Dean, School of Education

Dean

School of Education

Position Summary

The University invites applications for the full-time position of Dean of the School of Education, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2025.

Reporting directly to the Provost, the Dean is responsible for the overall leadership and administration of the School. Key responsibilities include guiding curricular development, supporting faculty and program advisors, ensuring the effectiveness of educational programs, overseeing internal and external assessments, recruiting and developing faculty, and managing both curricular and co-curricular activities. The Dean also leads the development and management of the School's budget.

As a member of the Academic Leadership Team, the Dean collaborates with the Provost to advance the University's mission and vision by developing academic programs, coordinating educational resources and support services, and contributing to the University's marketing, recruitment, admissions, and retention efforts.

Candidates must be able to work with three accrediting agencies: the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Association of Christian Schools International, and Middle States Commission on Higher Education for regional accreditation. Self-studies for periodic major reviews come under the job description of the Dean of the School of Education. The Dean becomes a public representative of the University to these agencies and must be able to articulate effectively the philosophy of education espoused by the School and its impact on graduates of the program as they take employment in private or public schools. There are two divisions of the School to supervise: undergraduate programs and graduate programs. Candidates must be in agreement with the University's Foundational Statements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Execute all matters relative to the administrative oversight of the School.

Provide vision for ongoing development of the School's effectiveness as an educational program.

Participate in the recruitment and cultivation of effective faculty members.

Direct the ongoing assessment and development of the School's curriculum.

Serve as a member of Academic Leadership.

Act as advisor to the Provost in matters of University policy, particularly those related to this specific School.

Formulate appropriate educational policies for the School and guide those policies through the appropriate approval process.

Guide in the formation of the annual operating and capital budgets for the School.

Administrate the approved budget for the School.

Guide the faculty in developing and teaching a curriculum that fulfills the University mission and goals of the School.

Direct the attention of School faculty to changing educational thought and practices, particularly as they effect this School.

Participate with the Provost and appropriate personnel in the recruitment of new faculty to teach in the School.

In consultation with department chairs, assign semester teaching responsibilities to School faculty.

Evaluate faculty performance according to the University's performance appraisal guidelines and schedule.

Make recommendations to the University Rank Committee regarding promotion of faculty.

Plan and lead School faculty meetings as a part of the University meeting schedule.

Lead in the planning and executing of continuing assessment of the School's effectiveness in fulfilling its goals and objectives.

Participate with the Provost in the preparation for writing accreditation documents and site team visits.

Work with Communications and Marketing, and Admissions with regard to recruitment and retention strategies for the school.

Teach appropriate number of assigned courses in the School curriculum.

Serve as a liaison between the School and University educational resources and support services.

Oversee support staff working in other departments (e.g., Admissions) in matters concerning their support for the School. Skills and Abilities

Clear understanding of and agreement with the University mission and how this School contributes to the fulfillment of that mission.

Team building and interpersonal skill.

Ability to develop and oversee an annual budget.

Proven organizational and administrative skills.

Commitment to leading faculty and students in the development and cultivation of their Biblical world view. Required Education and Experience

Earned doctorate or terminal degree

Preference is given to candidates who possess a minimum of five years of teaching experience at the university level.

Administrative experience in faculty chair or other related positions.

Candidates must hold a teaching certificate in school education with preference given to those with Pennsylvania credentials.

Serving at Cairn University

Located in Langhorne, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Cairn University exists to educate students to serve Christ in the church, society, and the world as biblically minded, well-educated and professionally competent men and women of character. Students earn bachelor's degrees in various areas including Bible, Education, Music, and Business Administration; and graduate degrees in Business, Divinity, Education, Organizational Leadership, Worship and Music, and Counseling.

Cairn is a conservative evangelical institution within the protestant tradition that employs faculty and staff who profess Jesus Christ as personal Savior; agree to Cairn's Statement of Faith and Community Life Covenant; and serve students in a ministerial capacity through imparting and upholding biblical instruction, prayer, and mentoring. Members of the faculty are required to integrate biblical instruction in their respective professional subject areas. All members of the Cairn community are obligated to affirm, agree with, and align with the University Foundational Statements. During the application process, applicants will have the opportunity to review these statements and must agree to affirm and support the position of the University, if hired. Applicants are also asked to provide a Personal Testimony of salvation as part of the application process.

To apply, please follow the link below. You may upload and submit your resume/CV and cover letter and unofficial transcripts with the application.

Ineligible for sponsorship of H1B visa.

Cairn University does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability

or other protected characteristics, in administration of its educational, employment and admissions policies.