Vice Dean Jobs
Vice Dean jobs are open across higher education, professional schools, and academic medical centers, from associate-level administrative roles to senior academic leadership, with specializations in curriculum development, student affairs, and research administration. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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The Division for Land-Grant Engagement at West Virginia University is seeking applications for a Senior Executive Assistant.
About the Opportunity
The Senior Executive Assistant to the Associate Vice President and Dean serves as a principal executive aide and operational partner to the AVP and Dean of the Division for Land-Grant Engagement (DLGE). The position manages complex executive office operations, facilitates the execution of divisional priorities, and addresses sensitive and multifaceted issues involving academic, extension, engagement, and administrative units. The incumbent exercises substantial independent judgment and discretion in evaluating issues, developing proposed solutions, managing delegated matters, and determining appropriate referral or escalation.
The position oversees the effective flow of information and commitments to and from the AVP and Dean’s Office; researches and analyzes matters of strategic or operational importance; prepares executive communications and decision-support materials; and manages designated projects and initiatives from definition through implementation. The incumbent represents the AVP and Dean in assigned interactions, communicates established executive priorities, and works with senior leaders and university partners to resolve cross-functional issues.
The Senior Executive Assistant also manages complex executive scheduling and preparation, governance and committee processes, confidential academic and personnel workflows including promotion and tenure, and high-profile meetings and events. The position is expected to assume the full responsibilities described below following appropriate onboarding and training, subject to delegated authority and university policy.
We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:
- 37.5-hour work week
- 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
- 15 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
- 18 sick days per year (for when you’re ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family’s, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
- WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
- 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ’s.
- Wellness programs
What You'll Do
Executive Office Operations, Leadership Support and Strategic Coordination
- Manage and oversee the administrative and operational functions of the AVP and Dean’s Office, establishing priorities, effective workflows, service standards, and systems for continuity and follow-through.
- Serve as a principal aide to the AVP and Dean in assessing complex and sensitive operational matters; research issues, evaluate alternatives, develop proposed solutions, and independently resolve matters within delegated authority.
- Participate in senior leadership planning, problem-solving, change management, and crisis-preparedness activities as designated by the AVP and Dean; communicate established leadership decisions and priorities to relevant parties.
- Manage the AVP and Dean’s complex calendar and competing commitments; assess meeting requests and ensure executive readiness through briefings and background materials.
- Oversee requests directed to the AVP and Dean, distinguish matters requiring executive attention from those suitable for referral or direct resolution, delegate or coordinate follow-up as authorized, and monitor matters through satisfactory resolution.
- Develop, implement, evaluate, and improve executive office policies, administrative procedures, records practices, and cross-unit workflows
- Coordinate executive travel, authorizations, itineraries, and related administrative arrangements in partnership with financial personnel.
- Provide functional direction and coordination to administrative colleagues supporting the Dean’s Suite
Executive Communications, Analysis and Constituent Relations
- Serve as a principal liaison and designated representative of the AVP and Dean with university executives, academic and extension leaders, faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, advisory bodies, governmental representatives, and community partners.
-
Communicate the AVP and Dean’s established positions, priorities, and decisions accurately and diplomatically, using independent judgment regarding confidentiality, urgency, and appropriate escalation.
Independently draft, review, and prepare executive correspondence, memoranda, presentations, reports, proposals, announcements, talking points, agendas, and other materials for internal and external audiences. - Research complex academic, extension, engagement, and administrative questions; analyze information from multiple units; prepare concise summaries, findings, and recommendations to inform executive decisions.
- Monitor sensitive correspondence and inquiries, develop proposed responses, and coordinate timely resolution; maintain productive relationships with executive support professionals and key stakeholders across the university.
- Maintain executive contact information, leadership rosters, and communications records; coordinate institutional acknowledgments and other high-level correspondence.
Governance, Leadership Meetings and Committee Administration
- Manage executive-level coordination for councils, assemblies, visiting and advisory committees, leadership teams, and other governance bodies within the AVP and Dean’s portfolio.
- Maintain annual governance calendars and oversee appointments, reappointments, membership records, meeting cycles, required communications, and institutional documentation.
- Work with leadership to define meeting objectives, develop agendas and briefing materials, document decisions and assigned actions, and ensure timely follow-through.
- Provide procedural guidance regarding established committee and governance processes; identify inconsistencies or emerging issues and recommend corrective actions to appropriate leadership.
- Preserve confidential governance records and institutional knowledge
Confidential Academic, Personnel and Promotion and Tenure Processes
- Manage the AVP – Dean level administrative execution of promotion and tenure and other assigned confidential academic and personnel review processes. Collaborate with school / unit-based promotion and tenure support personnel in said execution
- Serve as a primary procedural contact for faculty, unit leaders, and administrative personnel; explain established timelines, documentation requirements, and approved procedures, and coordinate training or guidance as appropriate.
