Dean, School of Social and Natural Sciences

Roger Williams University

Title: Dean, School of Social and Natural Sciences

Location: Bristol, RI

Category: Professional and Clerical

Posted On: Fri Jan 16 2026

Under the direction of the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean is the principal academic leader of the School of Social and Natural Sciences. The Dean advances the mission of the University, contributes to academic and administrative leadership, and provides first‑level review for matters within the School. The Dean provides and manages effective support mechanisms for faculty and students, assists in the development and implementation of the School’s long‑range strategic plan and diversity initiatives, and leads the School in the areas of curriculum quality, student outcomes, budgeting, faculty and staff recruitment, and development.

• Lead development, coordination, organization, scheduling, and supervision of instructional programs and promote interdisciplinary collaboration with other academic units.
• Lead school strategic planning efforts and participate in university strategic planning as part of the academic leadership team.
• Articulate annual and longer‑term goals of the school.
• Oversee development of curriculum initiatives, including graduate program development, and shepherd initiatives through the approval process.
• Develop, maintain, and manage budgets according to the university timeline, review proposed budgets, and make recommendations to the Provost.
• Allocate resources to programs within the school, including faculty, support staff, budgets, and space.
• Plan, develop, and manage the school’s day‑to‑day operations.
• Ensure timely submission of reports, course schedules, and other written material.
• Support faculty in teaching, scholarship, and grant writing.
• Lead hiring, retaining, mentoring, managing, and evaluating faculty and non‑faculty staff.
• Ensure compliance with all program and institutional accreditation standards and external regulatory and accreditation standards, including oversight and support of program assessment and evaluation.
• Proactively pursue and participate in fundraising and grant proposals either personally or through faculty and/or staff members of the school.
• Administer and maintain accurate records for students, faculty, and staff, such as advising reports, professional development plans, annual evaluations, and other personnel records.
• Provide oversight for the promotion, tenure, and post‑tenure review process and recommend faculty reappointments, promotions, tenure, sabbatical leaves, committee appointments, and other teaching program assignments to the Provost within the parameters of the faculty contract.
• Participate in admissions activities, including orientation sessions, open houses, admissions days, and other programs for prospective students.
• Resolve student or faculty concerns and complaints.
• Ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors within the school building.
• Maintain compliance with safety and health codes in buildings, classes, laboratories, and in faculty/student research.
• Periodically teach an in‑discipline course, schedule permitting and in consultation with the Provost.

• Doctoral degree in Social or Natural Sciences or a closely related discipline and four years of managerial experience at the department chair level or above.
• Evidence of scholarship and pedagogical experience appropriate for appointment at the level of full Professor.
• Strong awareness of the needs of students, faculty, the university, and the community.
• Ability to work with students in various aspects of their academic pursuits.
• Proven ability to provide program leadership and development.
• Excellent interpersonal, management, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to establish organizational priorities and make difficult choices among competing demands.
• Ability to foster continuous and open communication for faculty, non‑faculty, and student success.

Roger Williams University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other basis protected by applicable state and federal law.

RWU prohibits all forms of discrimination on the basis of sex in its education programs and activities and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and its implementing regulations not to discriminate in such a manner. Complaints of Title IX sexual harassment should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator at the contact information listed below.

All complaints of sexual harassment will be taken seriously and responded to promptly.

Title IX Coordinator:
Dr. Jen Stanley, 1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809 / Phone:  / Email: jstanley