Academic Dean Jobs
Academic Dean jobs are open across higher education, community colleges, and professional schools, from department-level administrator to provost-track executive, with specializations in curriculum development, accreditation leadership, and student affairs. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 24+ Academic Dean jobs
Description
Southern New Hampshire University is a team of innovators. World changers. Individuals who believe in progress with purpose. Since 1932, our people-centered strategy has defined us — and helped us grow a team that now serves over 180,000 learners worldwide.
Our mission to transform lives is made possible by talented people who bring diverse industry experience, backgrounds and skills to the university. And today, we're ready to expand our reach. All we need is you.
Make an impact — from near or far
At SNHU, you'll have the option to work remotely in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
We ask that our remote employees have access to a reliable internet connection and a dedicated, properly equipped workspace that is free of distractions. Employees must reside in, and work from, one of the above approved states.
The opportunity
As an Associate Dean of Academic Strategy Management, you will be a full-time member of university staff responsible for advancing strategic priorities in our online Global Campus (GC) organization. You will lead, support, and implement cross-functional initiatives in partnership with academic and operational teams, translating established strategy into coordinated plans, projects, and measurable outcomes.
You will provide subject matter expertise in academic strategy, analysis, and process improvement, with a focus on strengthening academic operations, supporting academic quality and effectiveness, and improving the processes and infrastructure that enable effective work. You will use data, technology, and continuous improvement practices to identify opportunities and support informed decision-making.
You will report to an Executive Director of Academic Strategy Management and may provide project or initiative leadership to faculty and staff in support of established goals and strategic priorities.
What you'll do:
Academic Operations
- Provide operational support for academic processes, using data, analytics, and AI-enabled tools to monitor trends and program health, suggest enhancements, and identify emerging risks.
- Evaluate academic policies and contribute to policy review efforts to ensure clarity, compliance, and consistency.
- Contribute to governance processes and institutional decision-making practices.
- Support accreditation reporting by coordinating with key institutional partners.
- Strengthen program review processes by evaluating user feedback and recommending changes.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Build strong working relationships and serve as a trusted point of contact for colleagues across the university, coordinating requests and sharing information to promote shared accountability and the adoption of new tools and practices.
- Work with partner teams to align and standardize non-curricular academic requirements.
- Facilitating cross-functional groups as needed to clarify responsibilities, coordinate shared processes, and support consistent implementation/execution.
Strategic Implementation, Process Improvement & Innovation
- Lead, support, and participate in institutional and programmatic initiatives, defining clear measures of success in collaboration with key stakeholders.
- Implement academic process improvement to reduce rework, delay, and cost while increasing scalability.
- Guide the integration, use, and adoption of AI and other emerging technologies in academic operations through responsible, well-governed implementation.
What we're looking for:
- At least 2 years of progressive experience working in higher education administration.
- A master's degree from a regionally accredited higher education institution.
- Broad knowledge of a wide range of functional areas within higher education institutions.
- Demonstrated experience in project management, including planning, coordinating, and executing cross-functional initiatives within higher education or other similar environments
- Foundational understanding of artificial intelligence (AI), including its practical applications, with the ability to learn, evaluate, and effectively apply emerging AI technologies.
#LI-Remote
We believe real innovation comes from inclusion - where different experiences, perspectives and talents are celebrated. So if you're wondering whether SNHU is right for you, take the leap and apply. You might be just the person we're looking for.
If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to fully engage in any part of the application or hiring process, please complete the Accommodation Request form or contact us at 603-626-9447. A member from the Employee Accommodation Support Center will be in contact with you within two business days to discuss your request.
Compensation
The annual pay range for this position is $88,130.00 - $141,036.00. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. We expect this position to be hired in the following target hiring range $97,384.00 - $131,756.00.
Exceptional benefits (because you’re exceptional)
You’re the whole package. Your benefits should be, too. As a full-time employee at SNHU, you’ll get:
High-quality, low-deductible medical insurance
Low to no-cost dental and vision plans
5 weeks of paid time off (plus almost a dozen paid holidays)
Employer-funded retirement
Free tuition program
Parental leave
Mental health and wellbeing resources
Description
Southern New Hampshire University is a team of innovators. World changers. Individuals who believe in progress with purpose. Since 1932, our people-centered strategy has defined us — and helped us grow a team that now serves over 180,000 learners worldwide.
Our mission to transform lives is made possible by talented people who bring diverse industry experience, backgrounds and skills to the university. And today, we're ready to expand our reach. All we need is you.
Make an impact — from near or far
At SNHU, you'll have the option to work remotely in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
We ask that our remote employees have access to a reliable internet connection and a dedicated, properly equipped workspace that is free of distractions. Employees must reside in, and work from, one of the above approved states.
The opportunity
As an Associate Dean of Academic Strategy Management, you will be a full-time member of university staff responsible for advancing strategic priorities in our online Global Campus (GC) organization. You will lead, support, and implement cross-functional initiatives in partnership with academic and operational teams, translating established strategy into coordinated plans, projects, and measurable outcomes.
You will provide subject matter expertise in academic strategy, analysis, and process improvement, with a focus on strengthening academic operations, supporting academic quality and effectiveness, and improving the processes and infrastructure that enable effective work. You will use data, technology, and continuous improvement practices to identify opportunities and support informed decision-making.
You will report to an Executive Director of Academic Strategy Management and may provide project or initiative leadership to faculty and staff in support of established goals and strategic priorities.
What you'll do:
Academic Operations
- Provide operational support for academic processes, using data, analytics, and AI-enabled tools to monitor trends and program health, suggest enhancements, and identify emerging risks.
- Evaluate academic policies and contribute to policy review efforts to ensure clarity, compliance, and consistency.