- Maintain comprehensive review calendars; oversee secure collection, routing, tracking, and retention of materials; coordinate external reviewer processes and communications.
- Identify missing requirements, procedural concerns, and deadline risks; resolve administrative issues within delegated authority and elevate matters requiring formal policy interpretation or academic judgment.
- Coordinate with faculty affairs, human resources, academic leadership, and other university offices; maintain strict confidentiality of evaluations, recommendations, and personnel records.
- Coordinate administrative aspects of assigned leadership or unit-head review processes, including collecting materials and preparing factual summaries, when authorized.
Executive Projects, Institutional Initiatives and Events
- Lead designated executive projects and initiatives of strategic or operational importance, including defining scope, goals, milestones, timelines, stakeholders, deliverables, and implementation plans in consultation with the AVP and Dean.
- Coordinate work across units and staff, monitor progress and risks, resolve implementation obstacles within delegated authority, and report findings and recommendations to leadership.
- Conduct historical and institutional research for sensitive or complex assignments; synthesize results into actionable briefings and proposed solutions.
- Oversee planning and execution of high-profile conferences, retreats, receptions, recognition programs, leadership events, and other initiatives sponsored by the AVP and Dean.
- Manage assigned recognition initiatives, including the Impact Awards, and coordinate event logistics, communications, resources, and post-event follow-up.
- Assess completed initiatives and recommend process or operational improvements based on outcomes.
Financial and Administrative Coordination
- Coordinate purchasing, invoices, memberships, registrations, travel documentation, reimbursements, and other executive office transactions in collaboration with authorized financial personnel.
- Monitor assigned office commitments, expenditures, supporting documentation, and transaction status; identify discrepancies and elevate issues requiring budgetary or financial approval.
- Coordinate procurement of office, meeting, event, and operational supplies in compliance with university requirements.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, communications, higher education, or a related field.
-
Four or more years of the following experience:
- Progressively responsible executive administrative and operational experience in a complex organization, including senior leadership support, complex projects, confidential processes, and cross-functional coordination.
- Exercising independent judgment and developing operational solutions required.
- Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
- All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Advanced executive office and operational management in a complex organization; ability to balance institutional priorities and competing demands.
- Independent judgment, discretion, analytical problem-solving, and ability to recommend solutions to sensitive or ambiguous issues.
- Executive-level writing, research, briefing, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder relationship management.
- Project leadership, change coordination, process improvement, delegation and accountability for assigned outcomes.
- Working knowledge of institutional governance, academic and personnel processes, confidentiality, and records management.
- Ability to navigate cross-unit relationships, represent executive priorities appropriately, and work with minimal direction.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft 365 and ability to learn university enterprise systems
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting an executive, dean, vice president, president, provost, or comparable senior leader.
- Experience in higher education, government, a large nonprofit organization, or another complex institution.
- Experience coordinating governance, academic affairs, faculty affairs, or personnel processes.
- Experience preparing executive communications and briefing materials.
- Experience working with confidential personnel and executive information.
- Valid Driver's License
West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.
From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.
At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.
Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.
West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.
Job Posting
: Nov 5, 2026Schedule
: Full-timeThe Division for Land-Grant Engagement at West Virginia University is seeking applications for a Senior Executive Assistant.
About the Opportunity
The Senior Executive Assistant to the Associate Vice President and Dean serves as a principal executive aide and operational partner to the AVP and Dean of the Division for Land-Grant Engagement (DLGE). The position manages complex executive office operations, facilitates the execution of divisional priorities, and addresses sensitive and multifaceted issues involving academic, extension, engagement, and administrative units. The incumbent exercises substantial independent judgment and discretion in evaluating issues, developing proposed solutions, managing delegated matters, and determining appropriate referral or escalation.
The position oversees the effective flow of information and commitments to and from the AVP and Dean’s Office; researches and analyzes matters of strategic or operational importance; prepares executive communications and decision-support materials; and manages designated projects and initiatives from definition through implementation. The incumbent represents the AVP and Dean in assigned interactions, communicates established executive priorities, and works with senior leaders and university partners to resolve cross-functional issues.
The Senior Executive Assistant also manages complex executive scheduling and preparation, governance and committee processes, confidential academic and personnel workflows including promotion and tenure, and high-profile meetings and events. The position is expected to assume the full responsibilities described below following appropriate onboarding and training, subject to delegated authority and university policy.
We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:
- 37.5-hour work week
- 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
- 15 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
- 18 sick days per year (for when you’re ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family’s, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
- WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
- 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ’s.
