Academic Dean

We are seeking a results-driven academic leader to serve as Academic Dean at our Lincoln Tech campus in Union, NJ. This is a high-impact leadership role where you'll drive student success, operational excellence, and institutional performance while managing a team of 10+ staff and overseeing 50+ skilled-trade faculty. You'll set the strategic direction for all academic operations, own key performance metrics, and partner directly with the Campus President to build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities of an Academic Dean

Strategic Leadership & Performance Management

• Lead all campus academic operations with accountability for student satisfaction scores, retention benchmarks, and graduation outcomes
• Build and develop high-performing teams including Education Supervisors who manage instructional faculty
• Drive faculty excellence through effective hiring, onboarding, professional development, and performance management - maintaining optimal faculty retention and ensuring training standards are met
• Partner with the Campus President on academic strategy, budget management, and resource allocation

Operational Excellence

• Manage complex academic operations including schedule development, attendance tracking, retention initiatives, and graduation planning
• Ensure compliance with all institutional policies and implement corrective action plans where performance gaps exist
• Oversee Learning Resource Center operations and academic support services that drive student success
• Implement and monitor student disciplinary processes and academic standards

Academic Quality & Compliance

• Execute faculty onboarding and training protocols to ensure classroom readiness and accreditation compliance
• Ensure curriculum delivery meets institutional standardization and industry requirements
• Conduct classroom observations and faculty evaluations according to institutional standards
• Lead course evaluation processes and continuous improvement initiatives
• Maintain institutional and programmatic accreditation standards, coordinating site visits and reporting requirements
• Ensure faculty credentialing meets all regulatory and accreditation requirements
• Oversee Education Supervisors in coordinating Advisory Board meetings and maintaining accreditation standards

Data-Driven Decision Making

• Use academic performance data to identify trends, diagnose issues, and develop targeted improvement plans
• Lead at-risk student identification and intervention strategies
• Collaborate with stakeholders on survey administration and translate results into actionable initiatives
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators that drive institutional success

Requirements of an Academic Dean

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in post-secondary education, corporate training, or performance-driven educational environments
• Proven track record managing complex operations, leading diverse teams, and driving measurable results
• Experience with career-focused or technical education strongly preferred
• Deep knowledge of accreditation standards, compliance requirements, and regulatory frameworks
• Demonstrated success improving student retention, satisfaction, and academic quality
• Strong business acumen with experience managing budgets and resources
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and strategic planning capabilities
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends to support faculty and student needs

Why This Role Matters

This isn't a traditional academic administration role - it's a dynamic leadership position where you'll balance strategic thinking with operational execution, drive meaningful student outcomes, and build a culture of excellence in skilled trades education. If you're an entrepreneurial leader who thrives on accountability, loves developing talent, and wants to make a real impact on student success, this role offers that opportunity.

 

Full-Time Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vi