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College Dean Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pacific

Dean of Nursing College

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$160K - $175K/yr

The Dean of Pacific College is responsible for the strategic leadership of the academic and clinical components of the college. The Dean also collaborates with key leaders in other divisions of the ...

University of California

WI · On-site

$90 - $150/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Overview The University of Texas Permian Basin seeks a Dean of the College of Arts & Humanities. The dean will provide strategic leadership across academic programs, faculty & staff development ...

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How much do college dean jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for college dean in the United States is $105,749.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $131,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a college dean?

College deans are senior administrators at colleges or universities who oversee specific academic units, such as a college within a university or a particular department. They are responsible for managing faculty, budgeting, academic programs, and student affairs within their domain. Deans also serve as a bridge between the institution’s leadership and faculty, ensuring policies and goals are implemented effectively. Their role is crucial in upholding academic standards and fostering a positive learning environment.

What are some of the primary challenges a college dean faces in balancing administrative duties with academic leadership?

A College Dean often navigates the complex challenge of balancing administrative responsibilities—such as budgeting, compliance, and personnel management—with providing academic leadership and fostering a vibrant learning environment. Deans must allocate time and resources to support faculty, champion student success, and drive strategic initiatives, all while ensuring institutional policies and accreditation standards are met. Effective communication and delegation are essential, as Deans frequently collaborate with department chairs, faculty, and university leadership to align goals and address emerging issues. This dynamic role requires adaptability, strong organizational skills, and the ability to mediate diverse interests within the college.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a college dean, and why are they important?

To thrive as a College Dean, you need advanced academic credentials (typically a doctorate), leadership experience in higher education, and a deep understanding of academic policies and administration. Familiarity with student information systems, accreditation processes, budgeting software, and strategic planning tools is essential. Outstanding interpersonal skills, vision, and the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively make a Dean truly exceptional. These competencies are crucial for guiding institutional growth, ensuring academic excellence, and fostering a positive educational environment.

What is the difference between College Dean vs Department Chair?

AspectCollege DeanDepartment Chair
CredentialsTypically requires a doctoral degree and extensive academic experienceUsually requires a master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field
Work EnvironmentAdministrative leadership at the college or university levelLeadership within a specific academic department
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities and collegesUniversities and colleges
Primary ResponsibilitiesOverseeing multiple departments, strategic planning, budgeting, and policy developmentManaging faculty, curriculum, and departmental operations

The main difference between a College Dean and a Department Chair lies in their scope of responsibility. A College Dean oversees multiple departments and handles broader administrative and strategic tasks, while a Department Chair focuses on managing a specific academic department. Both roles require advanced degrees and are integral to higher education leadership.

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College Dean jobs near you

Dean of Health and Public Services

Northeast Community College

Norfolk, NE • On-site

$108K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago

Northeast Community College rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Northeast Community College is seeking an individual to serve as Dean of Health & Public Services on the Norfolk Campus.
This position is eligible for full-time fringe benefits package including:
  • College-paid health insurance premiums for single, employee/spouse, employee/children or family plans
  • College-paid employee dental premiums
  • College paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance
  • Competitive rates for vision plans and dependent dental
  • Up to 9.5% matching on 403(b) retirement plan
  • BestCare EAP
  • Flex spending plans
  • Generous leave package

The purpose of this position is to provide visionary leadership and administrative oversight for educational programs of study and is charged with the planning, budgeting, and operational management of the division. The position reports to and is a key advisor to the Vice President of Educational Services. The Dean participates in Educational Services and institutional strategic planning, manages assigned department, provides leadership to the programs, faculty, and staff, and shares in the general administrative responsibilities of the College. The Dean provides oversight of curriculum development, provides impetus for change/expansion; hires properly credentialed faculty and staff; oversees divisional planning; monitors and plans division budgets based on a quality improvement model; provides direction for assessment of student learning; and articulation of courses and programs with other colleges and agencies. The Dean represents the department in relationships with administrative officers, with other departments, and with the community. The Dean exemplifies ownership in decision making, self-awareness in relationship building and leadership, and supports institutional priorities. The Dean promotes cooperation within and between the College divisions in support of the College mission, supports College initiatives, and encourages departmental faculty to be supportive of institutional priorities, programs, and offering. The Dean is responsible for assisting with effective institutional communication and maintaining a climate that supports creativity and innovation.
Requirements:
Education: Work requires specialized knowledge and experience in an accredited health program with a minimum of a master's degree in a health field. Ph.D. is preferred.
Experience: Three years' experience in academic leadership at a higher education institution with at least one year's teaching experience at a higher education institution required.
Skills: Work requires interaction with executive level management, including president, vice presidents, and deans, which involve support of controversial positions or the negotiation of sensitive issues, or the preparation of important presentations given as written documentation and/or as speeches to groups of managers and coworkers. Work requires effective relationship building with external partners including transfer institutions, community health organizations, high schools, etc.

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