Job Description

The Opportunity

Post University invites applications for the position of Dean, John P. Burke School of Public Service and Education. The next Dean will join our community during a dynamic period in our institutional history. Post University is a thriving organization with an unfolding, amazing success story centered on one mission - changing the lives of its students and employees ("associates") . Our approach is simple, authentic, and unique. At Post University, each day begins and ends with a demonstration of distinct behaviors unique to our culture and way of life.

Non-Negotiable Behavior Expectations:

At Post, all leaders embrace demonstrating the right behaviors in all interactions, all the time, regardless of the audience - whether associates, students, parents, or other colleagues. Unlike other organizations, these behaviors are a routine way of life, especially for executives such as the CAO who serve as culture role models. In brief, no command and control, seek first to understand, no heroes, no hierarchy, collaborative relations, and intentionality in driving the highest associate engagement, are examples of how Post leaders show up daily as their best self for themselves and those on their teams.


The next Dean of the John P. Burke School of Public Service and Education at Post University is a visionary and entrepreneurial executive who combines both strategic thinking and a solid business acumen in performing all role accountabilities in a manner that provides enriched, personalized learning experiences for every student in the school, has overall accountability for delivery of learning experiences that set the school apart as a leader in the educational industry - whether on-line or at its main campus operations, and as a proven executive is fully engaged in diversity of thought ideas, and execution in all areas of the institution. The Dean reports directly to the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) - Provost and adds exceptional, strategic value through collaborative partnering with all functional departments.

Post University is on a one-of-a-kind success journey to create a story that's second to none. Only those who embrace the pursuit of possibilities, not the predictable, need apply. For example, Post University recently entered into a partnership with Universidad Andres Bello (UNAB), a private nonprofit university, founded in Santiago, Chile as a strategic decision aimed at enriching the quality and reach of educational programs globally - with a focus in the United States and across Latin America. A fitting partner for Post, UNAB boasts an unrivaled standard of excellence among its students and faculty. The Center for World University Ranking places UNAB in the top 6% of universities across the globe, and UNAB remains one of only four Chilean universities recognized in the Academic Ranking of the World Universities. Post strongly believes that this type of global alliance will strengthen the depth and reach of higher education across the globe and sees this as an opportunity to strengthen its student exchange, student experience and teaching opportunities. This executive will have a lead role in driving smart, non-traditional international growth (on-line and main campus) using precise business analytics and data informed decision-making.

Post Makes It Personal

Post University is focused on providing the personal guidance and support students need to succeed in their studies, personal lives, their careers, and beyond. From academics to athletics, online options to on-campus classes, and career-building degree programs to micro-credential opportunities, we do everything we can to make students' educational experience amazing.

Founded in 1890. For more than 130 years, Post has focused on student success. That focus enables us to change with the times, providing state of the art and innovative learning experiences for our students. Over 25 years ago, Post University was a pioneer in the development of online education in Connecticut, and among the first in the nation. Thanks to our ability to adapt to innovation, Post is now the second largest school in Connecticut with thousands of students online, main campus, undergraduate and graduate programs.


Four Schools, One Purpose. Post offers four schools and colleges to help you achieve career readiness and personal fulfillment:


American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences

John P. Burke School of Public Service and Education

Malcom Baldrige School of Business

School of Arts & Sciences

Welcoming Community. Post's residential Campus is located in Waterbury, Connecticut, on 58 beautiful acres in the heart of New England. We are proud to offer the programs, athletics, and academic support you would find at an elite school, as well as the dynamic culture and welcoming feel of a tight-knit community. We are also proud to offer many of the same advantages-academic support, learning flexibility, a welcoming community-online as well.


Providing One-On-One Support. At Post, our focus on "making education personal" extends to every step of the learning process, from helping students make the most of their financial aid options to providing online tutoring support, offer advice, counsel, and support when and where each student needs us. In fact, as soon as a student enrolls, a dedicated team of personal advisors begin their role as a helpful resource. They help students complete the financial aid process, choose the program that fits their needs, and work with the student to align their education with their specific career objectives. These advisors coach students through to academic success and help with job search campaigns upon graduation.


NCAA. Post University is proud to be home to 21 NCAA Division II Sports. Division II athletics represents over 200 colleges and universities that provide thousands of student-athletes with the opportunity to compete at a high level of scholarship athletics while excelling in the classroom and fully engaging in the broader campus experience. This balance, in which student-athletes are recognized for their academic success, athletics contributions and campus/community involvement, is at the heart of the Division II philosophy.


Awards and Recognition.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked 6 of Post University's online programs among the Best Online Programs for 2024.

Previously Post University was ranked among the Best Online Programs for the following:

• 2019 - 2023 Best Online Graduate Business Programs
• 2019 - 2023 Best Online Veterans Graduate Business Programs
• 2019, 2022 Best Online Graduate Education Programs and Best Online Graduate Education Programs for Veterans 2019 and 2022
• 2013 - 2015 and 2018 Best Online Bachelor's Programs
• 2018 Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans

Top Workplaces USA ranked Post University a 2025 Top Workplace 5 years running 2021-2025 and awarded Top Workplaces Work-life Flexibility Award 2025 as well as previously in 2024 and 2023.


Military Times' Best for Vets has ranked Post University among the top institutions for military students, recognizing it as the No. 16 primarily online university nationwide, No. 4 in Connecticut, and No.23 in the Northeaster in its 2024 rankings.


Dean, John P. Burke School of Public Service and Education

Our next Dean will embody bold thinking, revolutionary ideas backed by sound operational execution, and a strong belief in excellence as the benchmark for success. As the Dean we expect a talented executive leader to instill a vivid vision of the school, activate each person's contribution to that vision, execute said vision, and structure accountability required for success. We seek a leader who prioritizes, expects and requires from themselves and others, an insightful and innovative approach to achieving exceptional student success results . This singular focus is why Post University has continued to excel within the educational sector.


