ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Academic Dean Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Colorado Early Colleges

Academic Dean

Castle Rock, CO · On-site

Inspires Innovation Position Purpose The Academic Dean works under the supervision of the Head of School and is responsible for developing, implementing, directing, supervising, and coordinating ...

Colorado Early Colleges

Academic Dean

Castle Rock, CO · On-site

$85K - $102K/yr

Inspires Innovation Position Purpose The Academic Dean works under the supervision of the Head of School and is responsible for developing, implementing, directing, supervising, and coordinating ...

Lincoln Tech

Assistant Academic Dean

Floral Park, NY · On-site

Lincoln Tech is seeking an Assistant Academic Dean to oversee academic operations and ensure compliance across our programs. Manage critical functions including attendance tracking, retention ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAcademic Dean Jobs

Academic Dean information

See salary details

$24.5K

$91.9K

$162.5K

How much do academic dean jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for academic dean in the United States is $91,879.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $109,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Academic Dean, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Academic Dean, you need advanced academic credentials (often a doctoral degree), leadership experience in higher education, and expertise in curriculum development and academic policy. Familiarity with institutional management systems, accreditation processes, and data analysis tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, strategic vision, and conflict resolution abilities set outstanding deans apart. These skills are crucial for ensuring academic quality, supporting faculty and student success, and guiding institutional growth.

How does an Academic Dean typically collaborate with faculty and department heads to achieve academic goals?

An Academic Dean works closely with faculty and department heads to set academic priorities, develop new programs, and ensure curriculum quality. Regular meetings, strategic planning sessions, and open communication channels are essential for aligning departmental goals with the institution's mission. Deans often mediate resource allocation, support faculty development, and facilitate interdisciplinary initiatives. This collaborative environment helps foster innovation and maintains high academic standards.

What Does an Academic Dean Do?

Academic deans oversee student activities, curriculum, and faculty at colleges and many high schools. They are among the senior administrators at the school, and they monitor faculty hires, staff development, curriculum programs, student activities, and other areas that directly affect students. Many academic deans come from a teaching background, so their primary responsibility is to ensure the faculty are meeting the needs of students, as well as provide support for teachers who need additional assistance with particular students or who have general teaching issues. In this role, you may also manage your staff budget, develop educational programs, coordinate student activities, provide counseling to students and staff, and help resolve discipline problems.

What are the responsibilities of an Academic Dean?

An Academic Dean is responsible for overseeing the academic programs, faculty, and students within a college or university department or school. Their duties typically include developing academic policies, managing budgets, evaluating faculty performance, and ensuring academic standards are met. The Academic Dean also plays a key role in strategic planning, curriculum development, and maintaining accreditation. They often serve as a liaison between faculty, administration, and sometimes students, and work to create an environment that supports teaching, research, and learning.

What is the difference between Academic Dean vs Department Chair?

AspectAcademic DeanDepartment Chair
CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in Education or related fieldMaster's or Doctorate in specific academic discipline
Work EnvironmentAdministrative leadership in colleges or universities overseeing multiple departmentsAcademic leadership within a specific department or program
Employer & IndustryUniversities, colleges, higher education institutionsUniversities, colleges, academic departments
Primary FocusInstitution-wide academic policies, faculty oversight, strategic planningCurriculum development, faculty management, departmental operations

The main difference between an Academic Dean and a Department Chair lies in their scope of responsibilities. An Academic Dean oversees multiple departments and focuses on institutional policies and strategic planning, while a Department Chair manages a specific department's curriculum and faculty. Both roles require advanced degrees and are integral to higher education leadership, but their levels of oversight and focus areas differ.

More about Academic Dean jobs
What cities are hiring for Academic Dean jobs? Cities with the most Academic Dean job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Academic Dean jobs? The most popular types of Academic Dean jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Academic Dean jobs? The top employers for Academic Dean jobs are:
What states have the most Academic Dean jobs? States with the most job openings for Academic Dean jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Academic Dean jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Academic Dean jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Academic Dean jobs? For Academic Dean jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Academic Dean jobs near you
Infographic showing various Academic Dean job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,879 per year, or $44.2 per hour.
Academic Dean

Academic Dean

Colorado Early Colleges

Castle Rock, CO • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Anticipated Start Date: July 7th, 2026

*Position will require candidate to be in person at both Castle Rock and Douglas County North campus locations (schedule TBD).

Expectations of Leaders

CEC believes in exceptional characteristics for all CEC employees.  Following are the 7 core competencies CEC expects in all school leadership staff:

  •     Lives the Mission and Vision
  •     Leads with Dignity
  •     Communication
  •     Builds Effective Teams
  •     Encourages Trust and Accountability
  •     Develops Strengths
  •     Inspires Innovation

Position Purpose

The Academic Dean works under the supervision of the Head of School and is responsible for developing, implementing, directing, supervising, and coordinating curriculum and instructional programs in accordance with CECs mission, academic philosophy, goals and objectives, and Colorado state standards and applicable laws.  

Job Duties

  • Upholds CECs beliefs found on the CEC website.
  • Employs CECs mission statement in all decisions. 
  • Oversees all instructional staff including onboarding, mentoring, observances, performance evaluations, and offboarding. 
  • Works with Head of School and instructional staff to develop programs and incorporate best practices and technology that help students of differing abilities and interests achieve high standards.
  • Collaborates with Head of School and Director of Advising ensuring the instructional program aligns with CECs Early College Graduation policy.
  • Directs the selection and adoption of instructional materials, textbooks, media, and software materials. 
  • Oversees the administration of student assessments, including SAT, PSAT, ACT, CMAS, and NWEA.
  • Analyzes student assessments and program evaluation results to improve instruction and student achievements.
  • Coordinates professional development trainings for instructional staff to include Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), weekly/monthly meetings and trainings, and participates in safety and security trainings as required. 
  • Collaborates on developing and implementing the schools Unified Improvement Plan. 
  • Partners with Human Resources in recruiting, hiring, and retention of instructional staff. 
  • Serves on the schools Leadership Team.
  • Attends meetings, professional development, and other events as requested by the Head of School.
  • Other duties as assigned.               

Qualifications

  • Masters degree in Education, Curriculum or closely related subject preferred from an accredited college or university required.
  • Five years of classroom teaching experience preferred.
  • Successful leadership, innovative and administrative experience in designing and implementing effective instructional programs and supervising, mentoring, and training staff/personnel highly encouraged.

Conditions of Employment 

  • All offers of employment are conditional upon a successful background check and references.
  • As required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA), the selected applicant must verify, within 72 hours of employment, his/her legal right to be employed in the United States.

Colorado Early Colleges is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services.

*Please note that we may begin reviewing applications and make hiring decisions prior to the application deadline.  Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Apply