Academic Dean

Academic Dean

Salary

$100,936.00 - $143,669.00 Annually

Location

Lawson - Birmingham, AL

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

08008

College/Division

LAWSON-401010-Academic Administration

Opening Date

06/05/2026

Closing Date

6/21/2026 11:59 PM Central

Campus Location

Lawson State Community College

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Summary

The Academic Dean provides strategic leadership and oversight for academic programs for college transfer, library services, online education, and the Center for Teaching and Learning. Responsibilities include curriculum development, strategic planning, faculty supervision, accreditation, compliance, budget management, program evaluation, professional development, and fostering industry partnerships. The Dean promotes excellence in teaching, student retention, and workforce readiness.

Salary Schedule: Appropriate step placement on Salary Schedule B ($100,936 - $143,669)

Under Alabama Act 2024-360 and revised ACCS Policy 204.01-Appointment of Local Administrative Staff, employment in any executive and administrative management position will be governed solely by the terms of a contract. Non-probationary/tenure status cannot be achieved or maintained under the Student's First Act.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead development and continuous improvement of cutting-edge, outcomes-based curricula aligned with workforce trends, online education delivery and assessment, college transfer requirements.
• Monitor enrollment trends and collaborate with faculty on recruitment and retention initiatives.
• Cultivate partnerships where applicable to local education agencies, alumni, colleges and universities to support transfer articulations, student engagement, and advisory roles.
• Promote a culture of student retention, program completion, and faculty innovation.
• Pursue external funding through grants and fundraising; manage grant implementation and compliance.
• Ensure adequate resources and facilities for effective program delivery.
• Ensure compliance with policies of ACCS, ACHE, SACSCOC, and relevant accrediting bodies.
• Oversee accreditation processes and reporting; coordinate curriculum reviews, data collection, and documentation for internal and external reporting.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures aligned with state and institutional standards.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date course catalogs and program information.
• Develop program schedules and update college catalog sections annually.
• Maintain accreditation documentation and outcomes assessments.
• Prepare required strategic planning, state and institutional reports.
• Collaborate on college-wide academic policies and procedures.
• Complete credential verification for faculty.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide professional development opportunities.
• Manage staff schedules, approve leave requests, and handle disciplinary actions.
• Support employee growth through coaching, training, and travel support for conferences.
• Coordinate curriculum alignment across programs, dual enrollment, and transfer articulations.
• Collaborate with faculty to revise programs based on trends and student needs.
• Oversee course scheduling, textbook selection, and instructional material approvals.
• Ensure compliance with Common Course Directory and accreditation standards.
• Facilitate program development, including new courses, concentrations, and certificates.
• Manage program budgets, submit annual allocation requests, and approve expenditures.
• Create structured academic pathways for dual enrollment students, including short-term certificates, where applicable.
• Strengthen collaboration with Student Services to improve advising, recruitment, and scheduling.
• Support and implement the mission of the college
• Effectively manage all staff, faculty and student complaints
• Develop, implement, and maintain retention plan(s) in conjunction with program administrators to ensure student success in program academic award requirements.
• Other duties as assigned

The Academic Dean will be expected to work a flexible schedule which may include day, evening, night and weekend hours. This job description is a general statement of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular basis. It does not exclude other duties as assigned. This job description and specification should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties, as may be required by their supervisor.

Qualifications

• A minimum of five years of secondary or post-secondary teaching experience and senior leadership supervisory experience to include experience at the level of Chair, Director, Associate Dean, Dean, or equivalent senior position;
• Master's degree from an accredited institution; a Doctoral or terminal professional degree in education or a related program is preferred.
• SACSCOC or another regional accreditation experience
• Proficient in written communication with experience in grant writing and grant management,
• Proven success in forming academic and community partnerships;
• Knowledge of student recruitment, retention, and program marketing strategies;
• Valid drivers license with the ability to travel and work non-standard hours.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS AND JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to represent the College professionally at all times;
• Ability to prepare accurate reports from various statistical information, plan, organize, coordinate, and manage;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality;
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing;
• Ability to apply computer skills in systems and software programs associated with the work;
• Ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgment, work independently, self-direction, meet deadlines and manage stress;
• Ability to effectively supervise, motivate, and inspire personnel;
• Customer service orientation;
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including day, evening, night and weekend hours.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• General office environment with the ability to sit, stand and navigate multiple campuses for prolonged periods.
• Ability to travel independently; ability to traverse campuses.
• Ability to lift to 30 lbs.

