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Internal Search for Interim Divisional Dean, School of Social Work, College of Health Sciences

Boise State University, powered by creativity and innovation, and uniquely positioned in the Northwest as an innovative metropolitan research university of distinction, seeks an Interim Divisional Dean for the School of Social Work, within the College of Health Sciences. The school is committed to preparing students for rewarding careers supporting some of the most vulnerable populations in the community. Our graduates are fully prepared to begin successful careers dedicated to helping others and working to make the world a better place.

The social work programs at Boise State are rigorous and transformative. Our faculty work closely with students to develop them into future community leaders by providing a comprehensive and hands-on education. The School will build on the Department’s history of success in community engagement, applied scholarship, and research in order to lead and continue to grow the thriving BSW and MSW programs (both face-to-face and online). The BSW program has approximately 112 undergraduate students, the face-to-face MSW serves 75 graduate students, and the fully online MSW program serves 496 (this is the largest graduate program at the university). Currently these programs are supported by 11 tenure eligible faculty, 13 clinical faculty and 7 professional and administrative staff. The school is also in the process of exploring a new PhD or DSW program.

For additional information about the School of Social Work, please visit https://www.boisestate.edu/socialwork/.

The Position

As the executive leader for the School of Social Work, the Interim Divisional Dean provides leadership for the School and exercises responsibility for its academic and administrative operations including budget, personnel, programs, and physical facilities. Through consultation with the college dean, school faculty and staff, the Divisional Dean establishes a vision in setting priorities, maintaining academic standards, and strengthening faculty scholarship and research.

Areas of responsibility include leadership functions associated with overall direction and strategic planning; fiscal management and resource development; new school, program, and partner development; coordinating with leaders and partners outside of the department; working with leadership to raise funds; and mentoring faculty and staff and assessing team members’ performance. The Divisional Dean reports directly to the Dean of the College of Health Sciences and participates in a shared governance system with faculty, staff, and students.

Key Responsibilities

95% of Time the Position must:

  • Lead expansion and development of the school and associated programs.
  • Manage complex budgets, develop resources, and prioritize resources in alignment with strategic goals across the school in a financially sustainable manner.
  • Interface with the dean, university, and community.
  • Provide oversight and management for all staff and budget assigned to the school.
  • Collaborate with internal and external partners to develop new programs and initiatives.
  • Lead the development and implementation of the school’s strategic plan.
  • Provide effective, transparent and participatory administrative leadership and promote shared governance.
  • Provide leadership in strategic enrollment management and participate on the COHS leadership team.
  • Lead the annual evaluation process and evaluate faculty.

5% of Time the Position must:

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

The Qualifications

This is an internal search. The university seeks Boise State University employees with solid records of academic and administrative accomplishment; commitment to excellence in research and teaching; administrative, budget, accreditations; leadership skills; a high standard of excellence, and strong administrative skills.

Required Qualifications

  • Doctoral degree and rank of at least an associate professor (clinical and non-clinical faculty are all acceptable).
  • Administrative/leadership experience in higher education.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Proven skills in leadership and a commitment to excellence and innovation with a vision for the future of education in social work and health sciences.
  • Program development and management in face-to-face, online, and distance education.
  • Ability to secure external research funding and assist and support faculty and students applying for external research grants and opportunities.
  • Evidence of success in developing and maintaining successful partnerships.
  • Capability in supporting innovative curriculum, research, and program development.
  • Track record of work with doctoral programming (DSW and/or PhD).
  • Ability to communicate consistently in a timely and transparent manner.
  • Capacity to make bold leadership decisions that support growth in spite of the changing climate in higher education.
  • Willingness to manage challenges and conflict in a way that supports an open climate and collaboration within faculty governance.
  • Success in recruitment and retention of talented and diverse faculty, staff, and researchers.
  • Experience with academic planning, enrollment management, and student success.

Application

To apply, please submit a letter of interest and a current CV by June 13, 2022, to Leslie Black, at lblack@boisestate.edu. Also, please feel free to contact Leslie with any questions.