Associate Dean Fine Arts Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Working Title Associate Dean – Belcher College of Fine & Performing Arts

Department

Department Office, Dean, Fine & Performing Art

Anticipated Hiring Range

Anticipated Hiring Range Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions.

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year. Including:

• 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
• 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.

Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.

• Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance.
• Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire.
• Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan.
• Optional disability plans are also available.
• Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses.
• Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year.
• Leave earning employees (staff and 12‑month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately.
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

Internal Recruitment Only: This position is open only to current employees of Western Carolina University. Only internal candidates will be considered for this position. Applications from individuals who are not current WCU employees will not be considered.

The Associate Dean serves as a senior academic and administrative leader of the Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts and works collaboratively with the Dean, School Directors, faculty, staff, students, and university partners to advance the College’s mission and strategic priorities.

As a member of the College Leadership Team, the Associate Dean provides leadership and coordination for core college-wide academic functions, including curriculum, assessment and continuous improvement, student academic matters, academic policy implementation, and designated faculty‑governance processes. The Associate Dean advises and assists the Dean on academic and administrative matters, represents the College in university-level activities, and serves as the Dean’s designee when appropriate.

In addition to these standing responsibilities, the Associate Dean maintains a portfolio of strategic and administrative initiatives established collaboratively with the Dean. This portfolio may evolve over time in response to College priorities and may reflect the Associate Dean’s particular experience, expertise, and professional interests. Areas of leadership may include student success and enrollment, accreditation and program review, faculty development, interdisciplinary initiatives, college‑wide academic programs, strategic planning, community engagement, or other priorities aligned with the College’s mission.

The Associate Dean maintains an active faculty role through teaching, scholarly or creative activity, and professional service appropriate to rank and discipline.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to represent the College effectively across a variety of constituencies.
• Demonstrated skill in diplomacy and conflict management, including the ability to navigate appropriately between transparency and confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to provide collaborative leadership and foster productive relationships among faculty, staff, students, and university partners.
• Knowledge of higher education policies and academic‑affairs functions, including curriculum, assessment, academic program administration, student academic matters, and shared governance.
• Ability to interpret and consistently apply institutional policies and procedures while exercising sound judgment in complex or sensitive academic matters.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to manage recurring responsibilities while responding effectively to emerging priorities.
• Ability to lead through collaboration and influence in an environment characterized by multiple disciplines, perspectives, and organizational priorities.
• Demonstrated commitment to student success, academic quality, shared governance, and a collegial and inclusive academic environment.

• Earned terminal degree in a discipline represented within the Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts from an accredited institution.
• Currently holds an appointment as a tenured Associate Professor or Professor at Western Carolina University and has a record of teaching, scholarly or creative activity, and service commensurate with their rank.
• Demonstrated leadership, administrative, or program‑management experience within higher education.

• Experience with academic administration in higher education.
• Experience with curriculum development and review, assessment and continuous improvement, academic program review, accreditation, or related academic‑affairs processes.
• Experience interpreting and implementing academic policies and procedures.
• Experience leading collaborative initiatives involving faculty, staff, students, or external constituents.
• Experience supporting strategic planning, student success, enrollment, faculty development, or institutional‑effectiveness initiatives.
• Experience working collaboratively across multiple academic units, programs, or disciplines.
• Experience in or understanding of the distinctive academic and operational environments of the visual and performing arts.

Number of Hours Per Week

Number of Months Per Year

Open Date

Open Date 09/02/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Curriculum Vitae

(none listed)

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