Associate Dean Academic Affairs-Rosenberg School of Optometry

Overview

Position Title: Associate Dean for Academic Affairs - Rosenberg School of Optometry

UIW Mission: University of the Incarnate Word is a Catholic institution that welcomes to its community persons of diverse backgrounds, in the belief that their respectful interaction advances the discovery of truth, mutual understanding, self-realization, and the common good.

The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs serves as the chief academic officer and is responsible for the overall administration and operational oversight of the academic programs of the Rosenberg School of Optometry, to include curriculum design and innovation, implementation of academic policies, and the development, implementation, and outcomes measurement of the optometric curriculum. Position is also responsible for the recruitment, retention and development of faculty to ensure excellence in teaching, learning and clinical education.

The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs reports to the Dean of the Rosenberg School of Optometry and collaborates closely with the program directors and institutional partners to advance the school’s mission and strategic academic priorities.

UIW has been identified year after year as one of the nation’s Great Colleges to Work For based on employee feedback. UIW offers an outstanding benefits package for full-time employees that includes medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, numerous paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. Tuition benefits include UIW tuition waivers, tuition exchange programs and Brainpower Connection discounts for employees and dependents.

Retirement benefits include 403b retirement plans with a 7% employer match, plus a retirement health solution. We also offer employer-paid Life/AD&D, long-term disability, pet insurance, an Employee Assistance Program ( EAP ), wellness programs, employee discount program, Public Service Loan Forgiveness ( PSLF ) eligibility and more. Please refer to the Human Resources webpage for additional details on our benefits and eligibility.

Essential Duties

• Design curriculum for didactic and clinical programs; ensure course content validation and compliance; schedule, plan, implement and execute the academic and clinical program. Ensure that the curriculum is in alignment with institutional expectations, professional competencies, and accreditation standards.
• Serve as lead in the recruitment, retention and development of faculty members.
• Provide leadership and oversight of residency and externship programs.
• Represent school in regional, state and national conferences.
• Collaborate with the Dean and senior leadership to maintain full compliance with accreditation standards to include preparation of self-studies, annual reports and related documentation. Participate in student recruitment and outreach efforts in partnership with RSO and UIW enrollment teams.
• Develop plan and ensure execution of the integration of the didactic and clinical programs.
• Teach assigned classroom and/or clinical courses on a regular basis as directed by the Dean of the School of Optometry.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

• Deep knowledge of optometric education, accreditation requirements, and contemporary clinical training models.
• Strong understanding of academic governance, institutional policy, and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated familiarity with research methodologies and current trends in optometric science.
• Ability to design, implement, and sustain long-term academic strategies aligned with institutional mission and professional standards.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel) or comparable systems.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated budget management skills.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures.
• Employee shall adhere to all applicable rules and regulations of the University, the Conference, and the NCAA.

Doctor of Optometry…