Associate Dean of Education and Program Director

Bethel University is a leader in Christ-centered higher education with approximately 4,700 students from 50 states and 32 countries enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, seminary, and adult education programs. Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, Bethel offers bachelor's and advanced degrees in nearly 100 fields. Educationally excellent classroom-based and online programs equip graduates to make exceptional contributions in life-long service to God and the world.

Bethel University’s Christ-centered mission includes a commitment to equal educational opportunity and equal employment opportunity. Bethel does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, or age in its admissions, educational programs, or employment practices.

About the role

Bethel University invites applications for a combined academic leadership role serving as Associate Dean of Education (50%) and Program Director (50%). The Program Director role may include SPED MA program or BA/MA Elementary Education program.

This role is ideal for a mission-aligned academic leader who is energized by developing faculty, strengthening programs, advancing inclusive excellence, and preparing educators to serve schools and communities with excellence and faith.

Associate Dean of Education (50%)
The Associate Dean provides strategic and operational leadership across Bethel’s education programs—including teacher education, K–12 administration, and higher education leadership. This leader partners closely with faculty, staff, university leaders, and external stakeholders to ensure academic quality, accreditation compliance, financial stewardship, and a thriving, Christ-centered learning community.

Grounded in Bethel’s mission, the Associate Dean offers visionary leadership to prepare graduates who meaningfully impact students, schools, and communities for God’s kingdom.

Program Director (50%)
In addition to Associate Dean responsibilities, the Program Director leads one or more online undergraduate and/or graduate education programs, as assigned. This includes responsibility for academic quality, student learning outcomes, faculty support, and continuous improvement. Depending on the program, this role may also provide leadership for residency, clinical, or apprenticeship-based experiences, cultivating strong PK–12 and organizational partnerships that support high-quality, field-based learning.

Based on program assignment, institutional needs, and candidate qualifications, the role may include opportunities to teach undergraduate and/or graduate education courses.

What you'll do

Academic and Strategic Leadership – 25%

• Provide vision and direction for Bethel’s education programs, ensuring high-quality curriculum, assessment, and student learning outcomes.
• Serve as the unit leader for teacher education programs.
• Champion inclusive excellence and culturally responsive teaching and learning.
• Lead assigned academic programs in alignment with Bethel’s mission and strategic priorities.

People and Operational Management - 25%

• Supervise and support program directors, department chairs, and teams focused on licensure, placements, partnerships, and data.
• Lead department faculty and staff hiring, development, and retention, fostering a healthy, collaborative, and mission-aligned culture.
• Actively advance efforts to build and sustain a diverse department.
• Oversee and advocate for program budgets and resources across education programs.
• Navigate and resolve complex faculty and student issues with wisdom, care, and confidentiality.

Accreditation and Compliance - 20%

• Coordinate and oversee state accreditation and reporting processes to ensure programs remain in good standing, including:
• • Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB)
  • Board of School Administrators (BOSA)
• Serve as an institutional representative for assigned programs with accrediting bodies and regulatory partners.

4.       Internal and External Representation - 20%