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Associate Dean Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Act as confidential liaison for the Dean, Associate, and Assistant Deans for the full range of internal and external individuals and offices which whom they relate: staff, faculty, students ...

Nursing Adjunct

Bremerton, WA · On-site

$1.0K/wk

Associate Dean of Nursing The base salary for Nursing Faculty will include an additional nurse educator salary enhancement to meet industry standards according to the current Association of Higher ...

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Associate Dean information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$44.4K

$107.8K

$182.1K

How much do associate dean jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate dean in Seattle, WA is $107,848.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,600.00 and $122,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Which is higher, Assistant Dean or Associate Dean?

In academic and administrative hierarchies, an Associate Dean is typically a higher position than an Assistant Dean. The Associate Dean usually has more responsibilities and authority within a college or university department, often overseeing specific areas or programs, while the Assistant Dean supports the Dean and may have more limited duties.

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 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 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.

Do associate deans make a lot of money?

Associate deans typically earn a salary that varies based on the institution, location, and experience, with median salaries often ranging from $80,000 to $150,000 annually. They usually hold advanced degrees and leadership responsibilities within academic or organizational settings, which influence compensation levels.

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 Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Dean jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Associate Dean jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Associate Dean job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Dean job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,848 per year, or $51.9 per hour.

Associate Dean of Equity and Student Engagement

Renton Technical College

Renton, WA • On-site

$120K - $125K/yr

Other

Medical

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Salary: $120,527.58 - $125,527.58 Annually
Location : 3000 NE 4th Street Renton, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Job Number: 26-E0002
Department: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Opening Date: 07/15/2026
Closing Date: 8/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Position
Renton Technical College is seeking an Associate Dean of Equity & Student Engagement. The Associate Dean is responsible for providing strategic vision and leadership for student engagement, programming, and retention services. This includes the supervision, development, direction and management of strategic engagement initiatives, as well as administrative oversight of the Office of Student Leadership & Programs, the Unity Center, and TRIO Student Support Services (SSS).
The Associate Dean will maintain a student-centered and equity focused approach to the engagement, learning, and retention of a diverse student population, in alignment with the College's Be the Place Strategic Equity Plan. This position will develop collaborative partnerships to advance equity-centered student engagement initiatives, anti-racism programming, and culturally responsive support services that foster student success and belonging.
This is a full-time, and exempt position reporting to the Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The salary range for this position is $120,527.58 - 125,527.58 annually. The priority application date is August 9, 2026.
Renton Technical College, located southeast of Seattle, has provided quality education in a variety of occupations for over 75 years. Our professional-technical certificate and degree programs offer entry and mid-level training in the areas of allied health, trades, and industry, culinary, business, technology, and automotive. Our outstanding college & career pathways program with classes in adult basic education, English as a second language, and GED preparation is available to those who need additional preparation before entering a training program and for those who simply wish to improve their math and English skills. Career Education and apprenticeships degrees round out our offerings.
Key Responsibilities / Essential Functions Include
Strategic Leadership & Departmental Oversight
  • Provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight for departments and initiatives that support student engagement, leadership development, retention, belonging, and equity-centered student success within the Office of Student Leadership & Programs, Unity Center, and TRIO Student Support Services.
  • Develop strategic partnerships with faculty, instructional leadership, and academic departments to integrate co-curricular learning, student engagement, and equity-centered practices into the student experience.
  • Implement, and assess strategic priorities, goals, and initiatives in collaboration with campus partners to advance institutional student success outcomes.
  • Assist college administrators with strategic planning efforts and other institutional initiatives as assigned.

Equity, Inclusion & Antiracism Initiatives
  • Lead the development, implementation, and assessment of diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism programming for students in alignment with Washington State RCW 28B.10.149 and the College's Be the Place Strategic Equity Plan.
  • Collaborate with faculty, staff, student leaders, and campus partners to develop and implement culturally responsive and antiracist educational programming and training that advances student success and belonging.
  • Serve as the college's Tribal Relations liaison to strengthen relationships with local Tribes, including partnership development and coordination of cross campus efforts that bridge student engagement, instruction, and community based initiatives.
  • Provide leadership and cross-campus collaboration on initiatives that advance diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and culturally responsive campus services.
  • Utilize institutional data, student learning outcomes, and campus climate assessment findings to inform strategic decision-making, continuous improvement, and equity-centered student success initiatives
  • Promote equitable and inclusive practices that support the success of a diverse student population.

Student Engagement, Leadership & Learning
  • Provide strategic oversight of student engagement, leadership development, and co-curricular programming, including assessment, student learning outcomes, marketing, budgeting, and continuous improvement.
  • Oversee the effective operation of the Associated Student Government (ASG), student clubs and organizations, and student representation on college committees, governance councils, and tenure committees.
  • Partner with instructional divisions to create high-impact practices that integrate curricular and co-curricular learning, fostering student belonging, academic engagement, and persistence.
  • Support the development of meaningful co-curricular experiences that foster student leadership, civic engagement, belonging, and personal growth.
  • Serve in a leadership role on the annual commencement committee to coordinate planning and implementation of commencement activities.

