Academic Dean at Duke University in Durham

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Be You.

Pratt School of Engineering's Undergraduate Education team is seeking an Academic Dean to play a critical role in supporting undergraduate student success while shaping the academic and co-curricular experience of engineering students. Working as part of a collaborative team of Academic Deans, you will provide expert academic advising, administer academic policies, and partner with faculty and campus colleagues to enhance the overall undergraduate experience. While each Academic Dean leads a distinct area of responsibility within Undergraduate Education, all Academic Deans share responsibility for advancing student success, educational excellence, and an integrated undergraduate student experience. This role offers the opportunity to directly influence student outcomes, supervise professional staff, steward a key area of responsibility within Undergraduate Education, and contribute to the continuous improvement of programs and services that support excellence in undergraduate engineering education.

Minimum Requirements

• Master's degree required.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in academic administration, student services, academic advising, higher education leadership, or a related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of academic policies, student development, advising practices, and student support services within a higher education environment.
• Experience exercising independent judgment and managing complex student situations with professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working effectively with faculty, students, staff, and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Proficiency with student information systems, databases, and standard business software applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in engineering, higher education, counseling, student development, or a related discipline.
• Experience leading programs, strategic initiatives, institutional projects, or organizational change efforts.
• Experience supervising professional staff and overseeing program operations.
• Experience assessing student programs, services, and initiatives using data and outcomes to drive continuous improvement.
• Experience supporting retention, student success, wellbeing, leadership development, or first-year student initiatives.

Other Requirements

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive student information.
• Occasional evening or weekend participation in student events, orientations, or university programs may be required.
• This position is expected to work closely with faculty and campus partners to support student success initiatives.

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Be Bold.

Academic Advising and Student Support (40%)

• Advise undergraduate students regarding curriculum requirements, degree progression, academic planning, study abroad opportunities, and graduation requirements.
• Monitor student academic progress, standing, and graduation eligibility; identify concerns and implement interventions that support retention and academic success.
• Provide guidance related to academic probation, dismissal, leaves of absence, reinstatement, readmission, and other enrollment-related matters.
• Support students experiencing academic, personal, or other challenges through individualized advising, coordinated case management, intervention planning, referrals, and collaboration with faculty and campus partners.
• Deliver consultation and training regarding academic policies, advising practices, and student support resources while maintaining accurate documentation and compliance with university standards.

Area Leadership (25%)

• Lead an assigned area of responsibility within Undergraduate Education, including the development, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement of related programs, services, and initiatives.
• Develop goals, priorities, programs, and operational practices that support area objectives and Undergraduate Education priorities.
• Serve as the primary Undergraduate Education resource and subject matter expert for the assigned area of responsibility.
• Supervise professional staff whose work supports the assigned area of responsibility by setting priorities, assigning responsibilities, providing coaching and performance management, and directing related programs, services, communications, events, assessment activities, and student engagement efforts.
• Assess programs, services, outcomes, and operational processes within the assigned area of responsibility and implement improvements that enhance effectiveness, efficiency, and student impact.

Academic Policy Administration (15%)

• Interpret, communicate, and administer university and school academic policies, procedures, and standards.
• Collaborate with fellow Academic Deans to promote consistent, equitable, and student-centered application of academic policies and standards across the School.
• Review and evaluate requests for policy exceptions and make recommendations consistent with institutional guidelines and best practices.
• Consult with faculty and academic leaders regarding curriculum requirements, degree exceptions, and academic standards.
• Exercise sound professional judgment in balancing student circumstances with academic and institutional expectations.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of academic policies and procedures.

Strategic Initiatives and Collaboration (15%)

• Collaborate with faculty, academic departments, and campus partners to develop and implement strategic initiatives that advance undergraduate education priorities.
• Analyze trends and emerging student needs and recommend solutions that improve student outcomes, service delivery, and operational effectiveness.
• Partner with academic leadership to uphold educational excellence and support student success goals.
• Participate in committees, task forces, and institutional initiatives representing Undergraduate Education and the Pratt School of Engineering.
• Collaborate with fellow Academic Deans and campus partners to coordinate cross-functional initiatives and ensure alignment and integration across Undergraduate Education priorities and areas of responsibility.

Other Duties (5%)

• Perform other related responsibilities as assigned in support of Undergraduate Education and School priorities.
• Contribute to special projects, initiatives, and operational activities that advance the mission and objectives of the Undergraduate Education team.

Choose Duke.

At Pratt School of Engineering, you'll join a collaborative community dedicated to educational excellence, innovation, and student success. Our Undergraduate Education team works closely with faculty, staff, and campus partners to create an engaging and supportive learning environment that empowers students to thrive academically and personally.

As part of Duke University, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the educational journey of future engineering leaders while contributing to one of the nation's premier research universities. You'll work alongside colleagues committed to inclusion, excellence, and continuous improvement, helping shape programs and initiatives that enhance the undergraduate student experience.