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SR ASSIST DEAN, GRADUATE SCHOOL
Job Title: SR ASSIST DEAN, GRADUATE SCHOOL
Job Code: 3787
FLSA: E
Job Level: 15
Revised Date: 04/01/2025
Job Family: JF 28
Occupational Summary
The Senior Assistant Dean of the Graduate School provides leadership, strategic planning, and oversight of graduate student success initiatives and administrative operations across the Graduate School. This role builds on the foundational work of Assistant Deans by spearheading innovative programs, expanding institutional partnerships, managing cross-functional teams, and guiding long-term planning that aligns with the Graduate School's mission and university-wide goals. The Senior Assistant Dean reports to and works closely with the Associate Dean, faculty, and other campus leaders to shape and enhance the graduate student experience institutionally and nationally.
Work Performed
Strategic Leadership and Program Development
Lead the visioning, strategic development, and implementation of comprehensive graduate student support programs, with a focus on academic and professional success.
Conduct high-level analysis of trends in graduate education to inform decision-making and resource allocation.
Set measurable goals, assess program outcomes, and make data-informed recommendations to improve effectiveness and efficiency across all graduate student services.
Oversee the refinement and integration of new and existing initiatives, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and accreditation standards.
Administrative Oversight and Financial Management
Provide oversight of administrative functions, program budgets, and personnel management within the Graduate School.
Direct financial planning efforts and supervise financial reporting related to programmatic areas.
Identify external funding sources (e.g., foundations, grants, donors) and lead the development of proposals to support student-centered initiatives.
Institutional Collaboration and External Partnerships
Serve as a strategic liaison to schools, departments, and administrative units within and beyond the university, promoting cross-campus partnerships that enhance graduate education.
Represent the Graduate School in university-wide committees and external professional associations, advancing institutional visibility and engagement with national conversations around graduate education.
Cultivate new partnerships with community, industry, and global partners to expand professional development and career readiness opportunities for graduate students.
Communications and Advocacy
Lead efforts to ensure effective, inclusive communication with faculty, staff, and students across diverse disciplines.
Advocate for the needs of graduate students and develop policies that foster a supportive, responsive academic environment.
Personnel Management and Supervision
Supervise and mentor professional staff. Promote a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and staff development.
Oversee hiring, onboarding, performance reviews, and professional growth planning for direct reports.
Other Responsibilities
Serve as a member of the Graduate School's leadership team, contributing to institutional planning and strategic direction.
Represent the Graduate School and university at regional and national conferences or events.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Associate Dean of the Graduate School.
Required Qualifications at this Level
Education/Training
Masters degree required; doctoral degree strongly preferred.
Experience
Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education administration, with demonstrated leadership in graduate education.
Proven ability to manage complex projects, supervise professional staff, and lead cross-departmental collaboration.
Strong strategic thinking, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Skills
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Duke University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
