Dean of Undergraduate Programs jobs in Portland, ME

Description

About Unity:
At Unity Environmental University we are on a mission to make environmental education accessible and affordable to all. Our unique model combines a functional hierarchy and project-based structure through our four Sustainable Education Business Units (SEBUs) to promote collaboration and innovation (Distance Education, Sustainable Ventures, Hybrid Learning and the Technical Institute for Environmental Professions). We prioritize our students' needs above all else, offering a variety of modalities, including hybrid, in-person, hyflex, and online. Our innovative and inclusive culture prepares students to tackle real-world challenges and cultivate the next generation of environmental professionals and leaders who can make a positive impact on our world.
 

Our Mission:
We are dedicated to delivering quality education and experiences that produce outstanding environmentally competent professionals and inspire individuals from all walks of life to steward sustainable ecosystems.
 

About Distance Education:
Distance Education provides an entirely asynchronous, online learning experience that adapts to the unique circumstances of each student. Our fully accredited bachelor's and master's degree programs, as well as non-degree credits, empower learners to shape their own educational journey. With 8 five-week terms for undergraduates and 5 eight-week terms for graduate students, our model offers unparalleled flexibility. You can learn at your own pace, and take breaks as needed. By using your everyday environment as your laboratory, you'll integrate your studies into your daily life. This makes our education ideal for busy professionals who seek to advance their careers while still honoring their commitments. We are committed to empowering our students to become the changemakers our world needs, wherever they are.

The Opportunity:
The Associate Dean acts as an extension of the Dean of Baccalaureate Programs, and is expected to perform duties related to course scheduling, academic program development, course design, adjunct faculty recruitment, support of student recruitment and advising, content development, and capacity building.

The Associate Dean is a member of the DE Baccalaureate Faculty. All Distance Education Faculty teach, oversee program viability and relevance, recruit for programs, advise students, mentor capstone projects, and provide other services as needed. Faculty conduct all teaching through the institution’s Learning Management Software (LMS), implement appropriate pedagogical techniques for the online environment, and provide course materials in a professional, appropriate, clear, and rigorous manner.

This position works closely with and reports to the Dean of Baccalaureate Programs in Distance Education and is based in the Unity Environmental University Distance Education offices located in New Gloucester, Maine.
 

Day to day responsibilities:

Administrative:

All Distance Education Associate Deans have a suite of administrative tasks that are divided by the Dean based on expertise. These tasks may include:

• Work closely with DE-dedicated Enterprise HR staff to hire qualified adjunct instructors and subject matter experts (SMEs).
• Evaluate and identify qualified applicants for adjunct teaching positions and SME opportunities
• Monitor the HRIS database to ensure that adjunct instructors’ credentials are updated.
• Monitor the DE faculty web pages to ensure that information about adjunct instructors is up-to-date.
• Work with the Dean of Retention and Completion (and her/his designees) to develop a schedule that meets students’ needs.
• Investigate student concerns about instructional experiences as needed. Communicate resolution of student concerns with the Advising team and/or Dean of Retention and Completion according to established processes.
• Conduct and summarize research related to andragogical practices that support student learning in contexts relevant to DE baccalaureate programming.
• Develop research-based tools and learning opportunities to support growth and improvement of DE instructors.
• Work with individuals or groups of instructors to improve practice as needed.
• Gather and analyze data related to instructional quality. Prepare summary reports and advise the Dean of Baccalaureate Programs regarding actions needed to address shortcomings and/or improve instructional performance.
• Gather and analyze data related to student achievement of course- and program-level outcomes. Prepare summary reports of outcome achievement data.
• Make recommendations about course assignments based on instructional efficacy data.

Curricular

• Support the Dean of Baccalaureate Programs in maintaining the integrity of the curriculum, including any accreditation requirements.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for course design as assigned.
• Oversee supervision of SMEs for course design as assigned.

Instructional

• Teach up to 120 student credit hours per calendar year as assigned.
• Demonstrate knowledge of learning models, appropriate online pedagogies, and effective use of technological tools to support adult and non-traditional learners.

