The University of Kentucky is seeking a Dean of the College of Communication and Information to operate as the chief academic officer of the College. This position reports directly to the Provost of the University and is responsible for the overall strategic direction of the College. A key member of the University's leadership, the Dean must be an internal advocate for the College within the University of Kentucky and have the ability to work across disciplinary and college boundaries. The next Dean will bring a strong commitment to the recruitment, retention, and post-graduate placement of a diverse group of excellent students, as well as the recruitment and retention of diverse faculty and staff. Finally, the Dean will encompass a strong research background and the ability to successfully network with alumni.

The next Dean will join the University and the College at a pivotal time. The College has been nimble and responsive to the ever-changing marketplace, meeting the need for flexible degree programs by offering online courses, certificate programs and online degree completer programs for students who are unable to complete their degree in a traditional on-campus format. Likewise, the College is one of only a few institutions that offer an ALA-accredited program with a fully online Master of Science in Library Science. These online opportunities offer students scheduling flexibility in addition to in-state/resident tuition rates for online learners, significantly cutting the cost of obtaining a graduate degree.

The Dean's primary responsibilities will include the following:
• Provide leadership and support for research and teaching at the College of Communication and Information. Lead the College in its programs of undergraduate and graduate instruction and research activities
• Serve as an internal and external advocate for the College of Communication and Information. Help create the vision and market the College to best position it for future growth, both within UK and externally
• Oversee the recruitment, development, and retention of a diverse, outstanding faculty and staff. Support and nurture relationships both internal to the College and across the University
• With the support of the faculty and administration, craft avenues to grow the College's enrollment at the graduate and undergraduate levels with the goal of boosting research dollars, competition, and selectivity
• Provide vision and strategic decision-making for the faculty, students, staff, alumni, and other supporters of the College

Supported by 100 faculty and 37 staff members, and with a student enrollment at approximately 2,200 students, the College prides itself as being one of the fastest growing at the University. The College has a strong reputation for prioritizing student success, with retention and graduation rates for undergraduates among the highest at the University of Kentucky. The College of Communication and Information is comprised of two schools, the School of Journalism and Media and the School of Information Science, and two departments, the Department of Communication and the Department of Integrated Strategic Communication. Additionally, there is a graduate program in Communication that spans the College.

Application materials should include a CV, and a letter of interest is optional. Application review will begin on March 1st, 2019 and will continue until the position is filled.

The executive search firm of Heidrick and Struggles has been selected to recruit for this position. To be considered, you must complete the UK application.
Additional information, including a complete position specification, may be obtained from the firm. Confidential inquiries and nominations may be directed via email to Heidrick and Struggles at kentuckycomminfodean@heidrick.com

Job Title
Dean of the College of Communication and Information

Requisition Number
FE01754

Working Title


Department Name
89000:Provost

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Type of Position
Faculty

Position Time Status
Full-Time

Required Education

PhD in a communications field, along with academic credentials and record of scholarly achievement that merit the rank of a Professor with tenure in the College of Communication and Information.

Required Related Experience

Strong leadership and administrative management skills; demonstrated ability in management including strategic planning, program development and evaluation, and budgetary and operational management.

Experience in developing methods to recognize and support excellence in teaching and a proven track record of research. Broad interest in achieving exceptional standards in undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral education.

Required License/ Registration/Certification

N/A

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities

Cooperative relationship-building and fundraising skills; a leader who can create new partnerships while maintaining and strengthening existing ones.

Demonstrated ability to advocate for the College's needs and priorities internally and externally. Ability and commitment to develop and expand private funding for the college.

Experience in leading/managing diverse groups of professional staff and complex, cross-organizational projects. Ability to build, nurture, support, and retain a strong team of professionals.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
Yes

Open Untill Filled
Yes

University Community of Inclusion

The University of Kentucky is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring all our students, faculty, and staff work in an environment of openness and acceptance. We strive to foster a community where people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives can feel secure and welcome. We also value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Where did you first see this position advertised other than on UK's Online Employment System?
   • Executive Search Firm of Heidrick & Struggles
   • The Chronicle of Higher Education
   • InsideHigherEd.com
   • HigherEdJobs.com
   • Diverseeducation.com (Diverse Issues in Higher Education)
   • HERCjobs.org (Higher Education Recruitment Consortium)
   • InsightintoDiversity.com
   • Academic Keys
   • Latinos in Higher Education
   • Indeed.com
   • A colleague, friend, and/or family member
   • None of the above

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Curriculum Vita

Optional Documents

1. Cover Letter

PI106169048