Application Procedures/Additional Information

Applicants may apply at www.lawsonstate.edu. For questions please contact the Office of Human Resources at 205-929-3408 or at humanresources@lawsonstate.edu. All application materials will become the property of the college. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure his or her application packet is completed. Only applications received during the period of this announcement will be considered. No previous application files will be transferred for consideration for this position.

A complete application packet consists of:

• A cover letter
• An Online application
• A current resume
• A copy of relevant post-secondary transcripts identifying the applicant, institution, and date of degree conferred.

If employed, all official transcripts must be received in the Office of Human Resources prior to the employment start date.

Applicants who fail to submit a complete application packet will not be considered. Before an offer is made, the top applicants must provide the following: Employment verification letter(s) from a current or previous employer detailing all relevant experience. Employment verification letters must include employment dates and job title and be on official letterhead with an authorized personnel signature. Work experience verification from a current employer may be delayed until an official offer of employment has been made. Applicants must submit a written request to delay submission or work experience verification from a current employer. More than one position in the same job classification may be filled from the applicants for this position should another vacancy occur during the search process.

EEOC, E-VERIFY, AND BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENTS:

Lawson State Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Alabama Community College System, including all postsecondary community and technical colleges under the control of the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees, that no employee or applicant for employment or promotion, on the basis of any impermissible criterion or characteristic including, without limitation, race, color, national origin, religion, marital status, disability, sex, age, or any other protected class as defined by federal and state law, shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or employment.

Lawson State Community College will make reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled applicants upon request.

In accordance with Alabama Community College System Policy and Guidelines, the applicant chosen for employment will be required to sign a consent form for a criminal background check. Employment will be contingent upon the receipt of a clearance notification from the criminal background check. Lawson State Community College is an active participant in the Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-verify). E-verify electronically confirms an employees eligibility to work in the United States as required by the Department of Homeland Security.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated on this vacancy notice and must submit a completed application packet in order to be considered for this position. Complete application files must be received no later than the application deadline. Applicants who fail to submit all required information will be disqualified. Only applications received during the period of this announcement will be considered. Applicants must adhere to the Colleges prescribed interview schedule and must travel at their own expense. The College reserves the right to withdraw this job announcement at any time prior to awarding.

Sick Leave

All regular full-time non-instructional staff earns one day of sick leave which is the equivalent of 8 hours of sick leave per month. Unused sick leave is rolled over to the following year. Upon retirement, employees are allowed to convert unused sick time into service time for the purpose of retirement. Further retirement benefits may be found on this page under Alabama Teachers Retirement.

8 hours per month

(may accumulate an unlimited number)

Annual Leave

All regular full-time non-instructional staff earn annual leave per month. A complete description of leave benefits can be found with the Human Resources office.

0-4 years 8 hours per month

5-9 years 10 hours per month

10-14 years 12 hours per month

15-19 years 14 hours per month

20+ 16 hours per month

(may accumulate up to 480 hours)

Personal Leave

All regular full-time non-instructional staff earns up to two (2) regularly scheduled workdays of personal leave per leave year.

Unused Personal Leave converts to sick leave if not used.

(converts to sick leave at the end of August each year if not used)

Professional Leave

Up to 10 days a year of professional development leave with pay may be granted by the President.

Holidays

New Years Day

Martin Luther King/Robert E. Lee Birthday

National Memorial Day

Juneteenth

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veterans Day

Thanksgiving Day

Day after Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

16 (5 locally assigned)

Contracted Work Days

260

Retirement

The TRS was established in 1939 to provide benefits to qualified persons employed by state-supported educational institutions. Responsibility for the management and administration of the TRS is vested in its Board of Control. The Boards of Control elect the Secretary-Treasurer who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the RSA and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the RSA. The TRS is a defined benefit plan qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. For more information visit The Retirement Systems of Alabama. All regular full-time and part-time employees (non-temporary and non- student) who work at least 20 hours per week are required to participate in The Teachers Retirement System of Alabama.

