TBR | The College System of Tennessee

Job Purpose:

The Dean of Written, Oral, and Digital Communications is an advocate for student learning and is responsible for academic leadership in division development, assessment and growth. Specifically, the dean monitors existing programs and division operations and instructional effectiveness, identifies/develops new programs that align with College and workforce needs, supervises and evaluates division employees, creates an environment that promotes innovation, and collaborates with other College departments to facilitate student success via academic and student support functions.

*This is a non-faculty staff position, and will be located on both the Columbia and Williamson, TN Campuses.

Essential Functions:

• Oversee overall curriculum development, evaluation, and continuous improvement including, but not limited to, Academic Audit, program review, and student learning outcomes assessment.
• Provide leadership for the development and maintenance of an academic environment conducive to learning.
• Ensure that the division operates effectively, and its work occurs in a timely manner.
• Provide leadership for division planning/evaluation and oversee department planning/evaluation to assure alignment with the institutional strategic plan.
• Determine staffing needs and work with the vice president for academic affairs to recruit and hire faculty and staff with an emphasis on maintaining diversity.
• Recruit all Written, Oral, and Digital Communications full-time and part-time faculty while validating credentials and ensuring coverage of all classes in the division. 
• Supervise and evaluate all full-time and part-time division faculty and staff.
• Collaborate with extended services personnel to schedule all division course offerings at all campus locations.
• Collaborate with student services personnel to facilitate student success activities, including recruitment, orientation, advising, retention, and student goals completion.
• Participate in the articulation of courses and programs with other educational institutions.
• Develop and manage the division and department budgets.
• Recommend promotions, granting of tenure, and termination of faculty to the vice president for academic affairs.
• Recommend staff hiring and termination to the vice president for academic affairs.
• Facilitate the resolution of student grievances related to academic policies, procedures, and personnel in the division.
• Ensure that membership of Advisory Councils is appropriate to meet needs of college service area and that they meet regularly.
• Assure continued compliance of the areas supervised with criteria for accreditation of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and coordinate activities related to external accreditation of division programs.
• Interpret and assure implementation and compliance in the areas supervised with Tennessee Board of Regents, Tennessee Commission on Higher Education, and Columbia State policies.
• Serve as liaison for the division to other college entities and to the general public.
• Must be able to deliver instruction and evaluate student learning in all instructional delivery formats offered by the specific department at the college and at any of its teaching locations. Formats include but are not limited to in-person, online, hybrid, live streaming, etc.
• Provide academic advising to students with an emphasis on retention and success.

Supplemental Functions:

1. Participates in other college activities as assigned by the Vice President for Academic Affairs
2. Other duties as assigned.

Education, Training and Experience Required:

1. Master’s degree with 18 graduate semester hours in academic discipline within the division
2. Two years of administrative experience
3. Minimum of five years of collegiate teaching experience in a discipline within the division.

Education, Training and Experience Preferred:

1. Doctorate degree

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Work Characteristics:

Ability to make decisions and work independently

1. Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English
2. Ability to relate to a diverse faculty, staff, and student population
3. Ability to work cooperatively with colleagues and community members
4. Ability to function effectively as a member of a team

Working Conditions:

Normal sitting and movement in an office environment

Hiring Salary Range: $86,790- $108,480

This is a non-faculty staff position.

Applications for the Dean of Written, Oral, and Digital Communications will be accepted through April 30, 2025. The review of eligible candidates will begin after the application period closes at 4:00pm (CDT) on April 30th. 

About Columbia State Community College:

As Tennessee’s first community college (established in 1966), Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five of our campuses.  Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents.  Columbia State is known for excellence both inside and outside the classroom.

Columbia State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:

• Vacation and Sick Leave
• 14 paid holidays
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Retirement plans
• Optional 401K and 403B Deferred Compensation Plans
• Educational benefits for the employee and their spouse and dependents

Columbia State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age (as applicable), status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other category protected by Federal or State laws and regulations and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies:

Executive Director of Human Resources
humanresources@columbiastate.edu
1665 Hampshire Pike, Columbia, TN 38401
931-540-2501