School of Professional Studies

Dean

Position Overview

Cairn University invites applications for the position of Dean of the School of Professional Studies. The Dean is a member of the Academic Leadership team and is responsible for the comprehensive administrative, academic, and strategic oversight of the School. The Dean serves as a thought leader who advances the School’s mission through innovation, faculty development, program growth, and external engagement.

This role provides leadership to multiple departments and programs, fostering collaboration across diverse disciplines while ensuring academic quality, mission alignment, and operational effectiveness.

The Dean also represents the School internally and externally, at times serving as its public face to prospective students, partners, and broader constituencies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Execute all matters relative to the administrative oversight of the School.
Provide vision and strategic leadership for the ongoing development and effectiveness of the School’s programs and initiatives.
Serve as a thought leader in advancing professional studies within the context of Cairn University’s mission.
Supervise and support department chairs and program directors, fostering collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
Lead initiatives in faculty recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention in partnership with the Provost.
Champion ongoing faculty professional development, encouraging disciplinary excellence, pedagogical growth, and biblical integration.
Direct the ongoing assessment, development, and alignment of curricula across departments and programs.
Serve as a member of Academic Leadership.
Act as advisor to the Provost in matters of University policy, particularly those related to the School of Professional Studies.
Formulate appropriate academic policies for the School and guide them through the institutional approval process.
Guide the development and administration of the School’s annual operating and capital budgets.
Evaluate faculty performance according to University guidelines and recommend promotion, tenure, and contract actions.
In consultation with department chairs, assign teaching responsibilities and ensure appropriate course coverage.
Plan and lead School faculty meetings within the University meeting structure.
Lead assessment efforts related to program effectiveness, student outcomes, and accreditation requirements.
Participate with the Provost and appropriate personnel in accreditation processes, reporting, and site visits.
Collaborate with Admissions and Marketing to support recruitment, retention, and program visibility.
Serve, as appropriate, as a public representative of the School in external partnerships, professional organizations, and community engagement.
Teach an appropriate number of courses within the School as assigned.
Serve as liaison between the School and University support services and resources.
Oversee support staff and coordinate cross-departmental efforts that impact the School.

Skills and Abilities

Clear understanding of and commitment to the mission of Cairn University and its integration into professional disciplines.
Demonstrated leadership ability across diverse academic programs and disciplines.
Strong interpersonal, team-building, and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to think strategically and lead organizational change.
Experience in faculty development and mentoring.
Strong administrative, organizational, and budget management skills.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including public-facing engagement.
Commitment to fostering a culture of academic excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Required Education and Experience

Earned doctorate or terminal degree in an appropriate discipline.
Significant experience in higher education, including teaching and academic leadership.
Demonstrated success in faculty recruitment, development, and program oversight preferred.
Experience with accreditation and assessment processes preferred.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to perform a range of physical activities necessary to fulfill the essential functions of the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk while working on a computer, reviewing documents, and conducting meetings.
Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer, mobile device, and standard office equipment.
Visual and auditory ability to read detailed academic and administrative materials and communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
Occasional walking and movement across campus to attend meetings, events, classrooms, and academic functions.
Occasional lifting and carrying of materials such as files, books, or presentation materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
Sustained mental focus and attention required for strategic planning, academic oversight, and decision-making.
Ability to participate in extended meetings, presentations, and events that may require prolonged periods of sitting or standing.
Capacity to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic academic environment.
Ability to remain composed and professional while addressing complex or sensitive issues involving students, faculty, and staff.
Adaptability to changing academic priorities, institutional initiatives, and regulatory requirements.

This position requires adherence to University policies, academic standards, and confidentiality expectations, as well as a commitment to supporting the University’s mission and leadership responsibilities.

Serving at Cairn University

Located in Langhorne, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Cairn University exists to educate students to serve Christ in the church, society, and the world as biblically minded, well-educated and professionally competent men and women of character. Students earn bachelor’s degrees in various areas including Bible, Education, Music, and Business Administration; and graduate degrees in Business, Divinity, Education, Organizational Leadership, Worship and Music, and Counseling.

Cairn is a conservative evangelical institution within the protestant tradition that employs faculty and staff who profess Jesus Christ as personal Savior; agree to Cairn’s Statement of Faith and Community Life Covenant; and serve students in a ministerial capacity through imparting and upholding biblical instruction, prayer, and mentoring. Members of the faculty are required to integrate biblical instruction in their respective professional subject areas. All members of the Cairn community are obligated to affirm, agree with, and align with the University Foundational Statements. During the application process, applicants will have the opportunity to review these statements and must agree to affirm and support the position of the University, if hired. Applicants are also asked to provide a Personal Testimony of Salvation as part of the application process.

To apply, please follow the link below. You may upload and submit your resume/CV and cover letter and unofficial transcripts with the application.

Ineligible for sponsorship of H1B visa.

Cairn University does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or other protected characteristics, in administration of its educational, employment and admissions policies.