Rice University
Open Rank Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States, 77246
The Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at the Shepherd School of Music SSM, Rice University, Houston, Texas, provides strategic leadership to advancing academic programs, curriculum, academic policy, and faculty support. Reporting directly to the Dean and working in close partnership with faculty, the Senior Assistant Dean, Assistant Dean for Enrollment and other members of the staff, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs serves as a key academic leader within the Shepherd School of Music. The Associate Dean works collaboratively with faculty, academic committees, Director of Graduate Studies and administrative colleagues to ensure academic excellence and support student academic success. This administrative role focuses solely on academic affairs and does not include oversight of student life or enrollment, which are led by the Assistant Dean for Enrollment and Student Affairs. The ideal candidate brings a strong track record of academic leadership, administrative skill, and a demonstrated ability to develop and elevate academic programs through various stages of growth and distinction.
The Associate Dean position is open to current Rice TTT faculty or external non-tenure-track faculty. Depending on the finalist’s background, this position may provide a teaching release, but also provides the opportunity to teach one course per semester in their area of expertise. The actual teaching release or load will be discussed and negotiated in the hiring process.
Curriculum Planning:
Lead ongoing review and development of academic programs, in collaboration with department chairs and faculty.
Ensure curricular alignment with the school’s mission and learning outcomes.
Academic Policy and Planning:
Develop, implement, and maintain academic policies and procedures.
Interpret academic regulations and provide guidance to faculty and staff.
Academic Advising Strategy:
Oversee the design and delivery of academic advising systems.
Partner with Assistant Dean Enrollment and Student Affairs, faculty advisors and Student Affairs staff to support students in academic planning and progress toward degree completion.
Accreditation and Assessment:
Coordinate institutional assessment efforts for academic programs.
Partner with Rice Academic Affairs, Office of Institutional Effectiveness and other units on compliance, accreditation reporting, and data-informed improvement.
Academic Integrity and Standards:
Oversee the academic integrity process, addressing misconduct and promoting a culture of scholarship and ethical academic behavior.
Maintain and revise sections of the Student and Faculty Handbooks related to academic matters.
Committee Leadership:
Serve on, convene, and or chair key academic committees such as curriculum, academic standards, and program review.
Guide faculty governance processes related to academic policy.
Strategic Collaboration:
The Associate Dean reports directly to the Dean and works in close partnership with the Senior Assistant Dean, Assistant Dean for Enrollment and Student Affairs, faculty leadership and staff to advance school-wide academic initiatives and align resources with strategic priorities.
Faculty Affairs:
Support the hiring, onboarding, and evaluation processes for select faculty. Serve as a liaison between faculty and administration on academic matters.
Teaching if applicable:
Depending on background and interest, may teach up to one course per semester as part of a non-tenure-track faculty appointment, contributing directly to the academic mission and student experience of the Shepherd School.
We welcome the fullness of diversity to Rice. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Also, in our candidate pools, we seek to attract greater representation of women, scholars of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and others who have historically been underrepresented in music; attract students from a wide range of countries and backgrounds; accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff varied in background and thought; and maintain an environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our community.
● A Master’s Degree or higher in music or a relevant field and a minimum of 5 years of experience
● Demonstrated experience in academic leadership, curriculum development, academic policy, and/or faculty support in a higher education or conservatory setting
● Experience teaching in a university, college or conservatory of music or similar environment; strong candidates will bring a record of effective classroom instruction and/or applied studio teaching and a deep understanding of the student learning experience
● Flexibility to serve in a teaching role, up to one course per semester, if aligned with candidate’s expertise and background.
● Ability to engage collaboratively with faculty and academic leadership on curriculum planning, assessment, and academic innovation
● Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills; capable of managing complex initiatives across multiple stakeholders
● Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse teams and communities
● Strategic thinking, sound judgment, and the ability to balance attention to detail with big-picture goals
● Commitment to fostering a culture of academic excellence, inclusion, and continuous improvement within the school of music
● Familiarity with policies and regulations related to higher education (e.g., FERPA); knowledge of accreditation processes is a plus
Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. To apply, please submit the
following materials via https://apply.interfolio.com/173181. In addition to the application, the
following items must be uploaded:
● Curriculum Vitae
● Cover Letter
● List the names and emails of three references. Recommendation letters will be requested from a subset of applicants.
Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University (https://www.rice.edu/mission-values#xd_co_f=NzhlYjAxZjUtZDM4Yi00N2VkLTkwODAtYjdkNzE0ZmUwZTA3~)
The Associate Dean position is open to current Rice TTT faculty or external non-tenure-track faculty. Depending on the finalist’s background, this position may provide a teaching release, but also provides the opportunity to teach one course per semester in their area of expertise. The actual teaching release or load will be discussed and negotiated in the hiring process.
Curriculum Planning:
Lead ongoing review and development of academic programs, in collaboration with department chairs and faculty.
Ensure curricular alignment with the school’s mission and learning outcomes.
Academic Policy and Planning:
Develop, implement, and maintain academic policies and procedures.
Interpret academic regulations and provide guidance to faculty and staff.
Academic Advising Strategy:
Oversee the design and delivery of academic advising systems.
Partner with Assistant Dean Enrollment and Student Affairs, faculty advisors and Student Affairs staff to support students in academic planning and progress toward degree completion.
Accreditation and Assessment:
Coordinate institutional assessment efforts for academic programs.
Partner with Rice Academic Affairs, Office of Institutional Effectiveness and other units on compliance, accreditation reporting, and data-informed improvement.
Academic Integrity and Standards:
Oversee the academic integrity process, addressing misconduct and promoting a culture of scholarship and ethical academic behavior.
Maintain and revise sections of the Student and Faculty Handbooks related to academic matters.
Committee Leadership:
Serve on, convene, and or chair key academic committees such as curriculum, academic standards, and program review.
Guide faculty governance processes related to academic policy.
Strategic Collaboration:
The Associate Dean reports directly to the Dean and works in close partnership with the Senior Assistant Dean, Assistant Dean for Enrollment and Student Affairs, faculty leadership and staff to advance school-wide academic initiatives and align resources with strategic priorities.
Faculty Affairs:
Support the hiring, onboarding, and evaluation processes for select faculty. Serve as a liaison between faculty and administration on academic matters.
Teaching if applicable:
Depending on background and interest, may teach up to one course per semester as part of a non-tenure-track faculty appointment, contributing directly to the academic mission and student experience of the Shepherd School.
We welcome the fullness of diversity to Rice. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Also, in our candidate pools, we seek to attract greater representation of women, scholars of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and others who have historically been underrepresented in music; attract students from a wide range of countries and backgrounds; accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff varied in background and thought; and maintain an environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our community.
● A Master’s Degree or higher in music or a relevant field and a minimum of 5 years of experience
● Demonstrated experience in academic leadership, curriculum development, academic policy, and/or faculty support in a higher education or conservatory setting
● Experience teaching in a university, college or conservatory of music or similar environment; strong candidates will bring a record of effective classroom instruction and/or applied studio teaching and a deep understanding of the student learning experience
● Flexibility to serve in a teaching role, up to one course per semester, if aligned with candidate’s expertise and background.
● Ability to engage collaboratively with faculty and academic leadership on curriculum planning, assessment, and academic innovation
● Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills; capable of managing complex initiatives across multiple stakeholders
● Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse teams and communities
● Strategic thinking, sound judgment, and the ability to balance attention to detail with big-picture goals
● Commitment to fostering a culture of academic excellence, inclusion, and continuous improvement within the school of music
● Familiarity with policies and regulations related to higher education (e.g., FERPA); knowledge of accreditation processes is a plus
Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. To apply, please submit the
following materials via https://apply.interfolio.com/173181. In addition to the application, the
following items must be uploaded:
● Curriculum Vitae
● Cover Letter
● List the names and emails of three references. Recommendation letters will be requested from a subset of applicants.
Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University (https://www.rice.edu/mission-values#xd_co_f=NzhlYjAxZjUtZDM4Yi00N2VkLTkwODAtYjdkNzE0ZmUwZTA3~)