Director of the School of Education

Director of the School of Education

The mission of The University of Bridgeport is to promote academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.

Position Description Summary/Purpose: The University of Bridgeport invites applications for the Director of the School of Education. The Director of the School of Education is responsible for leadership, management, and administration of the academic programs in the School of Education. The Director will facilitate a vision, direct strategic planning, and lead CAEP accreditation effort while guiding the school's faculty. The Director will support faculty research and scholarship initiatives and promote service within the School of Education.

The School of Education offers programs leading to master's degrees and sixth-year diplomas in elementary education, secondary education, educational administration and supervision, and remedial reading, as well as certification in many subject areas and school administration. The School's doctoral program focuses on the development of experienced leaders and practitioners in both the public and private sector.

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate integrity and a leadership style that evokes trust and embraces transparency.
• Support collaborative decision-making processes with all stakeholders, particularly faculty-related decisions (e.g., hiring, overloads, etc.), in the context of shared faculty governance and alignment with institutional policies and procedures.
• Articulate a long-term vision for the school within the University's mission and values.
• Serve as an advocate for the mission of the School, its faculty, and its students.
• Support recruitment, development, and retention of a diverse, talented faculty and staff.
• Foster an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Represent the School at fundraising events.
• Oversee the School's branding/marketing efforts to enhance its visibility and reputation.
• Ensure effective management of financial resources, including budget planning and management and the ability to prioritize the School's resources.
• Support research initiatives and grant opportunities for students and faculty; assist as needed.

Academic Management and Development (Including Research /Scholarship)

• In collaboration with program coordinators, support program development, assessment, and curriculum design.
• Support program coordinators in resolving student issues regarding curriculum or degree completion and mediating disputes between students and faculty.
• Ensure that departments offer accurate advising of students.
• Facilitate academic scheduling to ensure course availability for student progress, faculty assignments, and space allocation.
• Ensure that the School meets its goals of recruitment, retention, progression to degree, and on-time graduation of its students enrolled in majors

Internal and External Partnerships; Accreditation

• Develop, sustain, and enhance diverse and inclusive partnerships with federal, state, and local community agencies, institutions of higher education, and P-12 schools to support effective teacher educator preparation; to encourage and support business and economic outreach activities and foster collaboration among the outreach units.
• Facilitate cross-departmental collaborations within the institution including with Advancement and Alumni Relations, Admissions, and Grants Offices.
• Build effective internal and external relationships to ensure compliance with accrediting agencies and the Connecticut Department of Education.
• Lead accreditation processes, including applications and re-accreditation, and uphold a commitment to the principles of effective educator preparation.

Other Functions:

• Be available for other duties as determined jointly with the Dean and/or Provost.
• Conducts all work in a safe manner and all work safety practices are followed.
• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.
• Continues professional development and training; keeps current with trends.
• Assists other department staff as needed to promote a team effort.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

• Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and build an environment in which all members of the University community are treated with respect and dignity.
• Demonstrated leadership in higher education, including knowledge of and experience with strategic planning, organizational leadership, relationship-building with diverse constituent groups, budget and personnel management, accreditation, and grant writing
• Demonstrated experience with curriculum development and improvement, as well as learning outcomes and academic program assessment
• Excellent planning and organizational skills
• Ability to solve problems and make effective decisions in matters requiring immediate response
• Adaptable to performing under moderate levels of stress, imposed by frequent deadlines, peak workloads, or public/student/faculty contact
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work well as a team member and lead in ways that align resources with goals.

Qualifications

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Terminal degree in an education-related field (e.g. Ed.D., Ph.D.)
• 5+ years of leadership experience at the department chair level or higher in an institution of higher education
• Previous experience supervising employees, tracking budgeting and financial reports, managing academic programs, coordinating events
• Experience with CAEP accreditation
• Record of academic scholarly engagement
• Experience in Connecticut public schools (P-12) is preferred

Required Materials for a Complete Application

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter: please address the following topics:
• Leadership philosophy
• CAEP Accreditation leadership activities
• Involvement and leading student recruitment
• Description of the applicant's research/scholarship engagement

Full-Time Employee Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• 401k employer match
• Employee & dependent life insurance
• Great tuition benefits for employee, spouse & dependents
• PTO program

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between The University of Bridgeport and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the University as the needs of the University and requirements of the job change.)

The University of Bridgeport provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The University of Bridgeport complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.