Associate Dean of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

SUMMARY

The Associate Dean supports the School of STEM through innovative, student-focused leadership, fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes academic excellence, inclusion, and community impact at GRCC. The Associate Dean of the School of STEM is responsible for the management and day-to-day operations of the STEM programs, including Biological Sciences, Computer Information Systems, Mathematics, Mechanical and Architectural Design, Physical Sciences, and Psychology. The Associate Dean is a strategic leader with strong organizational skills and a deep understanding of and experience with education in STEM. The Associate Dean works in cooperation with Department Heads and Program Directors to develop class schedules, determine instructional workloads, and support the implementation of the curriculum development process. The Associate Dean also provides leadership and oversight of faculty professional development, evaluations, and tenure and promotion activities. To successfully achieve these results, the Associate Dean cultivates effective and mutually beneficial relationships with faculty, staff, and administrators across the entire campus community.

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Requisition ID: 1209
Position Number: 00001593
Employee Group: Professional, Management, & Administration
Schedule: 40 hours/52 weeks
Compensation: AM5 $94,123
Benefits: Full-time
Reports to: Dean of the School of STEM
Posting Opens: 9/30/2026
Posting Closes: 10/14/2026

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ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

School Scheduling and Section Management

• In collaboration with the Department Heads and Program Directors, develop a schedule of classes and manage section offerings including launching new courses and/or programs.
• Assign baseloads for full-time faculty and coordinate overload selections for full-time faculty.
• Administer adjunct availability and course assignment process.
• Manage room scheduling and facility needs for departments.
• Work collaboratively with the School Dean and/or Dean of the Lakeshore Campus to directly support and ensure scheduling and faculty assignments at the Lakeshore.
• Work collaboratively with the Director of K-12 Partnerships to directly support and ensure scheduling and faculty assignments at early/middle college, concurrent, and regional sites align with partnership agreements.
• Ensure accuracy of Faculty Information Forms and contractual correctness of faculty loads.

Office Oversight, Process Development, and Administration and Resource Management

• Participate in the supervision and evaluation of School office staff.
• Propose, develop, implement, and review operational procedures and processes that impact the work of the School, in accordance with those in Academic and Student Affairs (ASA).
• Conduct mid-year and annual performance reviews for direct reports; review and approve evaluations for academic support staff for departments in the School.
• Approve payroll and leaves for direct reports.

Program/Curriculum Review and Support

• In collaboration with Department Heads and Program Directors, implement approved new/revised courses and programs.
• Support the Dean in disseminating and utilizing data relevant to School departments/programs concerning student success, retention, completion, post-completion, transfer, or other trends.
• Assist the Dean in identifying fundraising and grant development opportunities related to academic departments/programs, including Perkins (if applicable).
• Collaborate with and support the Dean on curricular processes and decision-making.
• Collaborate with and support ASA leaders (Provost direct reports, Associate Provosts’ Offices, Associate Dean colleagues, Registrar’s Office, Institutional Research, and Teaching, Learning, and Distance Education (TLDE) staff/faculty) on college-wide curricular processes and decision-making.
• Represent the School on college-wide curriculum and/or learning outcomes assessment teams, as appropriate and in collaboration with the Dean to ensure School representation.
• Collaborate with ASA leaders for non-credit to credit curriculum alignment, as appropriate.

Faculty Administration and Support

• Collaborate with Dean and Program Directors and Department Heads to support and provide a comprehensive onboarding experience and continuous reinforcement of departmental goals for department leaders and faculty.
• Support Department Heads and Program Directors during program development and evaluation processes.
• Approve Faculty Leaves of Absence and Substitute Instructor Compensation, and provide support documentation to Dean for budget-related processes associated with these operations.
• Administer contract provisions for faculty and direct staff reports.
• Approve adjunct professional development funds.
• Monitor the textbook adoption process to ensure resources are accessible and available for classroom instruction through alignment with bookstore timelines.
• Serve as the point of contact to address day-to-day faculty operations issues within the School.

Faculty Hiring

• Operationalize and maintain processes for hiring new faculty and staff, and regularly review hiring processes to ensure maximum effectiveness, collaborating with the Dean and Human Resources, as appropriate.
• In collaboration with the Dean, make recommendations for new hires to the Provost.
• In collaboration with the Department Heads and Program Directors, hire adjunct faculty.
• In collaboration with the Department Heads and Program Directors, form and lead full-time faculty and staff hiring committees.
• Implement agreed upon hiring standards.

Faculty Evaluation

• Supervise full-time and adjunct faculty in their respective areas.
• Lead and administer the Faculty Evaluation System for the School, including annual Faculty Performance Evaluations (FPEs) and the tenure and promotion process. This includes collaborating with colleagues to provide orientation and training for faculty and working with other college leaders to ensure the effective operation of the system and related processes and supporting materials.
• In collaboration with the Department Heads and Program Directors, form and facilitate tenure and promotion committees, and make tenure and promotion recommendations to the Dean.
• Conduct faculty classroom observations and provide constructive written and verbal feedback as part of the evaluation process.
• In collaboration with the Dean and Human Resources, as appropriate, create Performance Improvement Plans (PIP) for faculty and staff and take disciplinary action when needed.

Faculty Professional Development

• Collaborate with the Dean, Department Heads or Program Directors, and TLDE to onboard and orient new School faculty around professional development and pre-tenure expectations.
• Collaborate with the Dean, Department Heads or Program Directors, and TLDE to identify professional development needs for School faculty and staff.
• Serve as a member of the TLDE faculty professional development committee.

Student Conduct and Concerns

• Collaborate with the Office of Student Life and Leadership on initiatives and processes to address student misconduct.
• Lead and manage School efforts to effectively address student complaints and grade grievances.
• Track student complaints for the School to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Work with the General Counsel, the Director of Equal Employment Opportunity Compliance, and equal opportunity labor representatives, as needed, to address student concerns.

Additional Duties

• As guided by the Dean, work collaboratively with School partners, external institutions and/or organizations, and internal college faculty and staff to identify roles and ensure clear communication, cooperation, and accomplishment of School goals and/or outcomes.
• Collaborate and support the Dean on curricular processes, community projects, and decision-making.
• Serve on cross-college teams, including the Academic Governing Council (AGC), ASA Council, Strategic Leadership Team (SLT), and Center for High-Impact Experiences teams, as recommended by the Dean.
• Regular attendance during normal scheduled hours is required. Being present is essential for serving stakeholders and performing the essential functions of this position.
• Persons in this role are identified as a Campus Security Authority (CSA). CSAs will be trained and responsible for reporting Clery Reportable Crimes to Campus Police as required by the Clery Act.
• In collaboration with staff, provide periodic reviews of internal systems to ensure accurate and timely work.
• Prepare for and participate in multiple yearly GRCC, state, and federal accreditation/audits and monitor visits.
• Other duties as assigned by the Dean.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Educational Credentials

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution required; doctoral degree preferred.

Work Experience

• At least three years’ experience in a role responsible for leadership and oversight of educational programming or related experience is required.
• At least three years’ experience teaching in a college or university setting is required.
• Demonstrated experience with developing and moving forward initiatives that advance equity, access, and inclusion in a collaborative environment is required.
• Supervisory experience of instructional staff is preferred.
• Experience leading STEM programs and accreditation in a higher education setting is preferred.
• Experience in a community college is preferred.
• Experience working in a collective bargaining environment is preferred.

Skills

• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of the significance of cultural competency and an understanding and appreciation for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Proven ability to manage multiple, complex tasks according to required deadlines, and maintain composure under high stress conditions.
• Proven ability to work effectively both as a supervisor/leader and as a member of a team.
• Proven ability to exercise discretion and tact in all interpersonal contacts, and to maintain confidentiality at all times.

Mental Demands

• Highly motivated, focused, and results-oriented.
• Ability to be optimistic, positive, and supportive in all interactions with others.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Physical Demands

• The position requires long periods of sitting, standing, reading, and writing, listening, and speaking

Working Conditions

• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website.
• Must be able to attend functions off campus and work weekends/evenings as required.
• Professional travel is required.

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• Please complete an application: https://www.grcc.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/careers. Submit a cover letter and resume.
• The opportunity to apply for this position will close at the end of the day on the close date referenced at the top of this job posting.
• Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.

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Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.