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Associate Dean Jobs in Spokane, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Associate Dean information

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$39.4K

$95.8K

$161.8K

How much do associate dean jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate dean in Spokane, WA is $95,823.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,300.00 and $108,700.00 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 cities near Spokane, WA are hiring for Associate Dean jobs?

Cities near Spokane, WA with the most Associate Dean job openings:

Associate Dean jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Dean job openings in Spokane, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,823 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Associate Dean of Corrections Education

Spokane, WA • On-site

Spokane Colleges
See more jobs at Spokane Collegesexternal

$109K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Associate Dean of Corrections Education
Job no: 20265757
Work type: Administrator
Location: Spokane
Categories: Administrative & Executive
Location: SCC Airway Heights Correction Center, Spokane
Department: SCC Corrections Education
Salary Range: $109,511 - $123,579
Starting salary for this position is: $109,511 (Annually)
The salary range represents the earning potential for this position, through training, evaluations and years spent working in this position with Spokane Colleges.
About Us
Spokane Community College, part of Spokane Colleges, serves 15,000 students with career technical, liberal arts, and adult education programs in Spokane and surrounding rural communities.
Applications will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. PST on 09/02/2026. The application process will not be available after this time. To ensure consideration make sure your application is completed and submitted as soon as possible. Applications will only be accepted prior to 4:00 p.m. on the closing date.
About the Associate Dean of Corrections Education
The Associate Dean for Corrections Education is responsible for leading a dynamic team of faculty and staff who provide basic and workforce education programs for incarcerated students at Airway Heights Corrections Center (a minimum- and medium-security institution for men). This position serves as the primary liaison, connecting the Department of Corrections (DOC) and Spokane Community College (SCC).
The Associate Dean reports to the Vice President of Instruction, and works collaboratively with other Instructional and Student Services deans at SCC and around the state.
The Associate Dean is responsible for the operation and management of all programs, personnel, and activities assigned to the division.
This position is based at Airway Heights Corrections Center in Airway Heights, Washington.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES
Program & Curriculum Leadership
  • Lead the department in providing high-quality education programs that meet student needs; evaluate educational needs and services for incarcerated individuals. *
  • Implement and schedule programs to ensure optimal delivery to populations served. *
  • Provide assistance and leadership to faculty in planning, developing, and evaluating curriculum. *
  • Maintain ongoing professional development on trends in corrections education to keep programming current. *
  • Support faculty and staff in professional development, student achievement initiatives, assessment, and program innovation. *

Staff Supervision & Personnel Management
  • Supervise faculty, exempt, and classified staff (train, schedule, evaluate, discipline, respond to grievances). *
  • Adhere to the faculty Master Contract, classified contracts, and district rules/regulations. *
  • Inform and educate staff on behavior/performance expectations; provide timely feedback and correct issues promptly. *
  • Model professional decorum and mutual respect in all interactions.
  • Ensure that faculty and staff adhere to applicable DOC regulations and policies. *

Budget & Fiscal Administration
  • Administer DOC's adopted education services budgets, negotiated agreements, and programs at Airway Heights Corrections Center. *
  • Prepare budgets and approve/monitor expenditures for compliance. *
  • Oversee collection and dissemination of data for reports, proposals, grants, and budgets. *
  • Pursue alternative funding sources as available and appropriate. *

Communication, Collaboration & Compliance
  • Liaise with Student Services on enrollment, registration, and data accuracy per DOC, SCC, and SBCTC procedures. *
  • Maintain communication with Corrections Education staff, SCC/DOC colleagues, other correctional facilities, and community colleges on curriculum, budgets, and BEdA/workforce issues. *
  • Work collaboratively with other administrators. *
  • Comply with district policies, state/federal regulations, and collective bargaining agreements. *
  • Support and advance the Spokane Colleges strategic plan; perform other duties as assigned. *

Student & Environmental Safety
  • Support a safe and secure learning environment for students, faculty, and staff. *

* Indicates this is an essential duty.
COMPETENCIES
  • Manages Complexity
  • Decision Quality
  • Action Oriented
  • Resourcefulness
  • Plans & Aligns
  • Ensures Accountability
  • Drives Results
  • Collaborates
  • Builds Effective Teams
  • Organizational Savvy
  • Instills Trust
  • Self-Development
  • Learn more about our competencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Earned master's degree.
  • Demonstrated leadership, administrative, and budget management experience (e.g., as department chair, program director, state agency, private business, etc.).
  • Experience in a supervisory role across employee groups.
  • Teaching experience.
  • Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to de-escalate interpersonal situations successfully.
  • Must be able to successfully complete a 4-week DOC Correctional Worker Core (CWC) training program which includes self-defense techniques.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Previous work experience within a corrections facility, or similar institutional environment.
  • Teaching or leadership experience in a community college and/or Corrections Education program.
  • Ability to advocate education as a tool to change lives and reduce recidivism.
  • Experience working in a unionized environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Work is performed in an office environment inside Airway Heights Corrections Center.
  • Work is sedentary.
  • Frequent use of computers
  • Work directly with students.
  • Work involves constant interruptions.
  • Must answer on demand questions by phone, in person, or electronically.
  • Frequent oral and auditory communication with others.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
  • 12-month position.
  • Position is exempt from Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
  • Requires local or regional travel.
  • Criminal background check is required.
  • Must successfully complete the 4-week DOC Correctional Worker Core (CWC) training program within 6 months of employment.
  • Ability to work in a correctional setting, which includes being searched prior to entering the facility and complying with rules regarding bringing in limited personal belongings.

Person hired must be able to provide acceptable documentation of U.S. Citizenship or lawful authorization to work in the United States. This is an absolute condition of employment. An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the district to sponsor an H1-B visa. In addition, the Spokane Colleges maintain a drug-free work environment and prohibits all smoking in the college buildings and state-owned vehicles. Must be able to successfully work in and promote a multicultural work and education environment.
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. Once an applicant is chosen for a position, they are required to complete and submit a declaration regarding sexual misconduct and investigation per state law.
Benefits Information
This is a contracted, exempt management position. Medical, dental life and long term disability insurance benefits are provided as currently administered under the Public Employees Benefits Board; TIAA retirement plan or WA State Dept. of Retirement Systems Pension Plan. Vacation leave accrues at the rate of 14.67 hours per month (22 days per year) and sick leave accrues at the rate of 8 hours per month, effective upon employment. (For positions that are less than full time, leave accruals will be prorated to the percentage of the position.
Public Employees Benefits Board
Additional benefits information
Required Application Materials
To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet required competencies and submit a complete application packet, which includes the following:
  • Cover letter - addressing your qualifications relevant to the responsibilities of this position.
  • Resume.
  • References - the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references.
  • College transcript(s) if applicable - unofficial/copies of transcripts are acceptable; official transcripts are required upon hire.

For questions regarding a job application or the hiring process, or if you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact HR at CCS.Recruiter@ccs.spokane.edu.
Equal Opportunity Institution
Spokane Colleges provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, disability, veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal. Spokane Colleges complies with applicable federal and state civil rights laws, including Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Washington state nondiscrimination laws.
Direct all inquiries or grievances regarding access, Title IX, ADA, equal opportunity compliance, and/or grievances to:
Frederick Davis, MA
Chief Human Resources Officer
Spokane Colleges
P.O. Box 6000, MS1004
Spokane, WA. 99217-6000
509-434-5040 / ccs.titleix@ccs.spokane.edu.
Advertised: 05 Aug 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: 02 Sep 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
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