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Associate Dean Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Associate Dean information

See Tennessee salary details

$35.4K

$86K

$145.2K

How much do associate dean jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate dean in Tennessee is $86,014.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,700.00 and $97,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Do Associate Deans Do?

An associate dean works with the faculty members of an academic institution. They are often assigned to a specific school or college. For example, the associate dean of arts is required to direct operations, such as teaching schedules and students’ admissions, in the college of arts. People in this job report to the dean and must promote the values of the academic institution. Qualifications for this career requires an advanced degree and ample experience in academia. Associate deans must have good collaboration and decision-making skills.

What are Associate Deans?

Associate Deans are senior academic administrators in colleges or universities who support the Dean in managing academic affairs, programs, and faculty within a specific division or department. Their responsibilities often include curriculum development, faculty recruitment, student affairs, and policy implementation. Associate Deans may also represent the Dean at meetings, oversee budgets, and help resolve academic issues. They play a key role in maintaining academic standards and supporting the institution's mission. The exact duties can vary depending on the institution and the academic area they oversee.

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

To thrive as an Associate Dean, you need advanced academic credentials (often a doctorate), leadership experience in higher education, and a deep understanding of academic policy and program development. Familiarity with learning management systems, institutional reporting tools, and accreditation standards is typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and team-building skills help foster collaboration and drive institutional goals. These qualifications ensure effective academic leadership, program innovation, and alignment with organizational objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by an Associate Dean, and how are they typically addressed?

Associate Deans often juggle multiple responsibilities, such as overseeing academic programs, managing faculty concerns, and supporting student success initiatives. A frequent challenge is balancing administrative duties with the need to foster collaboration among diverse departments. To address these challenges, Associate Deans prioritize effective communication, delegate tasks appropriately, and stay proactive in conflict resolution. Building strong relationships with faculty, staff, and students also helps them create an inclusive and productive academic environment.

What is the difference between Associate Dean vs Department Chair?

AspectAssociate DeanDepartment Chair
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (e.g., Master's or Doctorate) and experience in academia or administrationUsually holds a faculty position with a terminal degree in their field, often with administrative experience
Work EnvironmentWorks across multiple departments or schools within an institution, focusing on strategic planning and policyManages a specific academic department, overseeing faculty, curriculum, and departmental operations
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly found in universities and colleges, especially in administrative or leadership rolesFound in higher education institutions, primarily in academic departments

While both roles are leadership positions within educational institutions, the Associate Dean oversees broader administrative functions across multiple departments or schools, whereas the Department Chair focuses on managing a specific academic department. The Associate Dean often handles strategic planning and institutional policies, while the Department Chair concentrates on faculty management and curriculum within their department.

What are the most commonly searched types of Dean jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Dean jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Associate Dean jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Associate Dean job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Dean jobs in TN? For Associate Dean jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Associate Dean job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,014 per year, or $41.4 per hour.
Associate Dean of Students, Director of Community Building and Connections

Associate Dean of Students, Director of Community Building and Connections

University of the South

Sewanee, TN

$90K - $157K/yr

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Position Overview Primary Function: The Associate Dean of Student Life is a senior-level position that provides leadership, vision, and strategic direction for key areas of the student experience. A critical partner to the Dean of Students, the Associate Dean helps build a holistic, inclusive, and supportive campus environment that fosters student success, development, retention, and well-being consistent with the university's liberal arts mission. The Associate Dean is directly involved in complex and sensitive student issues, crisis management, and the management of high-level student services.

The Associate Dean works in partnership with campus departments and students to facilitate community-building and identify allies to support a safe, vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive campus climate for all students, faculty and staff both on campus and off campus This position works with considerable independence and self-direction. Only the general direction and scope of the work to be accomplished are discussed with the supervisor. Position Appointment Details: Career Band: 4A Full-Time Position Description Typical Duties & Responsibilities: Leadership and Administration Serve as the key deputy to the Dean of Students, representing the office on university committees and with external stakeholders as needed.

