Dean of School of Business and Communication

Dean of the School of Business & Communication

Chaminade University of Honolulu

Overview

Chaminade University of Honolulu is searching for a new Dean to lead our School of Business & Communication. We are excited to identify a new leader who can build on our strong foundation and help us thrive in the rapidly changing landscape of post-secondary business education.

Our School of Business & Communication is dedicated to shaping future leaders who are not only prepared to excel in their careers but also eager to make a positive impact on their communities and beyond. Our graduates are equipped to lead in innovation and entrepreneurship, with a focus on sustainability, ethical decision-making and social responsibility. Driven by our values, our degree programs are designed to cultivate future business leaders who aspire to serve more than themselves.

Our new Dean will play a crucial role in guiding our academic, administrative and enrollment strategies for the School of Business & Communication. We are looking for someone who can bring both creativity and urgency to address emerging opportunities and challenges while maintaining the thoughtful, collaborative and collegial climate that defines our community and engages our students. It is important that our next Dean is data-driven and well-prepared to engage in critical conversations that move our School forward while also maintaining a humble and personable approach that draws upon principles of servant leadership. Indeed, we are looking for our next Dean to exemplify our mission of service and values while stewarding our strong culture of shared governance and teamwork.

The Dean will work closely with the Provost to enhance academic quality, grow enrollment and develop new programs that help meet the needs of our local and regional communities. Building and maintaining strong relationships with alumni, donors and industry partners will also be a key part of this role as well as partnering with our Office of Development & Advancement to both facilitate and steward major gifts. We need a leader who can operationalize strategic priorities – as outlined in our new University Strategic Plan, Pupukahi i Holomua – while also advancing the School’s distinctive mission with clear, transparent decision-making and a keen focus on academic quality and student experience.

We are searching for a candidate with a proven track record in administrative leadership but also someone who has compelling experience as a faculty member; someone who can understand and empathize with both the Business faculty as well as the experiences of students in the classroom. We are committed to selecting a Dean who embodies a kind and reflective disposition with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills as well as a healthy sense of humor and levity – which is essential to thrive in our close and collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

Among the many responsibilities for the next Dean of the School of Business & Communication, the following areas are particularly important for this role:

• Enhancing Student Success: Drive initiatives that improve retention, progression, and graduation rates, ensuring all students achieve their academic goals.
• Expanding Enrollment Opportunities: Cultivate innovative pathways to attract and increase enrollment, with a particular focus on enhancing undergraduate program offerings and enrollments.
• Program Management and Development: Oversee existing academic programs and collaborate with faculty and university leadership to design and launch new, cutting-edge programs that meet market demands.
• Promoting Academic Excellence: Ensure the highest standards of academic quality and integrity, actively managing the School of Business & Communication’s accreditation with IACBE and ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
• Fundraising Leadership: Develop and spearhead strategic fundraising initiatives to secure resources that address current and future priorities of the School.
• Industry Engagement: Foster strong relationships with business and industry leaders – acting as a vital link between the School and external stakeholders to enhance collaboration and opportunities for students.
• Faculty Leadership & Teambuilding: Oversee recruitment, evaluation, and professional development for faculty while promoting a culture of collaborative excellence, teamwork and accountability.
• Commitment to Shared Governance: Demonstrate a strong commitment to shared governance principles, engaging faculty in decision-making processes that impact the School and ensuring transparency in decision-making alongside active communication.
• Fiscal Administration: Manage all financial matters for the School of Business & Communication, ensuring budgetary alignment with strategic goals and responsible resource allocation.
• Collegial Culture: Steward and enhance our strong collegial, collaborative and service-oriented culture within the School – promoting teamwork and mutual support among faculty, staff and students.
• Innovative Leadership: Exhibit visionary leadership that encourages innovation and adaptability, preparing the School to meet the evolving needs of the business landscape and higher education.
• Community Engagement: Actively engage with local and regional communities to promote the School’s programs – creating partnerships that enhance experiential learning, internships and research opportunities for students.

Requirements

The Dean must demonstrate strong leadership abilities and exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, backed by a proven track record in an administrative role. This includes developing and guiding strategy, motivating and leading a team, engaging with external stakeholders, and fostering a collegial and inclusive environment.

• Required Education: A doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, DBA) from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Required Experience: At least 5 years of experience in higher education is required.

Required Knowledge/Skills and Abilities

• Organized and Flexible: Must be able to manage multiple priorities effectively while adapting to changing circumstances.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with the ability to quickly learn new software, including student information and learning management systems.
• Proactive Self-Starter: An enthusiastic and organized individual who works well both independently and collaboratively, anticipating challenges and proposing effective solutions.
• Understanding of Faculty Governance: Knowledgeable about the roles of faculty and faculty governance within a university setting.
• Project Management Skills: Proven abilities in planning and managing projects successfully.
• Effective Communication: Strong communication skills, capable of engaging various audiences in diverse contexts.
• Budgeting Knowledge: Familiar with the essentials of budgeting and pricing for self-supporting higher education programs and projects.
• Market-Driven Development: Experience in developing programs and services that address market needs and demands.
• Analytical and Creative Problem Solver: Possesses strong analytical skills and the ability to creatively resolve issues.
• Strategic Planning Leadership: Evidence of effective strategic planning and the ability to implement plans successfully.
• Resource Development Skills: Ability to raise funds and strengthen the financial infrastructure of the School.
• Industry Engagement: Skilled in fostering relationships with industry and community partners.
• Commitment to Community Engagement: Strong dedication to connecting students, faculty, and community leaders to enhance the School’s outreach and support.
• Innovative Program Development: Capacity to create market-driven, innovative programs in business and communication.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: A creative approach to generating solutions in resource-constrained environments.

Preferred Experience

• Academic administrative experience as a dean, associate/assistant dean, chair or graduate program director
• Experience with academic program review, assessment and accreditation
• Experience with new academic program/credential development
• Experience generating new revenues with both degree and non-degree programs
• Experience with online learning and course/program delivery strategy
• Successful fundraising experience
• Experience networking among diverse constituencies to effectively advance organizations
• Experience as a full-time faculty member at a college or university

Position Information

• Reporting: This position reports to the Provost & Senior Vice President and is a key part of the leadership team. The Dean of Business & Communication serves as a voting member of the Dean’s Council, Academic Council, and the University’s Senior Leadership Council.
• Hours: This is a full time, exempt position with the possibility of academic rank and faculty retreat rights for qualified applicants. Forty hours per week (M-F) will be the general rule. However, depending on the project cycles and workflow demands of the department, additional hours or workday schedule changes may be occasionally required. Must be willing and able to work occasional nights and weekends and a varying schedule.
• Appointment: Full-time, 12-month, administrative appointment with the possibility of academic rank and faculty retreat rights for qualified applicants
• Compensation: The University will provide a competitive salary and benefits package. The anticipated salary range for this position is $160,000 to $190,000 annually.

Application Information

• Apply Online: Candidates are encouraged to apply directly online via the Chaminade University of Honolulu website: https://chaminade.edu/employment-opportunities/
• Consultation: Questions and consultations regarding this position should be directed to the Dean of Business & Communication Search Committee Chair, Dr. Janet Davidson, Vice-Provost for Academic Affairs: Jdavidso@chaminade.edu.