Dean, School of Health & Behavioral Sciences

Please Note: Internal Employees, please access the Jobs Hub in Workday to apply for the position.

University of Massachusetts Global is a private, nonprofit affiliate of the University of Massachusetts, created to help working adults change their lives through flexible, high-quality education built for real life. Regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and recognized by U.S. News & World Report among the Best Online Programs for 13 consecutive years (2013–2025), the university has a long track record of online innovation. Students across 49 states and internationally can upskill, reskill, and move forward without putting life on hold through technology-enabled, real-world learning.​ With more than 55 fully online, career-focused programs designed around the realities of work, family, and constant change, we remain ever-focused on developing future-ready learners who can thrive in a rapidly shifting world.

In response to the ever-growing need for a well-trained workforce in healthcare, mental health, and behavioral and psychological sciences, the University of Massachusetts Global is establishing a School of Health and Behavioral Sciences and seeks an exceptional academic leader to serve as its Founding Dean.

UMass Global is committed to providing adult learners the knowledge, skills, and practical strategies to improve client and patient care. Under the leadership of the Founding Dean, the School of Health and Behavioral Sciences will build on existing offerings in behavioral health and wellness, expanding strategically into areas of study such as public health, health care management, health education and promotion, health informatics, nutrition, and/or occupational therapy.

The School of Health and Behavioral Sciences will serve as the new academic home of UMass Global’s departments of Psychology and Social Work and their respective programs, including a MA in Professional Clinical Counseling (PCC) and the University’s signature MA in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) and Master of Social Work (MSW).

UMass Global recently discontinued its nursing programs due to regulatory changes made by the California Board of Registered Nursing and does not plan to reinstate them in the foreseeable future.

The Founding Dean will develop a compelling vision and strategy for the School’s future and lead efforts to implement these plans. To effectively lead the School of Health and Behavioral Sciences, the successful dean candidate will be an innovative and entrepreneurial leader and an effective relationship builder with deep experience in adult education and online learning and a steadfast commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.

Learn more and download a detailed leadership profile at WittKieffer.com (httpps://wittkieffer.com/positions/201340).

A private, non-profit affiliate of the University of Massachusetts, UMass Global is committed to helping adult learners change their lives through education. Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, UMass Global is renowned for attentive student support, accommodating transfer policies, commitment to military and veteran students, high graduation rates, alumni satisfaction, and low student debt loan default rates.

The university currently offers more than 55 online programs across the schools of Arts & Sciences, Business & Professional Studies, Education, and Extended Education. Tailored for workplace relevance, programs include associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, along with teaching credentials, stackable certificates, and authorizations. UMass Global leverages the expertise of its exceptional faculty — a diverse community of scholar-practitioners who not only teach but are experts in their fields.

The dean position is fully remote. A doctoral degree in a health science, behavioral science, or related field and a minimum of 5 years of experience in health and/or behavioral sciences education, with at least 3 years in a leadership or administrative role, are required.

WittKieffer is assisting UMass Global in this search. Applicants should provide a CV and a letter of interest using WittKieffer’s candidate portal. Review of applications is underway and candidates will be considered until an appointment is made.

Confidential nominations and inquiries can be directed to Philip Tang and Maya Holt-Brockenbrough at UMassGlobal-HBSDean@wittkieffer.com.

The anticipated compensation range for this position is $225,000 to $275,000 annually.

Click here to apply to the Dean, Health & Behavioral Sciences position via WittKieffer's candidate portal.

TYPE OF SUPERVISION:

Receive limited direction from the Executive Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs and Provost.

• Limited Direction - indicates that the incumbent receives limited guidance in terms of overall objectives and is responsible for establishing methods to attain them. Typically, the incumbent works independently and is in charge of an area of work and oversees policy formulation and has final authority for approving such policy. This individual can make decisions outside the scope of policy and procedures.

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Curriculum Oversight:

• Strategic Leadership: Provide curricular leadership by initiating, sustaining, delivering, or eliminating academic programs and core curricula aligned with strategic goals.
• Curriculum Development & Review: Develop new curriculum, review existing curricula, review and approve catalog copy related to School programs and courses, and select appropriate delivery models in collaboration with faculty.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance: Supervise program and accreditation reviews, ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards, and maintain academic excellence through continual assessment of academic units, programs, and courses.
• Program Portfolio Management: Conduct annual reviews of the School's program and course portfolios, including comparative analysis of peer programs and facilitation of the removal of obsolete courses.
• Resource & Support: Collaborate with university units to address program needs, and assess the availability of electronic library resources.

Faculty and Staff Oversight:

• Faculty Management: Develop and implement staffing plans, recruit new faculty, appoint search committees for new faculty hires, manage retirements and non-renewals, and oversee faculty evaluations, reappointments, and promotions.
• Faculty Support: Ensure adequate faculty support for School programs and approve faculty workload plans.
• Professional Development: Collaborate with faculty, associate deans, and faculty directors to plan, supervise, and coordinate faculty and staff development.
• Administrative Oversight: Conduct regular school-wide meetings and supervise associate deans, faculty directors, and support staff.

Academic Administration:

• Strategic Leadership: Lead efforts to achieve institutional goals within the School of Health and Behavioral Sciences.
• Effective Communication: Maintain open communication with and disseminate relevant information among faculty, staff, and administration.
• Academic Program Management: Oversee class scheduling, course reviews, and program document updates to ensure efficiency and alignment with program pathways.
• Technology Integration: Promote and implement the effective use of technology to enhance teaching and learning, and administrative efficiency.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilize data analytics to inform strategic decision-making and improve program outcomes.
• External Engagement: Represent the School at relevant professional associations, regulatory bodies, and accrediting agencies.

Outreach:

• Strategic Partnerships: Forge and maintain domestic and international partnerships with corporate and non-corporate entities to promote the School's programs.
• Customized Solutions: Develop and deliver micro-credentials to meet the specific needs of industry partners.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align outreach efforts with the School's strategic goals.

Fiscal Management:

• Financial Oversight: Manage the School’s fiscal affairs, including the approval and disbursement of funds for faculty and staff travel and professional development.
• Resource Allocation: Allocate resources strategically to support academic programs and academic student services.

Other:

• May teach one class per academic year, as needed.
• Perform other duties, as assigned

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATION AND/OR LICENSES:

• Doctoral degree in a health science, behavioral science, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in health or behavioral sciences education, with at least 3 years in a leadership or administrative role
• Proven experience in online course delivery, including the development of micro-credentials and self-paced courses, is preferred.
• Active involvement in health- or behavioral sciences-related networks and professional organizations is preferred

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a diverse team
• Proven experience in developing and managing online academic programs, including curriculum design, faculty development, and student support
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment
• Knowledge of educational technologies and emerging trends, including generative artificial intelligence, to enhance teaching and learning
• Knowledge of accreditation standards and process and regulatory requirements for applicable programs is preferred

Machines, Tools, Equipment, Electronic Devices and Software: Competency in use of Microsoft Office Suite, and other typical enterprise-type software used in educational organizations, such as Banner, Workday, etc..

Contact with Students: Frequent

Contact with Faculty and/or Staff: Frequent

Contact with Community and Vendors: Occasional

At the University of Massachusetts Global, we support your total well-being with flexible and meaningful benefits:

• Health: Medical, dental, and vision coverage with spending account options.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible schedules, 1/2 day Fridays (biweekly), remote options, generous time off, and a paid winter break.
• Financial Security: Life, disability, and supplemental insurance, legal and identity protection, and student debt support.
• Retirement: 403(b) plan with a Roth option. 3% non-elective contribution and up to a 6% match for a 9% total employer contribution!
• Education: Tuition discounts for employees and family and Tuition Exchange program with other universities.
• Wellness: Counseling services, Calm app access, and year-round wellness programs.

Equal Employment Opportunity – UMass Global is committed to providing an educational and work environment free of unlawful discrimination and harassment in any form. UMass Global prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment on the basis of age, race (including hairstyle/texture, protective hairstyles, braids, locks, and twists), color, religion (including religious observance, belief, practice dress and grooming practices), citizenship, pregnancy (including temporary physical or mental limitations related to, affected by, or arising out of pregnancy, childbirth, or any related medical conditions), sex, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, national origin, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, legally-protected medical condition, military (past, present or prospective) status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by local, State or Federal law.

Reasonable Accommodation – UMass Global provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the recruitment department at recruiting@umassglobal.edu.