The Associate Dean, Division of Advanced Studies, College of Integrative Learning provides strategic and operational leadership for a dynamic academic portfolio spanning undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. This role is responsible for advancing the quality, integrity, and growth of academic offerings by overseeing curriculum development, program assessment, and continuous improvement initiatives aligned with workforce needs, institutional priorities, and accreditation standards.

With primary accountability for the success of the division’s curriculum and program portfolio, the Associate Dean drives student, faculty, and college outcomes through data informed decision making, innovative program design, and a strong commitment to academic excellence. The role includes leadership of doctoral education and applied research, ensuring rigorous oversight of dissertation processes, research compliance, and the advancement of scholarly engagement and publication.

The Associate Dean provides academic leadership through faculty mentorship, evaluation, and development, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and strategic partnerships, and supports budget planning and operational effectiveness. As a ranked, 12 month, career track faculty leader, this position also contributes to teaching and service, delivering high quality instruction and supporting adult learners in an online environment.

At the core of this role is a commitment to a Culture of Care, promoting proactive, student-centered engagement that ensures learners are supported, connected, and empowered to achieve their academic and professional goals.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Administrative Service (60%)

  • Establishes and communicates a clear vision for divisional success

  • Leads strategic planning, program development, and continuous improvement efforts

  • Ensures compliance with accreditation and regulatory requirements (e.g., WSCUC, ABOR)

  • Oversees Department Heads, Program Chairs, and Lead Faculty performance and development

  • Supports faculty evaluation, promotion, and professional growth

  • Leads initiatives to improve student retention, completion, and academic success

  • Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to align programs with workforce needs

  • Develops articulation agreements, transfer pathways, and strategic partnerships

  • Oversees budget planning, resource allocation, and operational effectiveness

  • Reviews and analyzes data related to enrollment, outcomes, and program performance

Doctoral Programs & Applied Research

  • Oversees doctoral student progression, including coursework, dissertation, and completion milestones

  • Ensures compliance with IRB processes, research ethics, and regulatory standards

  • Manages dissertation processes, including chair assignments and committee oversight

  • Supports research quality, scholarly output, and publication processes (e.g., ProQuest)

  • Monitors and improves doctoral student success, progression, and completion rates

  • Expands research initiatives and supports development of external funding opportunities

  • Provides leadership for doctoral mentorship, research training, and scholarly engagement

Learning Leadership (20%)

  • Leads strategy for curriculum development, instructional quality, and course innovation

  • Collaborates with instructional designers and academic teams to enhance learning experiences

  • Ensures alignment of curriculum with learning outcomes and workforce relevance

  • Supports continuous improvement of instructional design and course delivery models

  • Strengthens collaboration across student support services to enhance the student experience

Teaching (20%)

  • Teaches asynchronous undergraduate and graduate courses

  • Chairs dissertations and mentors doctoral students

  • Provides timely, high-quality feedback and student engagement

  • Maintains academic integrity and adherence to university policies

  • Supports inclusive and student-centered learning environments

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of accreditation standards and regulatory compliance requirements.

  • Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.

  • Ability to lead strategic academic initiatives aligned with institutional and workforce goals.

  • Knowledge of trends in higher education, online learning, and adult education

  • Ability to interpret and ensure compliance with accreditation and policy standards.

  • Strong data analysis and decision-making skills.

  • Ability to foster collaboration across interdisciplinary teams.

  • Commitment to student success and a culture of care.

  • Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Earned doctorate in a relevant discipline from an accredited institution.

  • Minimum five (5) years of progressive experience in higher education leadership.

  • Qualified for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or higher.

  • Experience leading doctoral programs.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience leading graduate programs.

  • Experience with IRB processes and research compliance.

  • Experience in faculty development and instructional design.

  • Demonstrated success in strategic planning and program growth initiatives.

  • Experience working with adult and non-traditional learners.

  • Experience teaching in online or hybrid learning environments.

  • Demonstrated experience in curriculum development, assessment, and program evaluation.

  • Experience supporting doctoral education, research, or graduate-level programs.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Special Instructions to Applicant: The application window is anticipated to close on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 (11:59 PM MST).

Rate of Pay: $105,000-$140,000

Compensation Type: Salary at 1.0 Full-Time Equivalency (FTE)

Compensation Guidance:

The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represents a full range of career compensation growth over time in this position and grade. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within the pay grade under our annual salary increase programs. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

The grade range for this position is $105,000 - $140,000. Each unit typically sets starting pay between the minimum and midpoint upon hire as reflected in the Rate of Pay field above.

Career Stream: Chapter 4 Service Professional

Level: Chapter 4

Job Function: Service Professional

Job Family: Academic Services

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) (https://clery.arizona.edu/asr) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.

Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

For more information regarding this position, please contact us at talent@arizona.edu.