Notice of Vacancy - Job Title: Dean, Heavin School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education

Posted: 12/10/2025

Job Title: Dean, Heavin School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education
Salary Range: D34: $180,000 – $200,000
Department: Heavin School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education
Location: 315 W. State Street Trenton, NJ 08618 

Thomas Edison State University was founded in 1972 to break down barriers to degree completion. 
Fifty years later, it proudly serves a diverse body of adult students with innovative and professionally 
relevant academic programming in a predominantly online delivery. Our team of high-energy studentfocused professionals is welcoming new members who are making their mark in education and are 
ready to help change the lives of thousands of adult students across New Jersey and around the world.

Candidates who are excited by changing lives, committed to the success of all and want to be 
challenged by new and innovative opportunities, should submit an application.

Summary:

We are looking for an innovative, student-oriented, and service-driven leader for an exciting opportunity 
to serve as the Dean of the Heavin School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education. We seek an 
individual who is academically and professionally qualified, energized to work at a fast pace, able to 
think strategically and roll up their sleeves in implementation, and excited by innovation and the power 
of education to improve lives. Moreover, we are seeking an individual who is passionate and prepared 
to challenge traditional models and mindsets and who is excited by innovation in the service of today’s 
adult learners.

Applicants should demonstrate their ability to build academic communities, engage students, address 
the educational needs of diverse and complex constituencies, and collaborate with Deans, internal 
staff, and external organizations.

The Dean will be responsible for the following:

Program and Curriculum Development
- Develop academic and professional asset portfolios in high demand, market-relevant degrees,
certificates, and customized educational offerings.
- Lead and ensure the appropriate outcomes of programs through the development, implementation,
and academic review of undergraduate and graduate degree programs and certificates.
- Ensure that educational programs meet appropriate professional standards and oversee
programmatic accreditation activities.

School and Student Centric Leadership

- Lead key academic program responsibilities; strategic planning, hiring, performance management,
and enterprise-wide relationship building.
- Collaboratively manage program enrollment, retention, and graduation initiatives as part of the
academic affairs team.
- Create an academic community supporting diverse adult student populations.

Community Engagement

- Conceive, implement, and lead initiatives associated with Social Sciences, Humanities, and
Education
- Collaborate with Vice President of Community and Government Relations to develop relationships
with government, for-profit, and non-profit organizations leaders. Construct partnerships and beneficial
relationships, strengthening the University’s educational and service commitment.
- Participate in professional organizations as appropriate to maintain currency in the academic field.
- Represent the School with internal and external audiences through committees, meetings, social
media, and conferences.

Funding Expansion

- Work closely with the Chief Advancement Officer on initiatives to advance the mission of the School,
including identifying and obtaining external funding to expand the work of the School.
- Identify University aligned grant sources and develop grant proposals in a departmentally
collaborative environment, working closely with the Provost, Deans, and associated senior staff to
expand grant acquisition strategies.

Competencies:

- Strategic planning, implementation, measurement, and recalibration, as aligned with institutional
needs.
- Understanding of work in industries employing graduates of these disciplines.
- Willingness to embrace alternatives to traditional higher education viewpoints.
- Data-oriented planning and coordinating curriculum development, implementation, and review.
- Willingness to engage in student recruitment and retention initiatives.
- Experience with programmatic accreditation in appropriate industries.

Minimum Education and Experience:

- Earned doctorate in an area of Social Science or Humanities.
- A minimum of 6 years of experience as faculty or/and administrator in a higher education or similar
environment with experience in developing and managing undergraduate and graduate related
programs in Social Sciences, Humanities, and/or Education.
- Significant leadership experience in a related industry can replace 3 years of faculty/administrator
experience.
- Program oversight experience in these disciplines.
Preferred Experience:
- Experience integrating real world learning opportunities and academic programs.
- Experience writing grants and administering sponsored programs.

This Institution:

TESU is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. We value inclusion as a 
core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

*TESU strives to offer a flexible work environment while balancing the operational needs of the
University. As such, we have several options for hybrid-work schedules. Positions determine what
type of hybrid-work schedule is available and, if necessary, adjustments are made to support
University operations.


How to Apply: 
Resumes and applications for this position will only be accepted online through ADP Workforce Now at: 
https://workforcenow.adp.com/jobs/apply/posting.html?client=TESU&ccId=19000101_000001&ty 
pe=MP&lang=en_US

Thomas Edison State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer