Dean of Work

Blackburn College, a unique four-year, liberal arts college with a student-managed work program located in Carlinville, IL, seeks applications for the position of Dean of Work.  Blackburn is one of the ten federally-recognized Work Colleges and has the only work program managed by students.  Students work a minimum of 10 hours per week in jobs spanning the campus in return for an annual reduction of $5000 in tuition.  Student leaders, with administrative oversight by the Dean of Work, manage all aspects of the Work Program including allocation and hiring of up to 500+ student workers, payroll, worker training, coordination with student work supervisors, and discipline up to termination from the Work Program.  

Due to the Work Program, Blackburn is one of the most affordable private colleges in Illinois with a total cost of attendance after financial aid comparable to the regional state universities.  Thus, Blackburn has a long-standing commitment to access and affordability.  Blackburn’s mission is to link a rigorous and affordable liberal arts education with a unique student-managed Work Program to prepare graduates for careers, community engagement, and lifelong learning.

The Dean of Work fills five primary roles on campus:

• administrative oversight of the entire Work Program and the Work Committee to ensure all policies and procedures follow federal, state, local and campus guidelines;
• to advise, teach, and mentor work students and student leadership on the processes, policies, enhancement, and management of the Work Program;
• facilitate interactions between student workers and professional staff as necessary;
• oversee and manage student workers during the summer and breaks;
• represent the College within the Work College Consortium, which serves as the interface to the Department of Education and other Work Colleges.

The successful candidate must hold at minimum a bachelor’s degree, have successfully led or mentored the professional development of employees and/or students, have a strong understanding of administrative processes, and possess strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, management, and teaching skills.  Human Resources experience and/or certification is preferred. The candidate must be a strong advocate for diversity and its ability to enrich the student experience; they must also have some understanding of student development.  Two to three years of upper level human resources experience is preferred.

Blackburn College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks to build an inclusive community that can engage the interests of a diverse population.  We are committed to fostering, cultivating, and sustaining a culture that reflects the diversity of our country, and as such we particularly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups such as women, people of color, LGBTQ+, veterans, and those with disabilities.

In order to apply, please send a resume, cover letter including a diversity statement describing what diversity means to you and why it is important, and the names/addresses/phone numbers of three current, professional references to:  Marshall Petty, Blackburn College, 700 College Ave., Ludlum 205, Carlinville, IL  62626 or email hr@blackburn.edu. Employment-based immigration sponsorship is not offered for this position.  Phone calls or walk-ins not accepted.