Associate Dean Jobs
Associate Dean jobs are open across higher education institutions from community colleges to research universities, at levels from department-level administrator to provost-track leadership, with specializations in academic affairs, student services, and diversity and inclusion. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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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 111+ Associate Dean Jobs
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Find Associate Dean JobsAssociate Dean Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education14
- Healthcare & Medical Services3
- Science & Research1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in associate dean jobs.
- Terminal degree such as a PhD, EdD, or professional doctorate in a relevant field
- Demonstrated experience in academic administration, curriculum oversight, or program leadership
- Record of successful faculty recruitment, evaluation, and professional development
- Experience managing departmental or divisional budgets and resource allocation
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in an academic setting
- Proficiency with accreditation processes and institutional assessment frameworks
Tips for Your Associate Dean Job Search
Tailor your CV to institutional type
A research university values grant activity and faculty governance experience, while a community college prioritizes student success outcomes and workforce development. Reframe the same accomplishments through the lens of the institution's mission before you apply.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists associate dean openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Quantify enrollment and retention impact
Search committees want administrators who moved numbers. Cite the percentage improvement in retention rates, the headcount growth in a program you led, or the budget you managed. Vague claims about leadership get passed over in favor of documented outcomes.
Prepare a teaching and administrative philosophy
Many associate dean finalists are asked to submit or present both a teaching philosophy and an administrative philosophy. Draft both before you apply so you're not writing under deadline pressure after a first-round call.
Use campus visits to assess governance culture
When you reach the on-campus interview stage, ask how shared governance works between deans and faculty senate. The answer reveals whether decision-making is collaborative or top-down, which matters significantly for your day-to-day authority and satisfaction.
Negotiate startup funds and release time
Salary is often constrained by salary bands in higher education, but startup budgets, course release, conference travel funds, and administrative support are negotiable. Identify which resources you need to succeed and ask for them explicitly during the offer stage.
Associate Dean Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most associate deans?
Chamberlain University, Texas A&M University, and University of Alabama are hiring the most associate deans right now, with openings concentrated in Texas, Florida, and California, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Availability shifts with academic hiring cycles, so checking listings regularly gives you the best picture of active demand.
How many associate dean jobs are remote?
About 39% of associate dean openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with fully on-campus roles still making up the majority given the expectation of regular faculty and student interaction. Sub-areas with the highest remote share tend to be online program administration and continuing education, where student populations are already distributed.
How do you become an associate dean?
Most associate deans begin as tenure-track or tenured faculty, then move into program director or department chair roles to build administrative experience. From there, serving on academic affairs committees, leading accreditation efforts, or directing a center or institute positions you for a dean-level search. A terminal degree in your discipline is almost always required, and a record of published research strengthens candidacy at research-intensive institutions.
Can you get hired as an associate dean with little administrative experience?
It is possible, but you need to frame every faculty role you have held through its administrative dimension. Committee leadership, curriculum redesign, program assessment work, and hiring search experience all count as relevant background. Smaller institutions and community colleges are more likely to hire candidates who are stepping into their first formal administrative title, so targeting those openings is a practical strategy when your administrative experience is limited.
What does the associate dean interview process look like?
Most associate dean searches run a committee review of applications, a screening call or video interview, and then an on-campus visit for finalists. The campus visit typically includes a presentation on your administrative vision, one-on-one meetings with the dean and provost, group sessions with faculty and staff, and sometimes a student forum. The full process from application close to offer often runs several months.
Where can I find and apply to associate dean jobs?
You can find and apply to associate dean jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from institutions across the United States. Find the roles that match your background and apply directly to each listing from the page.
See All 111+ Associate Dean Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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