As a member of the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) Cabinet and the University's Leadership Team, the Dean for the John P. Burke School of Public Service and Education reports directly to the CAO and is the school's senior academic and administrative leader. The Dean works collaboratively across Academic Affairs and the University to advance high-quality online academic programming and course instruction on the quality of the school's main campus and online, focusing on personalizing the holistic student experience. Post University serves as diverse population of students with a main campus location in Waterbury, CT, and a strong global online presence.


In collaboration with the CAO and operational units, the Dean will advance educational effectiveness in the John P. Burke School of Public Service and Education, such as student enrollment, retention, persistence, and graduation rates. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader who combines strategic thinking and solid business acumen to perform all role accountabilities and provide enriched, personalized learning experiences for every student.


The Dean for the John P. Burke School of Public Service and Education is an onsite role in Waterbury, CT, and is not a remote opportunity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Leadership

• Model Post's non-negotiable behaviors with all audiences, all the time.
• Adopt innovative strategies and data informed decision-making in support of Post's smart growth as a global employer.
• Ensure academic integrity in all academic department informational communications - internal or external.
• Demonstrate expertise in effective, student-centered, success-oriented, and ethical leadership.
• Establish and launch the school's mission, shared vision, and identity.
• Build the strength relevancy of the John P. Burke School of Public Service and Education name locally, regionally, and nationally by establishing relationships with counterpart institutions, transfer institutions, local business/industry partners, K-12 partners, and the Post University community.
• Actively participate in the university's leadership team to support the university-wide strategic planning process with the specific accountability and advocacy for the school.
• Provide leadership in the development, enhancement, and review of academic policies.
• Ensure timely and transparent information communication across the School, Academic Affairs, and/or the University.
• Enhance the ethos of collaboration and respect among all Faculty, Associates, and Students.
• Engage with the external community to foster educational partnerships and opportunities that enhance the school's impact and visibility.
• Practice inclusive excellence and shared governance principles that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the School and Post University.

Curriculum and Program Development

• Develop and implement new degree programs and work closely with the CAO, Faculty, and Associates to enhance the student experience.
• Conduct ongoing evaluations of the academic portfolio.
• Review and act on student concerns raised in the school, including Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), dismissal appeals and violations of Post's Civility Code and Academic dishonesty policies.
• Assure compliance with state, federal, and accrediting agency regulations, and, with the CAO, effectively communicate all such policies to students, Faculty, Associates, and the University community.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Provost for Teaching and Learning and the Regulatory Department to ensure academic content in the Catalog and on the website and other University publications are accurate and representative of the school.
• Develop and encourage opportunities to deepen the school's interdisciplinary teaching and scholarship in ways that capitalize on Post's Workforce Ready Initiatives and Humanities General Education outcomes.
• Promote research, scholarship, and innovative practices within the school.
• Collaborate with CAO and the Regulatory department to ensure compliance with programmatic accreditors.
  Student Success and Educational Effectiveness
• Provide student-centered and data-informed leadership in planning, implementing, assessing, and ongoing improvement of all curricula, instructional modalities, courses, and programs within the assigned academic areas.
• Gather and synthesize data from various sources to review, evaluate, and communicate the school's progress toward the strategic plan goals.
• Collaborate with the assessment team to ensure yearly program review and monitor retention, persistence, and graduation rates.
• Work closely with the Chief Academic Officer and University Operations to ensure optimal student experience from enrollment to graduate relative to KPI's.
  
  
  Personnel and Resource Allocation
• Develop and manage the school's operational and personnel budget and participate in the University-wide budgeting process.
• Hire, evaluate, and develop effective and dedicated Program Chairs, Faculty, and Associates for the School to foster a culture of transparency, creativity, accountability, and continuous quality improvement.
• Supervise and evaluate Assistant Deans and support strategic initiatives surrounding Associate Faculty professional development.
• Collaborate with the Center for Teaching and Learning to develop and provide professional development opportunities to faculty and associates within the school.
• These responsibilities are note exhaustive and may include additional tasks as directed by the Chief Academic Officer and Provost.
  
  
  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
  To perform this job successfully, an individual must perform each essential function satisfactorily.
  
  
  The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and performance required. Reasonable accommodation may enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
  QUALIFICATIONS
  The successful candidate will possess a terminal degree reflective of one or more disciplines within the John P. Burke School of Public Service and Education. The candidate should have at least five years of experience in higher education leadership or a related professional field. Other qualifications include:
• Knowledge of and experience in adult education (theory, pedagogy, and andragogy) as it relates to online and blended learning modalities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current research and state and/or national initiatives to enhance students access, persistence, and success.
• Proficiency in designing and teaching courses online; demonstrated success in academic higher education program and curriculum development; experience with faculty/staff professional development.
• Experience with budgets and fiscal management.
• A proven record of effective leadership through collaborative and shared decision-making; initiative-taking, action-oriented, get it done mentality.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• An innovative vision for the future of service and education programming in higher education, particularly online.
• Ability to balance advocacy for the school with the greater needs of the University.
• Deep commitment to the goals and advancement of online education.

Applications

This is a rolling search, and strong candidates will be reviewed and moved forward as they are identified. Applications should include the following:

• Current curriculum vitae
• Cover letter

Buffkin/Baker, an executive search firm, is assisting in this search. Inquiries of interest, nominations, and applications should be submitted electronically, in confidence, to:


Dr. Pelema Ellis, Partner


Dinah DeWitt, Associate


Buffkin / Baker postdeanspse@buffkinbaker.com

Job Tags

Local area,

Similar Jobs