- Wellness programs
What You'll Do
Executive Office Operations, Leadership Support and Strategic Coordination
- Manage and oversee the administrative and operational functions of the AVP and Dean’s Office, establishing priorities, effective workflows, service standards, and systems for continuity and follow-through.
- Serve as a principal aide to the AVP and Dean in assessing complex and sensitive operational matters; research issues, evaluate alternatives, develop proposed solutions, and independently resolve matters within delegated authority.
- Participate in senior leadership planning, problem-solving, change management, and crisis-preparedness activities as designated by the AVP and Dean; communicate established leadership decisions and priorities to relevant parties.
- Manage the AVP and Dean’s complex calendar and competing commitments; assess meeting requests and ensure executive readiness through briefings and background materials.
- Oversee requests directed to the AVP and Dean, distinguish matters requiring executive attention from those suitable for referral or direct resolution, delegate or coordinate follow-up as authorized, and monitor matters through satisfactory resolution.
- Develop, implement, evaluate, and improve executive office policies, administrative procedures, records practices, and cross-unit workflows
- Coordinate executive travel, authorizations, itineraries, and related administrative arrangements in partnership with financial personnel.
- Provide functional direction and coordination to administrative colleagues supporting the Dean’s Suite
Executive Communications, Analysis and Constituent Relations
- Serve as a principal liaison and designated representative of the AVP and Dean with university executives, academic and extension leaders, faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, advisory bodies, governmental representatives, and community partners.
-
Communicate the AVP and Dean’s established positions, priorities, and decisions accurately and diplomatically, using independent judgment regarding confidentiality, urgency, and appropriate escalation.
Independently draft, review, and prepare executive correspondence, memoranda, presentations, reports, proposals, announcements, talking points, agendas, and other materials for internal and external audiences. - Research complex academic, extension, engagement, and administrative questions; analyze information from multiple units; prepare concise summaries, findings, and recommendations to inform executive decisions.
- Monitor sensitive correspondence and inquiries, develop proposed responses, and coordinate timely resolution; maintain productive relationships with executive support professionals and key stakeholders across the university.
- Maintain executive contact information, leadership rosters, and communications records; coordinate institutional acknowledgments and other high-level correspondence.
Governance, Leadership Meetings and Committee Administration
- Manage executive-level coordination for councils, assemblies, visiting and advisory committees, leadership teams, and other governance bodies within the AVP and Dean’s portfolio.
- Maintain annual governance calendars and oversee appointments, reappointments, membership records, meeting cycles, required communications, and institutional documentation.
- Work with leadership to define meeting objectives, develop agendas and briefing materials, document decisions and assigned actions, and ensure timely follow-through.
- Provide procedural guidance regarding established committee and governance processes; identify inconsistencies or emerging issues and recommend corrective actions to appropriate leadership.
- Preserve confidential governance records and institutional knowledge
Confidential Academic, Personnel and Promotion and Tenure Processes
- Manage the AVP – Dean level administrative execution of promotion and tenure and other assigned confidential academic and personnel review processes. Collaborate with school / unit-based promotion and tenure support personnel in said execution
- Serve as a primary procedural contact for faculty, unit leaders, and administrative personnel; explain established timelines, documentation requirements, and approved procedures, and coordinate training or guidance as appropriate.
- Maintain comprehensive review calendars; oversee secure collection, routing, tracking, and retention of materials; coordinate external reviewer processes and communications.
- Identify missing requirements, procedural concerns, and deadline risks; resolve administrative issues within delegated authority and elevate matters requiring formal policy interpretation or academic judgment.
- Coordinate with faculty affairs, human resources, academic leadership, and other university offices; maintain strict confidentiality of evaluations, recommendations, and personnel records.
- Coordinate administrative aspects of assigned leadership or unit-head review processes, including collecting materials and preparing factual summaries, when authorized.
Executive Projects, Institutional Initiatives and Events
- Lead designated executive projects and initiatives of strategic or operational importance, including defining scope, goals, milestones, timelines, stakeholders, deliverables, and implementation plans in consultation with the AVP and Dean.
- Coordinate work across units and staff, monitor progress and risks, resolve implementation obstacles within delegated authority, and report findings and recommendations to leadership.
- Conduct historical and institutional research for sensitive or complex assignments; synthesize results into actionable briefings and proposed solutions.
- Oversee planning and execution of high-profile conferences, retreats, receptions, recognition programs, leadership events, and other initiatives sponsored by the AVP and Dean.
- Manage assigned recognition initiatives, including the Impact Awards, and coordinate event logistics, communications, resources, and post-event follow-up.
- Assess completed initiatives and recommend process or operational improvements based on outcomes.
Financial and Administrative Coordination
- Coordinate purchasing, invoices, memberships, registrations, travel documentation, reimbursements, and other executive office transactions in collaboration with authorized financial personnel.
