Associate Dean of Education and Program Director

Associate Dean of Education and Program Director

Bethel University invites applications for a combined academic leadership role serving as Associate Dean of Education (50%) and Program Director (50%). The Program Director role may include SPED MA program or BA/MA Elementary Education program.

This role is ideal for a mission‑aligned academic leader who is energized by developing faculty, strengthening programs, advancing inclusive excellence, and preparing educators to serve schools and communities with excellence and faith.

The Associate Dean provides strategic and operational leadership across Bethel's education programs— including teacher education, K‑12 administration, and higher education leadership. This leader partners closely with faculty, staff, university leaders, and external stakeholders to ensure academic quality, accreditation compliance, financial stewardship, and a thriving, Christ‑centered learning community.

Grounded in Bethel's mission, the Associate Dean offers visionary leadership to prepare graduates who meaningfully impact students, schools, and communities for God's kingdom.

In addition to Associate Dean responsibilities, the Program Director leads one or more online undergraduate and/or graduate education programs, as assigned. This includes responsibility for academic quality, student learning outcomes, faculty support, and continuous improvement. Depending on the program, this role may also provide leadership for residency, clinical, or apprenticeship‑based experiences, cultivating strong PK‑12 and organizational partnerships that support high‑quality, field‑based learning.

Based on program assignment, institutional needs, and candidate qualifications, the role may include opportunities to teach undergraduate and/or graduate education courses.

• Provide vision and direction for Bethel's education programs, ensuring high‑quality curriculum, assessment, and student learning outcomes.
• Serve as the unit leader for teacher education programs.
• Champion inclusive excellence and culturally responsive teaching and learning.
• Lead assigned academic programs in alignment with Bethel's mission and strategic priorities.

• Supervise and support program directors, department chairs, and teams focused on licensure, placements, partnerships, and data.
• Lead department faculty and staff hiring, development, and retention, fostering a healthy, collaborative, and mission‑aligned culture.
• Actively advance efforts to build and sustain a diverse department.
• Oversee and advocate for program budgets and resources across education programs.
• Navigate and resolve complex faculty and student issues with wisdom, care, and confidentiality.

• Coordinate and oversee state accreditation and reporting processes to ensure programs remain in good standing, including:
• Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB)
• Board of School Administrators (BOSA)
• Serve as an institutional representative for assigned programs with accrediting bodies and regulatory partners.

• Represent Bethel's education programs with internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Lead residency‑based or clinically focused preparation programs in close partnership with PK‑12 schools and educational organizations.

• Partner with admissions, marketing, program leaders, and student success teams to support enrollment growth, retention, and timely student completion.

Terminal degree in education, required.

• Minimum 5 years of college‑level teaching experience, preferably at the rank of Associate Professor or higher
• At least 3 years of significant academic leadership experience, preferably including:
  • Department chair or program director roles
  • Hiring, developing, and retaining diverse faculty and students
  • Successfully achieving and maintaining accreditation
• Experience with in PK‑12 systems and/or PK‑12‑higher education partnerships
• Experience with residency,…