Clarion University 

Director, School of Education

Clarion University – a comprehensive master’s institution and a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) - invites nominations and applications for the position of Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs to begin no later than July 1, 2015. 

Clarion is committed to providing transformative, life-long learning opportunities through innovative, nationally recognized programs delivered in inclusive, student-centered environments.  The School of Education is in the College of Arts, Education and Sciences, one of Clarion’s three colleges.  The School features undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the areas of early childhood education, elementary education, library science education, middle level education, secondary education, science education, Spanish education, and special education.  It also offers a number of PA Department of Education teaching endorsements.  

The School and its programs were the focus of a tour of western PA led by the Clarion President in May 2014 to learn more about the teaching needs in the region.  As a result of that tour, the faculty have engaged in repositioning many of its programs and offerings and looks to its next director to lead those efforts.  The School is seeking a dynamic leader who understands the changing landscape of P-12 education and has a vision for educating students to be successful in today’s and the future P-12 classroom setting.

Located in the beautiful rural region of northwestern Pennsylvania, Clarion offers its 5,700+ students over 90 degree programs, including 27 nationally accredited programs, which is the most in the Pennsylvania system.  The University has two campuses – its 128-acre main campus and the Venango campus located in Oil City.  Clarion serves diverse, motivated undergraduate and graduate students who want to learn and grow in a small and supportive environment that promotes exploration and discovery.  Clarion University is committed to high-impact educational practices that benefit students, employers, and community partners in its recently adopted strategic directions (http://www.clarion.edu/about-clarion/leadership/documents/strategic%20directions%20f14%20web.pdf ). 

This senior management level position provides leadership for the faculty and staff as the School builds upon its heritage and addresses the changes in today’s educational environment.  The School is positioned to create more interdisciplinary partnerships especially with other disciplines in the College.  The director will oversee the daily operational, management, and budgetary needs of the School’s programs and be responsible for ensuring the School maintains its certifications and accreditations.  The director is expected to work collaboratively with state, regional, and program accrediting agencies.  This position is responsible for the planning, direction, and evaluation of all teacher education programs and courses in accordance with the mission and academic standards of the University.

Required qualifications include:
• A doctorate or terminal degree, preferably in a discipline represented in the School of Education;
• P-12 experience;
• Progressive administrative experience in higher education, with a minimum of three years experience at the level of program director or above;
• Experience with NCATE/CAEP;
• Academic and personal integrity; and,
• Completion of a successful interview. 

Desirable qualifications include: 
• Outstanding leadership, management and communications skills;
• Demonstrated efforts to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion;
• Experience with faculty professional development and support of quality curriculum and instruction in a variety of modalities;
• Success in recruiting and retaining excellent students and faculty;
• Experience with special education;
• A proven ability to build and expand relationships with internal and external constituents;
• Experience with planning and fiscally responsible management practices, especially within a responsibility centered management model; 
• Demonstrated ability to acquire and manage external resources through fund raising, grants, or contracts;
• A record of scholarship; and,
• The enthusiasm to lead the School into the future.

For fullest consideration, candidates should provide a curriculum vitae, a letter of application, a statement of philosophy on leadership, and the names and contact information of three references by November 21, 2014.  References will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of candidates.  All applicants must apply online at https://jobs.clarion.edu.  Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  Prior to a final offer of employment, the selected candidate will be required to submit to a background check including, but not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification and criminal background check. 

Clarion University of Pennsylvania is committed to equal employment and equal educational opportunities for all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, affectional or sexual orientation, age, disability, or other classifications that are protected under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other pertinent state and federal laws and regulations.