Provide strategic leadership, vision, and supervision for specific functional areas within student affairs, such as Community Building and Connections, Student Conduct, Greek Life and Student Involvement, and student advocacy. Help formulate and implement institutional policies and procedures related to student life and services. Oversee and manage departmental budgets and conduct program assessments to ensure alignment with divisional goals.

Lead, mentor, and supervise staff within assigned areas of responsibility. Community Building and Connections Responsible for developing the overall strategy for increasing the matriculation, support, retention, and graduation of students of underrepresented backgrounds. Ensures that programming and practices are in alignment with the University's mission and values, and serves as an advisor of student intercultural organizations.

Engages and supports cultural organizations within the surrounding community and works closely with student leadership organizations, the Dean of Students, Residence Life, Admissions, as well as other organizations from the surrounding communities and other institutions of higher education. Provides support and counseling for underrepresented students and provides leadership in the University's development of philosophies, policies, and programming regarding the recruitment & retention of diverse student populations. Analyzes demographic data to assess campus student diversity reports to ensure effective programming and initiatives are being implemented NACCC survey results Maintains knowledge of: local, state, and federal legislation that directly or indirectly impacts underrepresented students on campus best-practice approaches to cultivate belonging, engagement, and community among students Manages the unit and office's budget, including several accounts.

Community Building and Connections Social Impact/Diversity Initiatives Student Equity Support Fund Rainbow Fund Student Conduct and Community Standards Provide oversight for the management of complex student cases and appeals, ensuring that it aligns with university values and relevant state and federal laws, such as Title IX and the Clery Act. Student Support, Retention, and Crisis Management Serve in an on-call rotation as part of the student life crisis response team to manage student-related emergencies and incidents. Serve on the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) Serve on CARE Team Student Success and Advocacy Collaborate with the Dean of Students and departments across campus to promote student success, retention, and graduation.

Advise the Dean on matters related to fostering a respectful, fair, and welcoming campus environment for all students. Judgement Required: A student-centered philosophy and the ability to balance student needs with institutional policies. The capacity to remain calm and decisive in high-pressure situations or emergencies.

Excellent judgment and the ability to maintain confidentiality. A strategic and data-driven approach to program development and assessment. Strong collaborative skills to foster a cooperative work environment.

Budgetary Responsibility: Analyzes budgetary data and develops budget proposals. Personal Interaction/Communications: Student Contact: Daily activities include curricular, extracurricular, disciplinary, counseling, etc. Internal: Frequent: providing information, participating in committees External: Extensive involvement with parents, alumni, governing boards, and other institutions Attributes of a Successful Candidate Job Specifications/Position Qualifications: Education: Masters Degree required.

Juris Doctorate (JD) or other terminal degree preferred. Experience: At least seven years of experience working in student affairs supporting an executive-level position at a comparable college or university. Job-Related Skills: Strong, demonstrated leadership skills and interpersonal communication skills Supplemental Information Confidential Information: Salaries & employment records of staff supervised; confidential student problems/issues; organizational plans; and student records.

Working Environment: Normal office environment, frequent evening & weekend work, 24-hour on-call for crisis situations ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The University of the South, familiarly known as "Sewanee," is home to a nationally recognized College of Arts and Sciences and a School of Theology. Sewanee is distinguished by its dedication to cultivate academic excellence, community values, and environmental stewardship that produces informed, self-aware, and participatory citizens for our democracy and servant-leaders for the world. Nestled on 13,000 acres atop Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau, the University offers both a uniquely beautiful setting and convenient access to nearby cities-Chattanooga, Nashville, and Huntsville.

The University is affiliated with the Episcopal Church and seeks to be a place where individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences find support, opportunity, and purpose. Support in the Hiring Process If you have questions about a position or need assistance filing an application, or if you are a person with a disability and would like to request an accommodation in the application and interview process, please contact Human Resources at 931.598.1381 or hr@sewanee.edu. Equal Employment Opportunity The University of the South is an equal-opportunity institution, dedicated to treating all applicants fairly and fostering a welcoming environment for employees and students alike.