Job location: Colby College

Employment Type: Full-time
Posted data: 2021-07-08
Req: R0000341
Job DescriptionDepartment:Dean of the CollegePay Rate Type:SalaryEmployee Type:Job Summary:Office of the Dean of the College
Full-Time, Exempt, Salaried, Administrative Staff Appointment

The associate dean of strategic planning, assessment, and operations will report directly to the dean of the college. The associate dean will help communicate and implement the dean of the college’s overall vision and priorities for the organization, realizing its vision of advancing socially responsible practice, healthy communities, and a more just society. The associate dean will drive college-wide and cross-functional projects, will function as a liaison for internal constituencies, and will ensure clear and consistent communications from the Office of the Dean of the College. The associate dean needs to have proven experience in a management role, with a special focus on senior level support and cross-functional collaboration and can support the execution for a broad and complex set of initiatives in the Dean of the College Division. The ability to quickly assess barriers to the organization’s effectiveness and issues that challenge performance at the highest level and diplomacy coupled with the intellectual inclination to think both broadly, grasping and pursuing the steps needed to bring ideas to fruition are necessary for success. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Successfully coordinate various strategic and programming initiatives from conception through execution under the guidance of the dean of the college, leadership team, and departmental heads in order to ensure optimal value for the College
• Assist the dean of the college and dean of students in the coordination and communication with the vice presidents and deans, dean of the college leadership team, and staff related to decision making, program and project management, and implementation of key initiatives in order to ensure the efficient and effective allocation of resources and overall organization success
• Develop and manage master calendar of planning, reports, and deadlines for dean of the college division operations
• Oversee large, often cross-functional projects or initiatives and regularly evaluate and report on their progress
• Ensure the dean of the college’s involvement or decision-making related to various projects and initiatives occurs at the appropriate time
• Coordinate preparation of a broad range of documents and reports for internal use and the Board of Trustees, working with the members of the Dean of the College Division
• Conduct planning studies and related research, as required, to support planning and decision-making processes
• Research and assist in the preparation of materials for use by the dean of the college; prepare related summaries, analysis, and other background materials
• Prepare memoranda, policy documents, presentations, and related materials
• Serve as liaison to other function areas of the College to enable successful collaborations and partnerships
• Staff functional committees and working groups, including preparing agendas, meeting notes, and action items
• Coordinate the execution of strategic initiatives with the dean of the college’s functional area and may lead certain parts of the process
• Assess inquiries directed to the dean of the college division, determine the proper course of action, and delegate to the appropriate individual to manage
• Ensure all administrative/operational issues are addressed properly, efficiently and judiciously, and keep track of progress until resolved
• Create systems and processes to help streamline operations and coordinate organizational procedures for optimized efficiency and productivity
• Develop and implement a comprehensive and cohesive plan with metrics to evaluate programs and initiatives
• Lead collaborative efforts in partnership with the Office of Communications to develop and maintain digital presence for the division
• Oversee in partnership with the Office of Human Resources comprehensive professional development plan for dean of the college staff members
• Evaluate programs or functions, policies, and procedures; identify issues, and develop alternative solutions which may include changes to programs, policies, and procedures
• Review and analyze trends to advise and develop recommendations to achieve or modify the goals of the program or function
• Develop effective working relationships with members of an increasingly diverse community, including students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni
• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience; advanced degree preferred
• Seven to ten years of experience planning and leading strategic initiatives or managing complex projects or programs
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point) and familiarity with project management software
• Excellent organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to organize and present information effectively
• Proven track record of effectively interacting with senior leadership
• Expert level written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated proactive approach to problem-solving with strong decision-making and critical thinking capabilities
• Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to be extremely effective independently coupled with the judgment to periodically seek assistance and direction on complex issues
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion and a high level of professionalism
• Demonstrate the highest level of service and response
• Ability to work strategically and collaboratively across departments
• Effective, versatile, and action-oriented
• Demonstrated ability to achieve high performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

This position has significant interaction with students, faculty, staff, families, and external constituencies.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

General open office and campus environment. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary. Some evening and weekend work required based on division needs.

TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the "Apply" button on the Colby Careers website. Please submit a letter of interest including salary requirements, resume, and the contact information of three professional references. Materials should be addressed to:

Associate Dean of Strategic Planning, Assessment, and Operations - Search Committee
Office of Human Resources
Colby College
5500 Mayflower Hill
Waterville, ME 04901-8855