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Associate Dean information

See Boston, MA salary details

$42.5K

$103.2K

$174.3K

How much do associate dean jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate dean in Boston, MA is $103,236.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,100.00 and $117,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate dean?

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 does an associate dean 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 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.

More about Associate Dean jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Dean jobs in Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Dean jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Associate Dean jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Associate Dean job openings:

Associate Dean jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Dean job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,236 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Associate Dean of Undergraduate Advising - Engineering

Tufts University

Medford, MA • On-site

$81K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Tufts University rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 622 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Overview
Led by the Senior Associate Dean of Academic Advising, the advising team fosters academic growth, empowerment, and success of undergraduate students in the School of Engineering at Tufts University. We partner with faculty to plan and guide the academic experience from the time students accept their offers of admission to the time they graduate. Specifically, the advising team provides students with advising, academic support, direction, and the necessary information for students to make informed academic decisions. We take an individualized and holistic approach to helping students, while working to maintain fairness and consistency. We advocate for student needs while also educating them about University and School policies and procedures, and helping them understand their responsibility. We work closely with other campus offices and centers including Office of Student Life, StAAR Center, Global Education, Career Center, Office of the Registrar, BLOoM Center, Health and Wellness, Scholar Development, and the School of Arts & Sciences advising team. And we engage with university constituencies to improve the academic experience of undergraduate students at Tufts.
What You'll Do
The Associate Dean of Academic Advising provides strategic leadership and partners with the Senior Associate Dean of Academic Advising to shape and implement the advising vision for the School of Engineering. This role supports student success by working directly with students from all majors and class years, and especially by serving as a key academic resource for students experiencing challenges. The Associate Dean works closely with faculty and plays a critical role in creating a supportive, equitable, and responsive advising environment that promotes student well-being, academic progress, and timely degree completion.
  • Student Support & Intervention
    Serve as the primary academic point of contact for students-and parents/guardians, as appropriate under applicable regulations-who require additional support during academically or personally challenging periods.
    Develop and implement proactive strategies to identify, monitor, and assist students experiencing academic difficulty or facing barriers to success.
  • Faculty Partnership & Communication
    Serve as a liaison for faculty seeking guidance in supporting students who are struggling inside or outside the classroom.
    Partner with academic departments and their Senior Academic Advisors to align advising practices and communicate updates to academic policies, procedures, and resources.
  • Academic Standing & Policy Implementation
    Participate in the academic standing process for the School of Engineering, ensuring consistent, equitable, and transparent policies and procedures.
    Collaborate with faculty committees on the development, interpretation, and implementation of academic and advising policies.
  • Strategic Leadership
    Support the Senior Associate Dean of Academic Advising in contributing to the development, refinement, and implementation of the schoolwide academic advising strategy.
    Translate strategic goals into actionable advising practices that promote student engagement, learning, and persistence.
  • Special Initiatives
    Support the Senior Associate Dean of Academic Advising with schoolwide projects, special initiatives, and continuous-improvement efforts.

What We're Looking For
Basic Requirements:
Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:
  • Master's Degree
  • 7-10 years At least 7 years of progressive experience in academic advising, student success, or faculty roles, including leadership or program coordination responsibilities.
  • Experience training, supervising, or mentoring advisors, faculty, or peer leaders.
  • Demonstrated familiarity with engineering curricula and direct experience advising engineering students.
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
  • Proven ability to use data and assessment to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Graduate Degree in STEM field
  • PhD

Pay Range
Minimum $81,200.00, Midpoint $101,600.00, Maximum $120,900.00
Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.

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