Dean-Academic & Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs

DEAN – ACADEMIC & CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) PROGRAMS
WILBUR WRIGHT COLLEGE

Wilbur Wright College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago, seeks a Dean of Academic & Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs to advance and support the college’s mission and vision and lead offerings designed to prepare students for the workforce. Wright College, located on the northwest side of the city, annually serves over 12,000 students in college credit, career programs, adult education, and continuing education courses. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools as a Standard Pathways institution, Wright is committed to continuous improvement. Designated as a Hispanic Serving Institute (HSI), Wright College offers high quality education that is both accessible and affordable to a diverse and vibrant student population.

Wright College’s career programs include: Addiction Studies, Business, Cannabis Studies, Computer Numerical Control (CNC), Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity, Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), and Paralegal, among other academic programs.

At City Colleges of Chicago, Deans support institutional and district-wide initiatives to advance education through an equity mindset and the integration of inclusive, culturally competent practices to enhance awareness of student needs and identify best practices for accommodating diverse learning styles.

Reporting to the Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs, the Dean of Academic & CTE Programs provides strong academic leadership and operational management for credit and non-credit programs grouped within the college’s Career Programs Department. The position is accountable for developing and administering instructional programs; faculty hiring and evaluation; budget development and oversight; maintaining programmatic accreditations; and strengthening the delivery of instruction and the quality of the learning environment to ensure student success.

The Dean of Academic & CTE Programs also plays a lead role in grants and resource development for the college, working collaboratively with key stakeholders to identify grants that align with the college’s instructional program needs and strategic plan; writes grant proposals to secure grants; and oversees select grants awarded to the Career Programs Department. Performs related duties as required. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Administration

• Leads the development and implementation of credit and non-credit instructional programs; directs faculty and staff; oversees academic operations and activities; and ensures compliance with all academic and administrative policies and procedures.
• Manages and evaluates programs, working with department chairpersons and faculty in evaluating curriculum and instructional materials, work-based learning experiences, and student outcomes for the continuous improvement of programs.
• Serves as the primary liaison between college administration and faculty to ensure the integrity of the credit and non-credit educational programs, the currency of offerings, and the introduction of work-based learning opportunities into the curriculum.
• Manages the department’s budget and resources. Creates the department’s annual budget in coordination with college administrators; ensures the proper allocation of resources to various programs and functional areas; and approves and monitors budgetary expenditures.
• Oversees and participates in the interviewing and hiring of faculty and staff as well as the provision of comprehensive orientation programs to full-time and adjunct faculty.  
• Provides and supports professional development opportunities for departmental staff.
• Directs and supervises department chairpersons and faculty. Conducts staff meetings and works to ensure faculty receive needed support and resources to accomplish course and program objectives.  
• Establishes performance objectives and evaluates full-time and adjunct faculty, providing written and verbal feedback on instructional quality according to Board requirements and relevant collective bargaining agreements.
• Collaborates with the Vice President-Academic & Student Affairs on college operational processes including the faculty tenure and post-tenure process.  
• Accountable for ensuring department’s programs maintain accreditation compliance with appropriate regulatory and accrediting institutions and agencies. 

Grants Management

• Researches and identifies grant opportunities that align with college’s priorities and initiatives including CTE and career pathways programs to obtain funding.
• Writes and oversees the writing of grant proposals and the preparation of grant applications in response to Request for Proposal (RFPs).
• Submits completed proposals/applications for appropriate college and district level review and approval; responds to internal and external inquiries on drafted and submitted proposals.
• Maintains database to record and ensure timely submission of grant proposals and applications, monitors status, and track the awarding of grants to the college and department.  
• Manages grant awards, developing work plans to implement and execute grant objectives.  
• Works with Business Office on grant budget set-up fund accounts, spenddown, modification requests, and other grant-related financial matters.  
• Provides on-going support to staff of ensure proper grant implementation and maintenance of data relating to performance and achieved objectives.  
• Implements procedures to ensure compliance with each grant’s program and finance reporting requirements and close-out at completion of grant.  
• Serves on various college level and district level committees. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Education, Higher Education Administration, or a related field required.
• Five (5) years of experience in higher education in a teaching and/or manager role.
• Two (2) years of experience as a Department Chair, Associate Dean, or similar position.
• Experience working and managing staff in a union setting preferred.
• Experience motivating, mentoring, coaching, and developing departmental staff as appropriate with sound supportive leadership and supervisory skills.
• Experience with the financial oversight of significant budgets and resources.
• Extensive knowledge of higher education accreditation procedures, articulation processes, and program review.
• Exceptional organizational, collaborative, and team building skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to create a learning environment that fosters student success.
• Ability to work within a culturally diverse environment.
• Commitment to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel PowerPoint).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Ability and willingness to travel between Wilbur Wright College and Humboldt Park Campus, as needed.

Chicago residency is required for all full-time employees within six (6) months of hire.
We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
Thank you for your interest in City Colleges of Chicago!