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Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

POSITION DETAILS

Founded in 1971 in Long Island City, Queens, LaGuardia Community College is one of seven community colleges of the City University of New York (CUNY). LaGuardia offers more than sixty associate degree programs and more than fifty workforce training, ESOL, GED, and pre-college programs. In 2023, LaGuardia served approximately 24,000 students. More than one-third of LaGuardia’s degree-seeking students are born outside the United States; they come from 136 countries and speak 43 heritage languages. Sixty percent are first-generation college students.

Virtually all LaGuardia students are ethnic minorities (89 percent), 58 percent are women, 27 percent are over the age of 25. Forty-six percent of associate degree students are Hispanic. Upon graduation most students transfer to four-year colleges, typically in CUNY, to complete their baccalaureate degrees. Graduates of career programs such as Nursing, Computer Technology, and Veterinary Technology enter the workforce. LaGuardia ranked fifth among U.S. community colleges in economic mobility – moving low-income students into the middle class and beyond – in studies by Stanford University (2017) and the Brookings Institution (2020). Please visit www.laguardia.edu to learn more.

LaGuardia Community College invites applications for the position of Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, a key leadership role within the Division of Academic Affairs. Reporting directly to the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Associate Dean is responsible for the development and continuous improvement of academic programs that align with the evolving needs of students, the labor market, and institutional priorities. The Associate Dean will play a central role in advancing curriculum innovation, experiential learning, transfer pathways, and academic policy while fostering a culture of transparency, collaboration, and student success.

This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the academic landscape of one of CUNY’s most dynamic and diverse colleges. The Associate Dean will lead cross-functional collaborations with faculty, department chairs, and institutional partners to design and implement programs that prepare students for transfer and career success, support innovative teaching and learning strategies, and uphold academic excellence across the institution.

Reporting to the Provost & Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, the Associate Dean will be responsible for the following:

Curriculum and Degree Programs

+ Lead the development, assessment, and improvement of the college’s curriculum to ensure it aligns with student goals, academic standards, and workforce needs.

+ Collaborate with CUNY Central on proposals and reporting to the New York State Education Department (NYSED).

+ Work with faculty and curriculum committees to develop academic programming that supports student progression, transfer readiness, and timely degree completion.

+ Represent Academic Affairs on the College’s Academic Standing Committee.

+ Coordinate with Enrollment Management to ensure course scheduling and class offerings reflect student needs and support enrollment and retention.

+ Champion innovative learning models, including online learning and Learning Communities, that promote flexibility and access for students.

+ Promote clear, inclusive communication and collaboration across all academic governance structures.

Career-Connected and Experiential Learning

+ Lead initiatives that embed career-connected learning into academic programs to ensure students gain workplace-relevant skills and experiences.

+ Expand experiential learning opportunities such as internships, supervised research, apprenticeships, and service learning.

+ Cultivate partnerships with industry, employers, and community organizations to enhance career readiness and open employment pathways for students.

Transfer Pathways and Credit for Prior Learning

+ Strengthen academic pathways that facilitate smooth transitions from LaGuardia to four-year institutions or directly into careers.

+ Expand pipeline programs for high school graduates, adult learners, and community partners to increase access to higher education.

+ Oversee articulation agreements and transfer initiatives to ensure seamless student mobility.

+ Manage the Office of Credit for Prior Learning, ensuring students receive appropriate credit for military, professional, or life experiences.

Academic Policies and Processes

+ Provide guidance and professional development to department chairs in academic planning, curriculum, and faculty affairs.

+ Maintain and update academic policies, the Faculty Handbook, and related communications to ensure clarity, relevance, and alignment with institutional priorities.

+ Supervise the Workload Coordinator to ensure accurate, equitable, and compliant faculty workload assignments.

+ Oversee the textbook adoption process to ensure transparency and student access through the College bookstore.

+ Promote technology integration in academic operations to improve efficiency and student support.

+ Foster a culture of transparency, consistent communication, and collaborative decision-making within the Division of Academic Affairs and throughout the College.

+ Perform other duties as assigned by the Provost.

QUALIFICATIONS

This position is in CUNY's Executive Compensation Plan. All executive positions require a minimum of a Bachelor's degree and eight years' related experience. Additional qualifications are defined below by the College.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

+ Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of eight years of relevant experience in higher education, including at least three years in an administrative or leadership role.

+ Teaching experience at the college level, preferably in a community college or with undergraduate students.

+ Demonstrated expertise in curriculum development and program design centered on student success.

+ Proven ability to lead collaboratively and effectively across departments and institutional partners.

+ Strong organizational, leadership, and interpersonal communication skills.

+ Commitment to shared governance and transparent decision-making.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

+ Doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited institution.

+ Experience with credit for prior learning, dual enrollment, and other access-expanding initiatives.

+ Familiarity with using technology to improve academic operations and student services.

+ Record of leading career-connected and experiential learning efforts.

+ Experience working with Enrollment Management to align academic programming with student demand.

+ Knowledge of CUNY policies, union contracts, and accreditation requirements.

CUNY TITLE

Associate Dean

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary: $135,000–$155,000

Salary commensurate with education and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

HOW TO APPLY

Visit www.cuny.edu, access the employment page, log in or create a new user account, and search for this vacancy using the Job ID or Title. Select "Apply Now" and provide the requested information.

Candidates must attach a resume, cover letter, and three professional references (name, title, organization, and contact information).

CLOSING DATE

November 15th, 2025

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Executive

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

Job ID

31225

Location

LaGuardia Community College