General

• Proactively communicate challenges, successes, and failures with the Dean of Baccalaureate Programs.

• Other duties as assigned.

DE SEBU: Communication and Student-Focused Collaboration and Problem-solving

• Participate in Distance Education governance (task groups) as assigned.
• Demonstrate a high degree of commitment to customer service and quality education.
• Work with Distance Education staff and leaders to develop strategies for effective advising and retention efforts.
• Collaborate with DE academic and student support faculty and staff to address concerns and develop innovative solutions and products.
• Become knowledgeable and articulate about Unity Environmental University Distance Education, its programs, market niche, strategies, and procedures.

Unity Environmental University: Understanding, Representing, and Working Within the Enterprise Model

• Demonstrate understanding of and ability to work within the Unity Environmental University Enterprise Model.
• Professionally represent Unity Environmental University Distance Education through scholarship, outreach, and professional platforms.
• Demonstrate commitment to Unity Environmental University’s core values and serve as a role model for the Institution’s standards of conduct.
• Contribute to the Institution’s commitment to sustainability and contribute to the Institution’s commitment to support a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment.
• Follow safety and infection control policies while assisting with their enforcement.
• Assume responsibility to maintain and upgrade professional knowledge and skills with regulations, industry trends, current practices, new developments, and applicable laws. Actively participate in Unity Environmental University Professional Development days and Unity Environmental University required annual trainings.
• Demonstrate a high degree of commitment to customer service and student success.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Do you have the skills?

• A terminal degree in Animal Science, Animal Behavior, Wildlife Biology, or a related field or a Master's degree and significant work experience in animal science or wildlife conservation. Strong interest in innovative, accessible higher education.
• Leadership experience in higher education, teaching, and assessment. Experience administering online courses in an adult market is preferred.
• Experience in course design and LMS use; experience in distance or accelerated formats preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including facility with technical terminology appropriate to the position.
• Excellent initiative and organizational skills with the ability to work both autonomously and in a team.
• Great time management skills.
• Ability and willingness to work with students, staff, and faculty from diverse political/socioeconomic backgrounds and a wide range of physical, socio-emotional, and academic abilities.
• Strong skills in database management, analysis, and /or data mining and reporting. Experience with programming languages such as R or Python, or with information management systems such as Salesforce preferred.
• Personal commitment to the environmental focus and mission of the Institution.
• Ability to function effectively within a matrix organizational structure, maintaining open lines of communication while being discreet, courteous, and poised.

Are you contemplating the job but uncertain if you should apply? We encourage you to reach out to us regardless. At our company, we acknowledge that not everyone begins their professional journey with equal advantages, opportunities, or privileges. Therefore, we value your unique skills and experiences. Take a chance and submit your application; you may be precisely the individual we're searching for!
 

Location: Pineland Farms, New Gloucester, Maine
Just a half hour from Portland, Unity Environmental University Headquarters, Unity Environmental University Distance Education, The Technical School for Environmental Professions, and the School of Environmental Business & Sustainable Ventures are based at the Pineland Farms campus. The facilities are within easy access to one of the fastest-growing cities for startups in the country.
 

Work Schedule:
Work hours are specific to the requirements of this position and can include days, evenings, weekends. Working extended hours may be required as needed and Unity Environmental University employees must be flexible and cooperative in fulfilling their responsibilities while meeting the institution’s needs.

Although at Unity Environmental University Enterprise employees are generally scheduled to work at their base location, there are times when travel is necessary and employees are required from time to time to attend events, meetings or work temporary assignment at any Unity Environmental University location.
 

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, it is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand or walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The use of either hand for repetitive movements such as grasping, grasping, and turning, and fine manipulation is required as is the ability to use the telephone for internal and external communications.
 

Company Perks:
Unity Environmental University offers a comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits package for its faculty and staff. Benefits for eligible employees include:

• Paid holidays off
• 4 weeks of PTO
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Short- and Long-term disability
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan with up to 8% match
• Relocation Assistance