Division Dean Communication & Arts

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas. As the largest community college in Arkansas, NWACC is recognized as a leader in education. NWACC offers a full range of associate degrees, certificates and workforce training programs that prepare students for rewarding futures and careers. NWACC employees are dedicated to fostering a diverse educational community and cultural learning environment that supports student success. The Dean for Communication and Arts provides leadership for the support and advancement of all teaching and learning in communication and arts programs and curricula. The Dean leads the daily operations of the academic units including the hiring and supervision of faculty and staff, evaluations, department budget(s), and facilities and equipment management. The Dean serves on the Academic Deans Council, the Expanded Cabinet, and other leadership groups and committees as needed to further advance the College’s academic mission. The Dean of Communication and Arts reports directly to the AVP for General Education Essential Duties: - Provide leadership in the development and implementation of the department’s goals and priorities and monitor their achievement - Select, supervise, and evaluate full-time faculty and staff within the division and in consultation with the department chair, hire all part-time faculty and staff - Direct the preparation of the annual budget for academic units and monitor budgets appropriately - Represent academic programs to external stakeholders and program partners - Provide leadership to explore options and/or develop new certificates or degrees that meet community needs and provide viable career options for students - Provide leadership for conducting program accreditation and/or program review processes. Establish and maintain effective relationships with accrediting bodies - Ensure program, course and curriculum review processes are conducted in a timely manner following institutional, ADHE, and national accrediting policies and procedures - Review course schedules for all academic units and ensure policies and procedures are followed regarding faculty load and teaching responsibilities - Maintain effective communication with internal and external constituents - Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others - Coordinate the preparation and submission of all reports and studies required from the academic units, departments or school - Resolve student complaints, concerns and requests - Facilitate, participate, and lead administrative functions of the College (institutional accreditation (Higher Learning Commission), student success initiatives, strategic planning and data informed decisions, special projects.) Rate of Pay: $100,362 annualized *Higher compensation may be considered based on qualifications directly related to position. Completed applications received by 4/15/2026 will be assured full consideration. Late Applications will be reviewed as necessary to fill the position Minimum Qualifications: - 5+ years teaching experience in higher education - Exhibit evidence of successful administrative leadership experience in a higher education setting, such as having served as department chair, program director, or equivalent academic leadership position - Master’s degree in discipline within the Division of Communication and Arts Preferred Qualifications: - Doctorate from a nationally accredited program - 5+ Years in a full-time faculty position Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: - Ability to read, analyze, and understand the most complex documents - Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints - Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style - Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors - Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems - Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables - Ability to carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities may include but not limited to interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems - Continual involvement with strategic and operational management functions which relate to both the short-term and long-term time periods - Activities covered by general organizational philosophy and objectives - Solving problems in novel, non-recurring or swiftly changing situations in which the approach is not fully defined. Guidance by top executive officer Physical Demands/Work Environment: The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations. While performing the functions of this job, the employee is: Frequently: • Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding • Sitting • Standing • Walking Constantly: • Hearing • Repetitive motion • Talking The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; and/or visual inspection at distances close to the eyes. Environmental Conditions:   The following work environment characteristics are representative of those encountered by employees while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. The work environment typically consists of a professional office setting with a moderate noise level, including sounds from conversations, office equipment, and occasional movement of staff. Lighting is standard for office spaces, and the temperature is controlled to remain within a comfortable range. Employees may occasionally need to visit other areas, such as storage rooms, conference spaces, or outdoor locations, where environmental conditions may vary. Infrequently, exposure to louder noise levels or physical activities, such as moving lightweight materials, might be required. NWACC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy.