Academic Dean

The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies (www.iws.edu) is seeking a part-time Academic Dean. The Academic Dean of IWS is appointed by and responsible to the IWS President as the Dean of the Faculty and Chief Academic Officer. The Academic Dean is the spokesperson for faculty and other academic interests in the administration, while also the representative of the administration to the faculty, implementing apropos administrative policies and procedures. The Academic Dean provides reports to the IWS Board of Trustees as the Chief Academic Officer and may participate in relevant Board deliberations. The AD, however, is not a member of the Board and does not have a vote. The Academic Dean (AD) will oversee the development and assessment of the curriculum of the Doctor of Worship Studies (DWS) and Master of Worship Studies (MWS) degree programs, and the Certificate of Worship Formation program. They will provide leadership for the Associate Dean, and the faculty, including the library staff. The AD will provide direction for the development and implementation of academic policies and procedures. They will work with the administration, faculty, and staff to promote student success.

The duties expected of the AD represent standard academic leadership for an accredited institution. (IWS is accredited by The Association of Theological Schools.) Examples of duties include but are not limited to: Overseeing the academic programs of IWS and regularly evaluating their relevance, rigor, formational value and concurrence with the IWS mission and goals. Overseeing faculty recruitment and conducting faculty performance reviews. Providing fiscal oversight for academic-related expenses and giving input to the budgeting process. Staying current on best practices and trends in graduate theological higher education. (A complete job description is provided in the interview stage.) Of particular importance is a leader who has a proven track record as Academic Dean has a strong and passionate view of curriculum development can work collaboratively toward an expanded vision for our programs is a person of deep Christian faith.

The position is 20 hours per week. Salary will be based on credentials. This person may work remotely from within the continental United States. To apply, candidates should send a cover letter that includes important background information, a general philosophy of education, an explanation of their desire to serve at IWS, along with a vitae. Nominators should secure approval from a candidate before sending a letter of nomination that includes the candidate’s contact information. Please send nominations and/or cover letters and vitae to Andrew Hill, Acting Academic Dean, The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies, at: [email protected]. Submission deadline is 1 August 2025 or until the position is filled.