;
• A commitment to academic freedom;
• A commitment to a student-centered learning environment land appreciation for serving students from varied backgrounds and age groups;
• Respect for a variety of approaches to scholarship and a commitment to interdisciplinarity;
• A collegial administrative style that promotes a sense of academic respect and collaboration with faculty, staff, and students in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Proficiency in English and French is preferable.
Special Instructions to Applicants: *Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at https://www.codccha.net/job-board.* REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS: 1) Current resume/CV. 2) Cover Letter 3) List of five professional references. Questions should be directed to R. Joshua Cesaire at rjcesaire@uij.ca. Reference checks are a standard step in our hiring process. You may be asked to provide contact information, including e-mail addresses, for up to 5 references if you are referred to the Hiring Authority for an interview. We will notify you prior to contacting both on and off-list references. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but full consideration will be given to complete applications received by December 23, 2023.
About the Company
ABOUT US
Juneteenth Intercontinental University is a startup institution aimed at providing quality education to students worldwide. It seeks to fill the gap left by traditional universities by offering flexible and affordable courses to students. With an emphasis on technology and innovation, the University is set to provide a unique learning experience that prepares students for the future of work. Its mission is to empower individuals to pursue their career goals and make a positive impact on their communities. Juneteenth Intercontinental University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment that nurtures critical thinking and creativity.
Vision: Transforming lives through quality and relevant skills-based education and fostering innovation and leadership in racialized, low-income, and historically underrepresented students.
Mission: To provide skills-based education that prepares students for success in their careers and beyond and empowers them with the competencies to navigate a complex and ever-changing world.
Objectives:
• Increase higher education and scientific research among racialized groups
• Provide exceptional academic mentorship, advocacy, and support services to visible minority students, and facilitate their adjustment to the rigors of graduate studies
• Support recruitment and performance activities for visible minorities and low-income and historically underrepresented students
• Create safe and welcoming environments that encourage academic perseverance, success, and personal growth
• Develop action research and continuing education in the market's and government's priority areas
• Promote a microfinance institution to support community development initiatives.
Strategic Parameters: The parameters of the JIU Strategic Objectives include sustained evaluation and growth strategy, including affordability, academic quality, offering of desirable programs, retention and graduation rates, career outcomes and opportunities for graduates.
Our Education Benefits: (1) One-on-one and personalized education, (2) Focus on action research to bring the needed change, (3) Test on student’ strength, not standardizing, and (4) Sustained efforts for quality and equity. These four concepts are vital in ensuring that education is inclusive, addresses specific needs, encourages students to take ownership of their learning, and produces a quality output that is fair and equitable to all.
Organizational Structure
Juneteenth Intercontinental University (1) relies on a team of professional staff and faculty of various skills, aware that the problem of racialized people exists. (2) Ensure a more peaceful future and an inclusive society, wishing to participate in the implementation of solutions rather than being simple spectators. The JIU includes five important entities: early childhood - primary school - secondary school - professional school - college and university level.
