Position Overview

Business Title: Interim Dean of the Division of Extended Studies

Position Reports to:  Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs

Size Budget Managed: 55 million

Purpose:

The mission of Extended Studies is to “extend higher education beyond traditional boundaries.” The scope of Extended Studies programming is extensive – with approximately 38% of the University’s credit-hours, and almost all of its noncredit activity. The interim dean position provides vision, leadership and strategic direction for the University’s credit and noncredit educational outreach efforts through the following programs: Boise State Online (including the units eCampus Center and Enrollment and Student Success), Community Educational Outreach, Concurrent Enrollment, Summer Sessions, Professional and Continuing Education, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and Boise State Public Radio. Extended Studies does not have direct ownership of academic programming, so to execute the Division’s mission, the dean must cultivate strong partnerships and relationships internal to Boise State and with external entities.

This is an internal opportunity open only to current, benefit-eligible employees of Boise State University.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• Master’s degree 
• 5 years of director-level management experience in higher education or similar work
• Experience in educational outreach and online education
• Experience in significant budget oversight and understanding of alternative funding models
• Demonstrated experience in building successful partnerships with other college departments, administration, business and industry

Preferred Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• Doctoral/terminal degree
• Higher education leadership experience in a variety of roles or university areas
• Experience working across a variety of student audiences and credit/non-credit academic offerings
• Proven history of successful partnership development
• Track record of strategic advocacy to advance programs and initiatives

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Leadership, strategic planning critical decision-making and management skills
• Knowledge of best practices in online and continuing education across the country
• Budget and financial management skills
• Knowledge of market assessment, program planning and project management skills
• Excellent written and communication skills
• Excellent problem-solving, negotiating and facilitation skills
• Ability to analyze and organize complex organizational systems and processes
• Knowledge of adult learners and their needs
• Ability to operate within the university culture, standards, policies and procedures
• Ability to manage priorities with multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to work and collaborate successfully with persons, programs, organizations, agencies and the community with distinctly varied missions, goals and objectives.
• Spirit of innovation and willingness to approach higher education in an entrepreneurial manner
• Proactive and intentional approach to relationship building and solution identification 
• Ability to share high-impact information with various stakeholders with a high degree of professionalism and alignment with the University and Division mission

Essential Functions:

Key Responsibilities

50% of Time the Position must:

Provide vision, leadership and strategic direction for Boise State University’s educational outreach efforts.

• As needed, develop and execute a strategic plan for Extended Studies (in coordination with Extended Studies Leadership team), to fulfill Boise State University’s mission, goals and objectives regarding enrollment, and educational outreach to individuals, communities, and organizations. 
• Lead the University’s efforts to fulfil the State Board of Education’s charge to ensure access and opportunities for individuals to continue their education regardless of their location, age and job responsibilities.
• Meet regularly with leaders inside and outside of the University to connect institutional resources with educational needs and opportunities in the community.
• Help drive enrollment and revenue-generation by facilitating online, off-campus and noncredit programming that connects the University to new audiences.
• Devise programs and funding models that help achieve the strategic vision for educational outreach. Help the academic colleges identify and implement entrepreneurial opportunities that align with the University’s mission.
• Advocate for educational outreach, online education and professional and lifelong learning programs. Lead initiatives to recruit and serve the University’s nontraditional students (adult learners, concurrent enrollment students, noncredit students, etc.).
• Assist the Division with transition to and continued operations in a new budget model.
• Develop and maintain on-going working relationships with a wide range of public and private sector leaders within agencies, businesses and other organizations. Develop programming that bridges these entities’ needs with University expertise and resources.

30% of Time the Position must:

Provide leadership, direction and support for 170+ Extended Studies staff.

• Direct supervision of 13 reports 
• Ensure that unit goals, employee goals and Division resources are aligned with the University’s mission and goals.
• Oversee teams that develop and grow degree programs, certificates, pathways and other educational offerings that are responsive to market and workforce needs.
• See to the hiring of qualified staff, provide for their development and training and evaluate their work.
• Motivate remote and campus-based employees, foster teamwork, build morale and ensure the Division positively reflects on and contributes to the University’s culture. 
• Advocate for the needs of Extended Studies staff members, including navigating matrixed university structures that are designed to support standard work environments.
• Remain apprised of emerging trends in online education.
• Ensure collaboration and coordination with other University departments.
• Be accountable for Division outcomes.

20% of Time the Position must:

 Fulfill Responsibilities of University Dean.

• Serve as one of the University’s deans and participate on Deans’ Council and other university wide initiatives. Contribute to important university groups such as Administrative Council and Executive Enrollment Team.
• Take on projects assigned by the Provost, chairing University search committees and being the University’s representative on external task forces and committees. 
• Represent Boise State University at functions and engage with community leaders.  Help connect community needs and opportunities with the University.  Be a friend-raiser and a fund-raiser for the University.
• Other duties as assigned

Required application materials:

• Letter of application demonstrating experience related to the minimum and preferred qualifications of the position, as well as building and maintaining effective partnerships and strategic planning 

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae

• Contact information for three professional references

Closing Date: 

Position will close for new applicants on April 14, 2025.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Joelle Powers, Chair of the Search Committee and Dean, College of Health Sciences.