Job Details

Associate Dean STEM

Position Number: 6881787
Location: Youngstowon, OH
Position Type: Deans - Science

Associate Dean - STEM

Summary of Position
Youngstown State University invites applications and nominations for the position of Associate Dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM). This is an opportunity for a collaborative academic leader to help guide a complex, multi-site STEM enterprise through its next phase of innovation, enrollment momentum, and workforce alignment. The Associate Dean will serve as the Dean's principal partner for internal operations and academic excellence, enabling expanded external engagement and impact across the region.

Founded in 1908, Youngstown State (YSU) is a comprehensive public institution and an anchor for Northeast Ohio's educational and economic vitality. The University enrolls approximately 12,000 students, has achieved back-to-back enrollment growth through Fall 2025, and maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio. YSU is ranked #99 Regional Universities in the Midwest and #35 Top Public Schools. With accessible tuition and expanding online, graduate, and international enrollment, YSU continues to advance its mission of affordability, access, and student success.

Established in 2007, the College of STEM is Ohio's first and only dedicated STEM college, spanning 12 buildings across four locations and serving roughly 3,000 students. The College offers associate, bachelor's, master's, Ph.D. and workforce-aligned programs, engages undergraduates directly in research, and operates the Excellence Training Center (ETC) as a hub for advanced manufacturing, engineering technology, and industry training. YSU is also advancing a new Steubenville site, prioritized by the state to deliver career-aligned pathways beginning as early as 2026, further extending the College's footprint and mission.

The Associate Dean will lead internal operations, drive student success strategies in recruitment and retention, and strengthen workforce education through employer partnerships, internships, co-ops, and program expansion at new and existing sites. The role also includes facilitating faculty research and grant development, nurturing interdisciplinary collaboration, and supporting the launch and scale of innovative centers and academic offerings, positioning the YSU College of STEM as a statewide leader in applied research, innovation, and workforce alignment.

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in a STEM discipline and tenure at the rank of Associate Professor or higher (with Full Professor preferred), plus three or more years of college-level teaching and a record of advising, mentoring, scholarly productivity, and/or externally funded work. The College values authentic, approachable, collaborative leadership, outstanding communication, equitable resource allocation, and skillful cultural stewardship, sustaining a well-known climate of trust and shared governance.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile.

WittKieffer is assisting Youngstown State University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by March 2, 2026. Application should be submitted through Youngstown State University's jobs site.

Nominations, and inquiries can be directed to Lauren Bruce-Stets and Jess Cummings at YSU-STEM@wittkieffer.com.

Position Information
Assists in planning, administering, and supervising operational and financial activities. Facilitates and/or writes annual reports or other documents. Assumes daily managerial responsibilities. Oversees student issues and/or concerns; manages and assists with freshman orientation, student registration, and career and academic advisement activities; assists with recruitment, retention, and publicity; coordinates all print publications and digital media. Maintains and builds upon current quantitative and qualitative goals and participates in the College's enrollment management program, including its retention efforts. Represents the dean and/or College at various internal and external functions when appropriate and as requested. Oversees and supervises special projects as assigned.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Provides administrative and academic leadership in support of the Dean. Assists in advancing the mission, vision, and strategic goals of the College by overseeing day-to-day operations, collaborating on strategic initiatives, and supporting faculty, staff, and students. Ensures that policies, procedures, and practices align with university standards, accreditation requirements, and the priorities of the College.

Provides administrative support to the Dean in working with faculty, staff, students, and external constituents.

Supervises assigned staff, evaluates staffing needs, assigns and reviews work, and establishes timeframes for completion of tasks.

Trains and orients new employees; approves or disapproves leave requests; interviews and recommends candidates for hire; evaluates employee work performance; responds to grievances; and assists in the development of unit work procedures and policies.

Works with staff to prepare for new initiatives and ensures compliance with university policy.

Collaborates with the Dean, department chairs, advisors, and faculty to develop, direct, and implement recruitment and retention strategies for undergraduate and graduate students.

Works with constituents in the development and administration of admissions policies and procedures, and coordinates admissions-related programs and activities.

Responds to advisor, student, and parent requests regarding admissions, academic progress, or program-related issues; counsels students as appropriate; receives, evaluates, and mediates student grievances.

Conducts and supports student outreach activities such as Penguin Preview Days, First-Year Student Orientation, departmental Open Houses, and other recruitment events.

Utilizes data and technology to analyze and report on recruitment and retention initiatives.

Works with the Dean and faculty to create planning and reporting documents and assist in the development and implementation of the College's strategic plan.

Tracks progress on strategic objectives and collaborates with department chairs on curricular and programmatic initiatives.

Serves as College Coordinator for University Program and Curricular Reviews; acts as an ex-officio member of the College Curriculum and Graduate Studies Committees.

Coordinates assessments, maintains records, and provides reports on curricular and programmatic proposals within the College.

Represents the Dean at council and committee meetings, orientation programs, and other internal and external events at the University, community, regional, and national levels.

Assists with facilitating and enhancing grant-writing within the College and supports faculty in identifying opportunities to strengthen scholarship and research.

Builds positive relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to advance the mission of the College.

Other Functions and Responsibilities: Assists with training new hires.

Performs other duties as assigned and/or required that are within the level of responsibility for this classification at the discretion of the supervisor.

Equipment Operated: Computer and all other standard office equipment.

Work Schedule: On campus, typically, Monday through Friday, some weekends and evenings.

Supervision Exercised: Supervision is exercised over staff and student employees.

Reports to: Dean

Qualifications and Competencies

Required Certifications, Training, and/or Licensures: None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Skill in: written and verbal communication; harmonious resolution of disputes involving students, faculty, and staff.

Ability to: work productively under administrative direction; manage complex administrative issues promptly and efficiently, including workload, scheduling, HR hiring processes, and tracking of graduate assistant assignments; handle complex issues with tact and discretion

(*) Developed after employment.

Minimum Qualifications: A PhD in STEM with minimum rank of associate professor with tenure; three or more years of college teaching experience; and experience with advising and mentoring students and faculty.

Preferred Qualifications Holds rank of full professor; experience as chair of a STEM related department; experience with accreditation processes such as ABET, HLC or comparable; experience with grant writing; experience with recruiting and retention strategies; training in crisis management and intervention; strong communication skills; experience with workforce education.

Supplemental Information

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile.

WittKieffer is assisting Youngstown State University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by March 2, 2026.

Application should be submitted through Youngstown State University's jobs site. https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/ysu/jobs/5110804/associate-dean-stem

Nominations, and inquiries can be directed to Lauren Bruce-Stets and Jess Cummings at YSU-STEM@wittkieffer.com.

Youngstown State University is committed to a campus environment that values all individuals and groups and to non-discrimination and equality of opportunity in education and employment. University policy and federal and state law prohibit all forms of discrimination and/ or harassment based on sex, race, color, religion, national origin (including shared ancestry), age, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, or veteran/military status or any other basis protected by law.