Tier I - Pays 7.50% monthly. State matches 14.57% (effective 10/01/25)

Tier II - Pays 6.20% monthly. State matches 13.61% (effective 10/01/25)

Law Enforcement Officers:

Tier I-Pays 8.50% monthly. State matches 14.57% (effective 10/01/25)

Tier II- Pays 7.20% monthly. State matches 13.61% (effective 10/01/25)

Health Insurance

PEEHIP, established in 1983, provides health insurance benefits for active and retired education employees and is governed by the PEEHIP Board of Control. The Boards of Control elect the Secretary-Treasurer who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the RSA and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the RSA. For more information visit http://www.rsa-al.gov/index.php/members/peehip

Premium amounts:

• Single $ 30
• Family (without Spouse but with dependents) $ 207
• Employee + Spouse (no dependents) $ 282
• Family (with Spouse and dependents*) $ 307
• Includes $100 per month spousal surcharge Note: The spousal surcharge does not apply to spouses who are independently eligible for PEEHIP.

Tobacco Usage Premium

• Member $ 50
• Spouse $ 50

The tobacco premium applies only to the PEEHIP Hospital Medical and VIVA Health plans. Refer to the Wellness Program section to learn how you and/or your spouse can receive the non-tobacco user discount.

Wellness Premium

• Member $ 50
• Spouse $ 50

The wellness premium applies only to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Hospital Medical Group #14000 plan for non-Medicare eligible active and retired members, non-Medicare-eligible members on LOA or COBRA, and non-Medicare-eligible spouses on active or retired contracts. Refer to the Wellness Program section to learn how you and/or your spouse can receive a wellness premium waiver.

If desired, the employee may elect four options rather than health insurance options to include hospital indemnity, cancer, dental, and vision.

Optional Coverage Plan Premiums

• Cancer, Indemnity, and Vision Single or Family (cost per plan) $ 38
• Dental Single $ 38 Dental Family $ 50

Institution matches $800 monthly (effective 10/01/17).

Duty Hours

(hours vary by campus and needs of the student)

Tuition Assistance

This tuition waiver program is designed for all full-time instructional and non-instructional employees of The Alabama College System and the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education and their dependents as defined under by policy. The program will be coordinated by each institution for employees within The Alabama College System and the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education. An application form for the tuition assistance program is available in the Human Resources office and should be completed prior to registration for classes.

Employees/Dependents at two-year colleges:

• 1/3 waived after 1st year
• 2/3 waived after 2nd year
• 3/3 waived after 3rd year

Note: Employee is vested after 10 years in Retirement System. Additional information regarding retirement may be obtained from the Retirement System Web site at www.rsa.al.gov.

01

Salary Acknowledgment -Staff I acknowledge that this position has an established salary range and that initial salary placement will not exceed the maximum. Initial salary placement grants full (1:1) credit for prior work experience in Alabama public schools, colleges, and adult education programs. Related full-time work experience outside of Alabama public education will be credited at one-half (2:1).

• YES - I have reviewed and understand the salary range and agree to be considered for this position under these terms.
• NO - I have reviewed the salary range, and it does not meet my compensation expectations.

02

Do you have a minimum of five (5) years of secondary or post-secondary teaching experience and senior leadership supervisory experience to include experience at the level of Chair, Director, Associate Dean, Dean, or equivalent senior position?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a Master's degree from an accredited institution or a Doctoral or terminal professional degree in education or a related program?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have SACSCOC or another regional accreditation experience ?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have valid Driver License?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have knowledge of student recruitment, retention, and program marketing strategies?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have proven success in forming academic and community partnerships?

• Yes
• No

08

Can you demonstrate a proficiency in written communication, along with experience in grant writing and grant management?

• Yes
• No

09

I understand that I will be contacted through the email I have provided on my application for updates on this position.

• Yes
• No

10

Are you able to travel if required?

• Yes
• No

11

Do you have the ability to work non-standard and extended hours as needed?

• Yes
• No

12

Did you attach the required application materials as listed on the job bulletin, including 1) a current résumé, 2) a cover letter describing specifically how your experience and qualifications meet the required qualifications, 3) copies of appropriate transcript(s) identifying the applicant, date degree conferred, and verifying the minimum degree requirements (NOTE: COPIES OF DIPLOMAS WILL NOT BE SUFFICIENT) and 4) copies of applicable licenses and/or certifications if required by the job posting? Applicants who fail to submit all required information will be disqualified. (You are encouraged to double-check your uploaded items. IF YOU CANNOT ANSWER YES, PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION UNTIL YOU HAVE ALL OF THESE MATERIALS UPLOADED.)

• Yes, all required documents are attached.
• No, I did not attach the required documents. I understand that without the required documents attached I will not be eligible for an interview or an offer of employment.

Required Question

Employer ACCS

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