- Monitor assigned office commitments, expenditures, supporting documentation, and transaction status; identify discrepancies and elevate issues requiring budgetary or financial approval.
- Coordinate procurement of office, meeting, event, and operational supplies in compliance with university requirements.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, communications, higher education, or a related field.
-
Four or more years of the following experience:
- Progressively responsible executive administrative and operational experience in a complex organization, including senior leadership support, complex projects, confidential processes, and cross-functional coordination.
- Exercising independent judgment and developing operational solutions required.
- Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
- All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Advanced executive office and operational management in a complex organization; ability to balance institutional priorities and competing demands.
- Independent judgment, discretion, analytical problem-solving, and ability to recommend solutions to sensitive or ambiguous issues.
- Executive-level writing, research, briefing, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder relationship management.
- Project leadership, change coordination, process improvement, delegation and accountability for assigned outcomes.
- Working knowledge of institutional governance, academic and personnel processes, confidentiality, and records management.
- Ability to navigate cross-unit relationships, represent executive priorities appropriately, and work with minimal direction.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft 365 and ability to learn university enterprise systems
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting an executive, dean, vice president, president, provost, or comparable senior leader.
- Experience in higher education, government, a large nonprofit organization, or another complex institution.
- Experience coordinating governance, academic affairs, faculty affairs, or personnel processes.
- Experience preparing executive communications and briefing materials.
- Experience working with confidential personnel and executive information.
- Valid Driver's License
West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.
From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.
At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.
Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.
West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.
Job Posting
: Nov 5, 2026Schedule
: Full-timeSee All 18 Vice Dean Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Vice Dean JobsVice Dean Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in vice dean jobs.
- Terminal degree such as a doctorate or equivalent professional degree in a relevant field
- Demonstrated record of progressively responsible academic administrative leadership
- Experience with accreditation processes and academic program review
- Proven ability to manage budgets and allocate resources across academic units
- Experience recruiting, mentoring, and evaluating faculty at multiple career stages
- Strong record of advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within an academic institution
Tips for Your Vice Dean Job Search
Align your CV to academic leadership metrics
Vice dean search committees want to see enrollment figures you influenced, programs you launched, and faculty headcount you managed. Translate your administrative history into concrete outcomes tied to institutional priorities, not just a list of duties.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists vice dean openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by divisional focus
Vice dean roles divide sharply by domain: academic affairs, finance and operations, research, or student success. Filter your search by the sub-area where your credentials are strongest so you're not competing against candidates with deeper specialist experience.
Prepare a leadership philosophy statement
Many vice dean applications ask for a written statement on academic leadership or equity and inclusion before the first interview. Draft one specific to higher education governance so you're not writing it under deadline pressure after a posting closes.
Research the dean's strategic plan before interviewing
Vice dean finalists are expected to speak directly to the dean's current institutional priorities. Read recent accreditation self-studies, program review reports, and any publicly available strategic plan so your interview answers connect to real institutional goals.
Negotiate start date and transition support
Academic leadership hires often have delayed start dates because outgoing vice deans finish the academic year. Clarify the timeline early and ask about faculty orientation, administrative staff introductions, and budget cycle access before accepting any offer.
Vice Dean Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most vice deans?
The companies hiring the most vice deans right now include Vcom, UC Davis, and Hope College, with the largest share of openings in New York, Texas, and Wisconsin, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Openings tend to cluster at large research universities and academic medical centers with multiple professional schools.
How many vice dean jobs are remote?
About 60% of vice dean openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most academic leadership roles. Sub-areas such as online program oversight and continuing education administration are most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements compared to roles tied to residential campuses.
How do you become a vice dean?
Most vice deans move up from department chair, associate dean, or director positions within a college or professional school. Building a record in faculty governance, curriculum oversight, and budget management positions you for a search committee's shortlist. Many candidates also complete formal academic leadership institutes to signal readiness for a dean-level role before applying.
Can you get a vice dean role with limited administrative experience?
It's uncommon but possible, particularly at smaller institutions or in newly created vice dean positions tied to a specific initiative such as online learning or community engagement. Candidates with limited formal administrative titles can strengthen their case by documenting significant committee leadership, accreditation work, or externally funded project management that mirrors the scope of a vice dean role.
What does the vice dean interview process look like?
Vice dean searches typically run in two or three formal rounds. An initial screening call or video interview with the search committee is followed by an in-person campus visit that includes meetings with the dean, faculty governance leaders, staff, and students. Finalists usually give a public presentation on a leadership topic and participate in a structured debrief with the full search committee before an offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to vice dean jobs?
You can find and apply to vice dean jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from colleges, universities, and academic medical centers across the United States. Search for roles that match your disciplinary background and administrative focus, then apply directly to each listing that fits your experience and goals.
See All 18 Vice Dean Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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