Dean: School of Law at Africa Nazarene University (ANU)

JOB REF: ANU/SHL/01/23

The Position:

The Dean who will serve as the chief academic officer and chief administrator of the School of Law, will report to the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs. The Dean will ensure the school’s commitment to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for being effective, ethical, and competent legal practitioners. The Dean will be responsible for overseeing the academic programs of the school to assure the programs meet regulatory requirements and is fully aligned to the University’s purpose and strategic vision. The Dean will oversee program review and ongoing assessment of all academic and support programs in the School of Law; will be responsible for ensuring that the School of Law is efficiently administering its academic and administrative programs and committees; and will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with important stakeholders. The Dean will be someone who is going to maintain a presence in local, state, national and international legal/education communitie. The Dean will represent the School of Law and the University in public speaking opportunities to further enhance the reputation of the University and the School of Law.

Job Purpose and Expectations

• Over-seeing continued enrollment growth and Student Retention.
• Enhancing and Promoting the Distinctiveness of the School. The dean must be able to share the story of why this should be the school of choice for students seeking a law or criminal justice degree.
• Fundraising and Revenue Development. The Dean is responsible for generating stronger external funding support through fundraising and outreach to grow student scholarships, add staff support, develop faculty, and promote student success.
• Risk Management Processes. The Dean is responsible for the School’s risk management as well as recognizing emerging trends and best practices in the administration and management of schools of law.
• Alumni, Civic and University Engagement. Expand and reinforce relationships between the School of Law and its alumni regionally, nationally, and globally.
• Communication and Transparency. Fostering and promoting a culture of open communication, inclusivity, transparency, and accountability among faculty, staff, and students across the university.
• Budgetary Management. Planning and executing an administrative budget for the School of Law assuring that operations are executed within allocated funding, and actively seek additional ways to strengthen the revenue stream.
• Faculty Development. Developing and retaining a robust faculty who are sensitive to the needs of the students. The Dean will maintain and strengthen the intellectual, research, and service aspirations of faculty offering ongoing support and encouragement for scholarly activities that lead to publications in leading journals, the procurement of grants, and contribution to expanding knowledge vital to the practice and profession of law.
• Diversity Efforts. Continue to build on the existing successful diversity and inclusion initiatives that have enhanced the student experience, the academic programs and the faculty profile of the School.

Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate should possess:

• A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Law or any other equivalent terminal degree in law from an accredited institution, and at least ten years of experience in the teaching and/practice of law.
• A record of successful fundraising experience and a demonstrated skill in partnering with university advancement officers to secure external gifts, grants, and funding to support law school programs.
• Evidence of scholarly publications and professional achievement sufficient for appointment as a professor/associate professor/Senior Lecturer at Africa Nazarene University.
• Demonstrated ability to foster and maintain relationships with external constituencies including donors, alumni, and community members.
• Experience with national and international issues affecting legal and graduate education.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within the University, the School of Law, and the larger legal community.
• A commitment to shared governance with the law school faculty.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Ability to work with diverse constituencies with multiple interests.
• A deep appreciation for legal scholarship, teaching, and service.
• Demonstrated strategic, ethical, and effective leadership skills; a proven track-record as an innovator.
• An effective communicator with a high level of integrity, sound judgment, and emotional intelligence; the ability to motivate and inspire faculty, staff, and students.
• Knowledge of Regulator accreditation procedures, practices, and standards.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate small and large group discussions.
• Must be a Licensed advocate to practice law in Kenya and in good standing with their bar association.