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Associate Dean Jobs in Athens, AL (NOW HIRING)

Associate Dean information

See Athens, AL salary details

$37.6K

$91.5K

$154.4K

How much do associate dean jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate dean in Athens, AL is $91,463.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,900.00 and $103,800.00 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 Athens, AL? The most popular types of Dean jobs in Athens, AL are:
What cities near Athens, AL are hiring for Associate Dean jobs? Cities near Athens, AL with the most Associate Dean job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Dean job openings in Athens, AL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,463 per year, or $44 per hour.

Dean, College of Business and Public Affairs

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University

Normal, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Location : Normal
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202300602
Department: Academic Affairs
Opening Date: 05/09/2025
Description
Summary:
Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University is searching for a visionary leader for its College of Business and Public Affairs (COBPA). As the chief administrative officer of the College, the Dean is expected to articulate a vision and lead the implementation of a strategic plan that aligns with the university's vision and goals, provide professional, intellectual and administrative leadership, and sound and ethical fiscal management. The Dean for COBPA is expected to provide leadership in recruiting and retaining talented faculty, provide opportunities for faculty development and promotion of excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. The Dean is also expected to raise the profile of the COBPA nationally and internationally and build partnerships with external constituents and public organizations, and engage in fundraising. As an academic and a practitioner the Dean for COBPA will have the knowledge, skills and attitudes required by the University, SACSCOC and AACSB and be responsible for maintaining AACSB accreditation while facilitating the public affairs mission of the University. The Dean for COBPA will be student centered and will facilitate the recruitment and retention of graduate and undergraduate students. Salary negotiable based on qualifications.
Examples of Duties
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The specific duties and responsibilities of the Dean are assigned by the Provost and/or the University President. These include but are not limited to the following:
• Demonstrate a clear, actionable vision for the COBPA for the next five to ten years
• Exhibit a high level of professionalism and demonstrate fairness/equity, civility, and respect for all persons, making reasonable accommodations when necessary
• Have a proven track record of fundraising/development capabilities
• Demonstrate innovation, ingenuity and an understanding of entrepreneurship, and business and economic development
• Lead the continuous improvement process for all activities and programs to ensure successful maintenance of AACSB International accreditation
• Ensure the quality of the College through the effective recruitment, retention, professional development and evaluation of faculty and staff including facilitating and promoting an impactful research environment
• Cultivate a collegial environment of shared governance with faculty, staff, learners, and administrators
• Work collaboratively with faculty and staff to create and implement new, redesigned, and interdisciplinary programs for learners at all levels
• Be a Champion for the College within today's higher education landscape
• Strengthen relationships with diverse ecosystems and develop partnerships with local, regional and national organizations, including education, government, nonprofits, alumni
• Ensure the expansion of virtual programs and the development of market-driven global programs across the College
• Promote student success, retention, persistence, and timely degree completion and ensures that graduates are competitive within the workforce
• Actively pursue opportunities to enhance student visibility within the changing workforce, and to showcase the qualities and accomplishments of COBPA learners and graduates
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research or the President
Typical Qualifications
Minimum Position Requirements (including certifications, licenses, etc.):
• An earned terminal degree from a regionally accredited institution, preferably from an AACSB International accredited program or in one of the academic disciplines (or closely related area) represented in the College; corporate relations background and industry experience are preferred.
• At least 7 years' experience as a Higher Education leader at the rank of associate professor, with at least 5 years at the chair or dean level preferably in a college of business or 10 years of successful/demonstrated leadership experience in industry, government and private sector.
• Experience with successful AACSB International accreditation efforts, and a comprehensive understanding of accreditation compliance standards, requirements, and strategies to maintain accreditation, is a strong preference; and a general understanding of institutional accreditation by a regional accrediting body.
Supplemental Information
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Documented evidence of successful fundraising (advancement).
  • Experience with academic program development and revision, and program and learning outcomes assessment.
  • Proven effective leadership and team building skills in an academic and/or significant business-related entity/organization.
  • Ability to cultivate an interdisciplinary and experiential learning culture in the context of changing job markets, growing intercollegiate, community, and international partnerships.
  • Experienced in relationship management and working with an ethnically, culturally and linguistically diverse campus and community; and a sensitivity to the needs of all students.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short and long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page at
01
Do you have an earned terminal degree from a regionally accredited institution, preferably from an AACSB International accredited program or in one of the academic disciplines (or closely related area) represented in the College? Corporate relations background and industry experience are preferred.
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have at least 7 years' experience as a higher education leader at the rank of associate professor, with at least 5 years at the chair or dean level preferably in a college of business or 10 years of successful/demonstrated leadership experience in industry, government and private sector?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have experience with successful AACSB International accreditation efforts, and a comprehensive understanding of accreditation compliance standards, requirements, and strategies to maintain accreditation, is a strong preference; and a general understanding of institutional accreditation by a regional accrediting body?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question