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Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs

Position Description

Applications due by 11:59 p.m. on April 19, 2024.

Date: March 2024
Business Title: Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs
Department Name: Office of the Provost
Management Center: University General
Supervisor Name and Title: Provost and Executive Vice President

Position Objective

The Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs is the chief academic and administrative officer for the School of Graduate Studies, the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and the Graduate Professional Development Center. The Vice Provost provides leadership for, and oversees the management, quality, and effectiveness of all graduate programs and oversees postdoctoral affairs. The role of this dean is also key for ensuring graduate student retention, reasonable time to degree, and for developing approaches to support and advance graduate students and postdocs across the campus who engage in cutting-edge research and teaching. This dean also supports initiatives to support the success and career development of graduate students and postdocs. In addition, the dean administers all academic, financial, and personnel matters for the Office of Graduate Studies, plus promotes and supports excellence in teaching, research, and creative activities through initiatives to support graduate students and postdocs.

This Vice Provost leads the School of Graduate Studies that oversees the admissions, record keeping and academic aspects of graduate student activities at Case Western Reserve. The office functions as registrar for entering information into SIS for approximately 2500 graduate students and tracks their progress through 180 degree and joint-degree programs housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, the Case School of Engineering, the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, the School of Medicine, the Weatherhead School of Management, and the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences.  

In addition, this Vice Provost supports and develops programs aimed at the professional and career development of graduate students.  This individual also heads the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, which serves all postdoctoral scholars and fellows across the campus and the Graduate Student Professional Development Center.  This Vice Provost also serves as the University’s representative to the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s Chancellor’s Committee for Graduate Studies.

The Vice Provost and Dean is a member of the Provost’s Advisory Council (PAC).

This position requires 80% effort (negotiable) and requires status as a tenured, full professor at Case Western Reserve University.

Administrative Supplement

An administrative supplement is included in this position and is negotiated based on experience and level of responsibilities. 

Essential Functions

  1. Provide energetic, creative and visionary leadership for the School of Graduate Studies with respect to programs and activities that support the academic mission of the School of Graduate Studies. Collaborate with leaders in the Provost’s Office to advance the success of the university through joint projects and initiatives. Lead committees and events that advance the graduate academic programs or policies that affect the graduate student experience at CWRU. Oversee learning outcome assessment for graduate programs. Manage the periodic academic review of all PhD and master’s programs. Develop and review international graduate degree programs.
  2. Provide supervision and mentoring for staff in the School of Graduate Studies, the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and the Graduate Professional Development Center.
  3. Oversee expenditures and prepare quarterly forecasts and annual budgets. Provide oversight for endowment funds directed toward graduate student awards. Advance external grant funding to enhance opportunities for graduate education and training at CWRU.
  4. Serve on the University Threat Assessment and Behavioral Intervention Team for matters concerning graduate and professional students. Participate in disciplinary hearing which may involve academic integrity and/or research integrity.
  5. Serve as an ex-officio member of the Faculty Senate Committees for Graduate Studies and Research. Serve as advisor to the leadership of the Graduate Student Council. 
  6. Represent the University at meetings of the Association of Graduate Schools (part of AAU) and Council of Graduate Schools. 
  7. Participate in meetings of the Board of Trustees Academic Affairs and Student Life Committee. 
  8. Oversee administration of the NSF Graduate Fellowship program at CWRU.

Nonessential Functions

  1. Participate in the evaluation and development of the University Student Health Plan.
  2. Oversee the website for the School of Graduate Studies with support.
  3. Perform other duties as assigned.

Contacts

Department: Regular contact with the Provost and other professionals in the office.
University: Regular contact with the deans, senior administrators in the schools, and faculty. 
External: Periodic contact with administrators at other institutions. Frequent contact with members of the community.
Students: Regular contact with graduate students.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Direct supervisory responsibility and oversight for office of graduate affairs, office of postdoctoral affairs, and the faculty director of international affairs. Shared supervision of a department assistant.

Qualifications

Experience: Tenured, full professor at CWRU. Demonstrated success in teaching, research and service. Progressive academic leadership experience.
Education/Licensing: A terminal degree (e.g. PhD EdD) is required.

Required Skills

  1. Strong leadership abilities, fostering collaboration and collegiality.
  2. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to foster interpersonal relationships. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face. 
  3. Sensitivity to diverse constituencies and inclusive conduct.
  4. Familiarity with personnel management practices. Excellent management and human relations skills.
  5. Commitment to high quality education and resources.
  6. Excellent problem-solving skills. Demonstrated data-informed decision making and use of predictive analytic modeling.
  7. Strong organizational skills, including allocating tasks and managing complex projects, functioning effectively on highly ambiguous projects or initiatives.
  8. Understanding of federal and state legislation impacting education services.
  9. Understanding of best practices and current trends in academic student success.
  10. Advocacy for equal employment opportunity and diversity.

Working Conditions

General office environment.

Submission Requirements

Candidates should submit 1) a cover letter that states interest in the position, experience in areas related to the role, and vision for the role, 2) a curriculum vitae, and 3) a list of four reference contacts.  Please submit application materials as one, combined PDF to Susan Karaba at slk18@case.edu. Please name your file "Last Name, First Name_Vice Provost"