Fiscal Stewardship & Resource Management
  • Coordinate the development, management, and oversight of departmental budgets for all areas reporting to the Associate Dean of Equity & Student Engagement.
  • Provide oversight and stewardship of Services and Activities (S&A) Fee funds, including supporting the Office of Student Leadership & Programs in facilitating the annual S&A budget process in collaboration with Associated Student Government.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable legal, regulatory, and institutional requirements governing student fee expenditures.
  • Monitor resource allocation and fiscal practices to support Division goals and student success outcomes.

Institutional Collaboration, Governance & Representation
  • Participate actively in the college's governance structure and shared decision-making processes.
  • Foster collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, students, administrators, and community partners to advance institutional priorities.
  • Represent the college at professional associations, community organizations, conferences, and college system meetings.
  • Ensure all areas of responsibility operate in compliance with college policies, procedures, and applicable governing regulations.
  • Support the college's mission by creating a learning and work environment of mutual respect and fairness, while encouraging creative and critical thinking. Foster a climate of multicultural understanding.
  • Communicate professionally and effectively, both orally and in writing, with college employees, departments and outside agencies.
  • Perform other related projects and assignments as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Demonstrated leadership or participation in institutional programs with persons from diverse backgrounds such as sexual orientation, racial, ethnic, religious, linguistic, gender, age, socio-economic, physical and learning abilities, and a commitment to an inclusive and equitable working / learning environment.
  • Bachelor's degree and a minimum of three years of progressively responsible administrative experience in student affairs, student development/services, instruction, or a related field. Master's degree is preferred.
  • Experience within the technical or community college setting is preferred.
  • Experience supervising, coaching and evaluating professional staff and leaders within a collaborative work environment.
  • Direct experience in the development, implementation and assessment of equity, inclusion and diversity strategies, initiatives and programs.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of student development theory and ability to apply theory-informed and evidence-based practices to support student learning, engagement, success, and retention.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively serve students from diverse linguistic, cultural, and educational backgrounds through culturally responsive and equity-minded practices.
  • Demonstrated attention to detail, managing multiple priorities while maintaining accurate records and effectively utilizing technology to support division operations.
  • Experience designing, implementing, and evaluating student leadership development programs, initiatives, and opportunities that promote civic engagement, belonging, and student empowerment.
  • Demonstrated ability to promote universal design and accessibility. Proficiency in (or ability to learn within 6 month of hire) the production of accessible content, whether print or electronic.
  • Ability to represent the college in a positive and professional manner, while using tact, discretion and courtesy.
  • Ability to speak a regionally top spoken language other than English is preferred (Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Somali, and Chinese).

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Working hours are generally aligned to business hours, Monday - Friday. Occasional evening and weekend work is required. There may be events (on and off campus) the position will organize and/or attend. Work is mostly sedentary in nature, performed in an office environment. Frequent use of a computer and exposure to terminal screens is required. May drive/travel to trainings, conferences, and/or college events. This position will move throughout campus periodically, utilizing various spaces to facilitate planned activities. Work will occur on-campus, with occasional remote work possible and depending on office coverage needs.
Terms of Employment
In the interest of providing a healthy, safe and secure educational and work environment, and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Renton Technical College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.
The person hired is required to provide authorization for employment in the United States. All offers of employment are contingent to background checks, including employment and required degree/credential verification. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform successfully in the position. Finalists are required to complete the Sexual Misconduct Disclosure form as required under RCW 288.112.080. Post offer, pre-employment criminal background checks are also required.
For questions regarding this position contact recruiting@rtc.edu
EEO STATEMENT: Renton Technical College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veterans or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal, as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendment Act, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Violence Against Women Re-authorization Act and Washington State Law Against Discrimination, Chapter 49.60 RCW and their implementing regulations. The following college official has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Title IX / EEO Coordinator, Lesley Hogan, Vice President of Human Resources 3000 NE 4th Street Renton, WA 98056 (425)235-7873,
Jeanne Clery statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: In compliance with Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act of 1998, and as a part of the College's commitment to safety and security on campus, Renton Technical College reports the mandate information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, the required statistics, and other related information for the past three (3) calendar years. Renton Technical College's Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online at: For information on how to access the RTC Daily Crime Log follow this link:
We acknowledge that RTC sits uninvited on the ancestral land of the Puget Salish people, including the Duwamish, Suquamish, Snoqualmie, Tulalip, and Muckleshoot Nations. We are grateful to the original inhabitants of this land, upon which we gather and dialogue. We also acknowledge our increasingly virtual world, in which RTC's work is done across multiple indigenous lands, in some cases, away from Puget Salish territories. We thank the original caretakers of our local lands and waters, who are still here.
Beyond acknowledgment, we each have an obligation to learn about and support our local tribes. Find out how on our resources page, which includes scholarships for Indigenous students.
2026 Employee Benefits Summary
Coverage begins the first day of the month following the date of hire. If the date of hire is the first working day of the month, coverage begins immediately. Spouse or same-sex domestic partner, and dependent children are eligible for coverage. Eligible employees at Renton Technical College (RTC) receive a generous benefits package in addition to their paycheck, including:
Medical Insurance
Employees pay a portion of their medical care cost through payroll deduction. The employee premium is based on the choice of plan and coverage for lawful spouses, same-sex domestic partners, and dependent children. more information can be found by visiting www.hca.wa.gov/pebb
2026 Employee Monthly Contribution by Family Tier
PEBB medical Plans