Dean of Faculty/Chief Academic Officer
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Skills
About the role
This is a role for a change agent. The Dean will lead faculty and staff in executing a compelling value proposition for traditional undergraduates while diversifying programs and markets, including dual enrollment, online learning and lifelong learning, and will use data to guide decisions about programs, curriculum and resources. The Dean oversees an Assistant Dean of Faculty, divisional chairs, the Registrar’s Office, and the Mulva Library.
Key Responsibilities
- Recruit, develop and evaluate faculty, including fair, rigorous evaluation and peer review for rank and promotion
- Steward the curriculum and academic portfolio, including launching new programs and ongoing program review using data on outcomes, demand and cost
- Lead assessment and accreditation, sustaining a culture of assessment and compliance with the Higher Learning Commission
- Manage the academic budget in line with the strategic plan, including faculty workload analysis
- Partner with faculty governance with candor, transparency and respect, while making and carrying out difficult decisions
- Advance the Catholic and Norbertine mission across teaching, scholarship and the student experience
- Serve as a trusted strategic partner to the President and work closely with Cabinet colleagues on enrollment, student success and financial sustainability
Qualifications
- Earned doctorate or other terminal degree
- Considerable experience as a tenured faculty member, preferably at senior rank, with a record of scholarship and teaching excellence
- Proven academic leadership that advanced consequential outcomes for the institution
- An entrepreneurial record of launching or growing academic programs, partnerships or new delivery models, including hybrid learning
- Comfort using data to drive decisions, and experience with accreditation, strategic planning and academic budgeting
- A collaborative style, respect for shared governance, and the ability to lead through change
- A deep commitment to the Catholic and Norbertine identity of the College; a candidate deeply rooted in the Catholic faith is strongly preferred
About St. Norbert College
Founded in 1898 by the Norbertine order, St. Norbert College is a Catholic liberal arts college of nearly 1,400 students on 111 acres along the Fox River in De Pere, Wisconsin, just south of Green Bay. It is the only Norbertine college in the world. Guided by its motto, Docere Verbo et Exemplo ("to teach by word and example"), St. Norbert fosters the intellectual, spiritual and personal development of every student.
The College is building on renewed momentum: three consecutive years of positive operating results, eight new majors and a 4+1 MBA launched in fall 2026, and a $15 million gift from the Norbertine community. St. Norbert is recognized by Colleges of Distinction, Niche and The Princeton Review, and 99% of students receive financial aid.
Compensation and Benefits
St. Norbert College offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 403(b) retirement plan with college match; and tuition benefits for employees, spouses, and dependents. Reasonable relocation support is available, and the successful candidate is expected to relocate to the De Pere area.
How to Apply
Small College Consulting is assisting St. Norbert College in this national search. Applications, nominations, and confidential inquiries may be directed to Hannah Askew at hannah@channelmarkerhr.com. Applications should include a letter of interest, a current CV, and five professional references (references will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission).
Applicants are also required to submit a letter describing how their professional experience, leadership approach, and personal qualities align with the mission and values of St. Norbert College. This letter should address how the candidate would actively advance the Catholic, Liberal Arts, and Norbertine traditions in the context of this role. Mission alignment will be considered a significant factor in the evaluation process.
For full consideration, materials should be received by November 9, 2026. Review will continue until the position is filled. The full position profile is available upon request.
St. Norbert College (SNC), a Catholic, Norbertine, and Liberal Arts College, provides an educational environment that fosters intellectual, spiritual, and personal development. As the only Norbertine institution of higher learning in the world, our roots, traditions, and commitments create a unique and enriching educational experience for our students.
At SNC, our commitment to communio – the Norbertine ideal of a community united as one – is grounded in the principles of dignity, truth, and justice. Consistent with these principles, St. Norbert is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment.
We seek those who will embrace our mission and commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive, and spiritually engaged community (https://snc.edu/mission).
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the job if work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the job. Percentage of time may vary widely depending on the needs of the position during any particular time period. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.