- Contribute to governance processes and institutional decision-making practices.
- Support accreditation reporting by coordinating with key institutional partners.
- Strengthen program review processes by evaluating user feedback and recommending changes.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Build strong working relationships and serve as a trusted point of contact for colleagues across the university, coordinating requests and sharing information to promote shared accountability and the adoption of new tools and practices.
- Work with partner teams to align and standardize non-curricular academic requirements.
- Facilitating cross-functional groups as needed to clarify responsibilities, coordinate shared processes, and support consistent implementation/execution.
Strategic Implementation, Process Improvement & Innovation
- Lead, support, and participate in institutional and programmatic initiatives, defining clear measures of success in collaboration with key stakeholders.
- Implement academic process improvement to reduce rework, delay, and cost while increasing scalability.
- Guide the integration, use, and adoption of AI and other emerging technologies in academic operations through responsible, well-governed implementation.
What we're looking for:
- At least 2 years of progressive experience working in higher education administration.
- A master's degree from a regionally accredited higher education institution.
- Broad knowledge of a wide range of functional areas within higher education institutions.
- Demonstrated experience in project management, including planning, coordinating, and executing cross-functional initiatives within higher education or other similar environments
- Foundational understanding of artificial intelligence (AI), including its practical applications, with the ability to learn, evaluate, and effectively apply emerging AI technologies.
#LI-Remote
We believe real innovation comes from inclusion - where different experiences, perspectives and talents are celebrated. So if you're wondering whether SNHU is right for you, take the leap and apply. You might be just the person we're looking for.
If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to fully engage in any part of the application or hiring process, please complete the Accommodation Request form or contact us at 603-626-9447. A member from the Employee Accommodation Support Center will be in contact with you within two business days to discuss your request.
Compensation
The annual pay range for this position is $88,130.00 - $141,036.00. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. We expect this position to be hired in the following target hiring range $97,384.00 - $131,756.00.
Exceptional benefits (because you’re exceptional)
You’re the whole package. Your benefits should be, too. As a full-time employee at SNHU, you’ll get:
High-quality, low-deductible medical insurance
Low to no-cost dental and vision plans
5 weeks of paid time off (plus almost a dozen paid holidays)
Employer-funded retirement
Free tuition program
Parental leave
Mental health and wellbeing resources
See All 24 Academic Dean Jobs
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Find Academic Dean JobsAcademic Dean Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Science & Research
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in academic dean jobs.
- Earned doctoral degree in a relevant academic discipline or educational leadership
- Demonstrated experience in academic program administration or department chair roles
- Proven record of leading accreditation reviews or reaffirmation processes
- Experience developing curriculum and overseeing faculty hiring and evaluation
- Budget management and strategic planning experience within an academic unit
- Proficiency with student information systems and learning management platforms
Tips for Your Academic Dean Job Search
Align your CV to accreditation language
Academic dean postings often list specific accrediting bodies like SACSCOC, HLC, or ACBSP. Pull the exact language from each job description and reflect it in your CV so search committees recognize your accreditation experience without reading between the lines.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists academic dean openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Quantify your academic leadership outcomes
Committees want evidence of impact, not titles. Replace vague phrases like 'oversaw curriculum' with outcomes: graduation rate changes, program launches, or enrollment growth you drove. If you led a program review, say what changed as a result.
Target institutions by Carnegie classification
R1 research universities, regional comprehensives, and community colleges each expect a different leadership profile. Focus your search on the classification where your record is strongest and frame your cover letter around that institutional type explicitly.
Prepare a faculty relations narrative for interviews
Search committees routinely ask how you've handled faculty resistance to curriculum or policy change. Develop a specific story with a clear conflict, the process you ran, and the outcome, because a vague answer here tends to end candidacies early.
Negotiate start date and transition support
Academic dean contracts often include a delayed start tied to the academic calendar. Clarify whether the role bridges a fiscal year, what budget authority transfers on day one, and whether a departing dean will overlap, since those details affect your first-semester leverage.
Academic Dean Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most academic deans?
Chamberlain University, Texas A&M University, and Rowan University are hiring the most academic deans right now, with openings concentrated in Texas, New York, and Florida, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand tends to track institutional growth cycles, accreditation timelines, and retirements in senior academic leadership.
How many academic dean jobs are remote?
About 57% of academic dean openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the campus-based nature of most leadership roles. Sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements include online program deans, continuing education leadership, and corporate partnership or workforce development roles.
How do you become an academic dean?
Most academic deans begin as tenure-track faculty, move into program coordination or department chair positions, then take on associate dean roles before advancing. Earning a doctoral degree, building a publication record, leading accreditation work, and managing a departmental budget all strengthen a candidacy. Serving on faculty governance committees also signals institutional leadership readiness to search committees.
How do you get hired as an academic dean with limited administrative experience?
Candidates with strong faculty records but limited formal administration can compete by emphasizing committee leadership, curriculum overhaul projects, or grant management that required cross-departmental coordination. Targeting associate dean or interim dean openings is a practical entry point. Community colleges and smaller regional institutions often value teaching and advising depth over extensive prior administrative titles.
What does the academic dean interview process look like?
Most searches run a multi-stage process: an initial screening call with an HR representative or search committee chair, a semifinalist video interview focused on leadership philosophy and accreditation experience, and a finalist campus visit lasting one to two days. Campus visits typically include open forums with faculty and students, a presentation on your academic vision, and a closed session with the provost or president.
Where can I find and apply to academic dean jobs?
You can find and apply to academic dean jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from colleges, universities, and professional schools across the United States. Find roles that match your background and apply directly to each listing from the same place.
See All 24 Academic Dean Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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