Position Summary:

The dean of the School of Professional Studies serves as the academic and administrative leader for six academic departments: Communication Disorders and Sciences, Health, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Studies and Sport Management.

Reporting to the provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, the dean will partner with the associate dean, department chairs and faculty in alignment with the university’s mission, priorities and strategic plan.

The School of Professional Studies is dedicated to innovative teaching, community and professional service and creative scholarly endeavors. It aims to provide exceptional undergraduate and graduate experiences through classroom theory and transformational learning that includes research, clinical practice, internships, student teaching and service learning.

Home to approximately 120 employees, the School of Professional Studies hosts 16 undergraduate majors and 13 graduate degree programs as well as an online graduate certificate program in therapeutic recreation. Students enjoy a robust mix of classroom and experiential learning, with many students engaging in hands-on internship opportunities during their studies. Three graduate degree programs are offered with fully online options – sport management, physical education leadership and therapeutic recreation – that offer chances for students to work in their area of choice while pursuing their degree. The online master’s degree in sport management has been ranked the best in the Northeast and the No. 4 such program in the nation by Intelligent.com and OnlineMasters.com, respectively.

SUNY Cortland, a top public university of approximately 6,900 students located in the geographic center of New York state, prides itself on being a popular destination for students and employees alike. The university’s campus has been transformed in the last decade, with emerging academic programs, an increasingly diverse population and more then $350 million spent on construction and renovation. The campus is in the midst of a period of ongoing stability and success. Cortland continues to meet overall enrollment targets and enjoys a level of financial stability compared to many of its peers. One of 13 comprehensive universities in the State University of New York system, SUNY Cortland prides itself on rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts, sciences, education and professional studies. The university has been ranked among the top in the nation on Money magazine’s “Best Colleges for Your Money” list.

For more than 150 years, SUNY Cortland has provided unmistakable value for students seeking a well-rounded academic, athletic and social experience. The university fields powerhouse Division III athletics programs, a comprehensive study abroad network through SUNY partners that allows students to travel the world and boasts an impressive network of alumni making a difference in education, business, government, fitness, medicine and many other fields.

Major Responsibilities:

• Faculty Recruitment and Development: Hire, mentor, and evaluate faculty members. Support professional development initiatives and foster a positive academic environment

• Budget Management: Develop and manage the academic budget, allocating resources effectively to support faculty, programs, and student needs

• Strategic Planning: Participate in strategic planning initiatives to shape the future direction of the academic programs and the institution as a whole

• Policy Development: Develop and implement academic policies and procedures in alignment with institutional goals and regulatory requirements

• Curriculum Development: Oversee the design and implementation of academic programs and courses to ensure they meet educational standards and goals

• Community Engagement: Build relationships with external stakeholders, including industry partners, alumni, and community organizations, to enhance academic programs and opportunities for students

• Research and Innovation: Promote research initiatives and fostering a culture of innovation within academic departments

Required Qualifications:

• A terminal degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., etc.) in a field included in or related to programs offered within the School of Professional Studies

• Administrative and managerial experience at the level of department chair, director, or above

• Experience in developing and managing budgets and resources effectively

• A record of achievement in teaching, scholarship, and service sufficient for tenure in an academic department in the School of Professional Studies

Preferred Qualifications:

• A minimum of 3 years administrative experience at the level of department chair, director, or above

• A strong track record of research and publication in the candidate’s field

• Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans for academic programs or institutions

• Demonstrated experience in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the academic community

• Experience with fundraising, grant writing, or securing external funding can be a plus

• Experience in leading or managing change within an academic setting

• Proven ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, including other educational institutions, community organizations, and industry partners