Application Process

This position is open until filled. For full consideration, please submit an application, along with a cover letter and resume.

Please review the position description listed above for full scope of responsibilities and qualifications. Evidence of degree(s) or certificate(s) and/or license(s) required at time of hire.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies (AVP), the Associate Dean of Academic Programs provides management and guidance within the Office of Academic Programs. The incumbent is responsible for administering and providing strategic leadership oversight and direction for undergraduate curriculum and program development within the Office of Academic Programs in the Provost’s Office. The incumbent serves as the administrative lead for a variety of academic programs including the university’s general education program (the Seawolf Experience), First-Year Student Learning Communities, and Sophomore Year Experiences. This position promotes High-Impact Practices and integrative and interdisciplinary learning, working with administrators, faculty, and staff in Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, and is responsible for overseeing the institution’s general education curriculum and working collaboratively with faculty, students, and staff to ensure the quality of the courses and curriculum. This position works with campus partners to provide guidance and direction for the scheduling of general education to ensure timely graduation of all undergraduates. In addition, the incumbent supervises staff and provides oversight and coordination for curriculum development/change processes and the degree audit and degree planning responsibilities managed in the Office of Academic Programs.

Key Qualifications

This position requires a doctoral degree, preferably in a discipline represented at SSU, along with a minimum of three (3) years of successful higher education administrative experience. The incumbent must possess a demonstrated record of successful teaching and supporting a diverse student population and demonstrated experience with general education curriculum development and approval, academic planning, program development, scheduling, and assessment. Record of successful leadership and management in a shared governance environment required. The incumbent must demonstrate a strong commitment to creating an equity-focused, inclusive, student-centered culture that is committed to improving retention and graduation rates in keeping with Sonoma State’s commitment to the system’s graduation initiative. The incumbent must possess a strong working knowledge of standard office software including Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of student information systems (i.e. PeopleSoft, EAB) preferred. Experience with curricular redesign and implementation preferred.

Salary and Benefits

Starting salary placement depends on qualifications and experience and is anticipated to be in the range of $11,250 to $12,930 a month. This position is a member of the Management Personnel Plan and serves at the pleasure of the President.

This position is eligible for a broad range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, retirement (CalPERS), tuition waiver, vacation and sick leave. In addition, 14 paid holidays are offered each year; 13 scheduled on specific days and a Personal Holiday that may be taken any time during the year.

A comprehensive benefits summary for this position is available online by clicking here to be taken to the CSU benefits page.

Supplemental Information

Sonoma State University is committed to achieving excellence through teaching, scholarship, learning and inclusion. In line with our Strategic Plan and our Seawolf Commitment, our values include diversity, sustainability, community engagement, respect, responsibility, excellence and integrity. We strive to cultivate a community in which a diverse population can learn and work in an atmosphere of civility and respect. We encourage innovation, experimentation and creativity, as well as contributions to equity and inclusion, in the pursuit of excellence for all members of our university community.

The University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status. Mandated Reporting: This position may be considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

The CSU requires faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19 or declare a medical or religious exemption and thereafter comply with routine campus testing requirements. Any candidates advanced in a currently open search process should be prepared to comply with this requirement. To learn more about the vaccination requirement at Sonoma State, please visit:

CSU Out of State Policy - Sonoma State University, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current employees who apply for this position.

Sonoma State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff positions (i.e. H-1B visas).

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.

For questions related to the application process, please reach out to hr@sonoma.edu. The ADA Coordinator is also available (hraccommodations@sonoma.edu) to assist individuals with disabilities in need of accommodation during the hiring process.

Sonoma State University's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person by emailing the Clery Compliance and Safety Office at clery@sonoma.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is