Associate Dean, Assessments (General Education)

The Associate Dean for Assessments at Walden University is responsible for leading the development and implementation of assessment processes for academic programs, especially within healthcare. Key responsibilities include overseeing curriculum alignment maps, facilitating professional development for faculty, conducting academic program self-reviews, and supporting data requests from university leadership. This role combines educational leadership with a focus on continuous improvement and quality assurance.

To qualify for the Associate Dean for Assessments role at Walden University, candidates must hold a Master's degree, with a PhD preferred. Additionally, a minimum of three years of experience in developing student learning assessments and a strong background in curriculum mapping and data analysis are essential. Proven skills in collaboration, adaptability, and effective communication are also crucial for success in this position.

As the Associate Dean for Assessments, you play a vital role in supporting academic programs by developing assessments that align with university goals. This includes working closely with program directors and faculty to ensure continuous improvement through data-informed action plans. You will also facilitate training for faculty on assessment best practices and contribute to accreditation processes, ultimately enhancing the educational experience for students at Walden University.

Beneficial experience for the Associate Dean for Assessments role at Walden University includes developing and implementing college-level assessments, constructing rubrics, and analyzing student learning data. Experience in higher education teaching, as well as knowledge of institutional accrediting agencies such as the Higher Learning Commission, is also advantageous. Strong skills in data storytelling and strategic decision-making through data visualization techniques are highly valued.

Walden University offers a robust benefits package for the Associate Dean for Assessments position, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Additionally, employees enjoy a 401k retirement program with a 6% employer match, flexible time off policies, and 12 paid holidays each year. The role also has eligibility for an annual incentive program, enhancing the overall compensation for successful performance.

When answering this question, you want to illustrate specific examples from your previous roles. Discuss the types of assessments you developed, the objectives you aimed to measure, and the outcomes. Highlight your familiarity with best practices in assessment and any successful initiatives you've led.

In your response, indicate your approach to fostering collaboration, such as conducting workshops, providing resources, and sharing data. Use examples to illustrate how you've successfully engaged faculty in discussions about assessment strategies and improvements.

This question tests your technical knowledge. Discuss specific tools you’ve used (like Excel, software packages, or databases), and explain how you align curriculum mapping with assessments to enhance learning outcomes. Real-life examples will strengthen your response.

Explain your understanding of HLC standards and relate any past experiences where you ensured compliance in your assessments. Discuss the importance of monitoring programmatic changes and how you work with university leadership to maintain compliance.

Your answer should outline processes and methodologies you apply to gather, analyze, and interpret data. Mention techniques like data visualization and storytelling that makes data easier to understand and actionable for faculty and administration.

Provide a detailed example that highlights your approach to identifying issues, collecting data, and enacting changes. Discuss the results and how these improvements positively impacted student learning outcomes or program effectiveness.

Demonstrate your adaptability by sharing experiences where you successfully managed transitions or changes in your organization. Emphasize communication, collaboration, and a proactive approach as key strategies for navigating change.

Use this opportunity to explain your training processes, workshops you've conducted, and the outcomes achieved post-training. Highlight your ability to create an effective learning environment that empowers faculty.

Provide insight into current challenges, such as balancing standardized assessments with personalized learning approaches. Discuss possible solutions or strategies that align with the university’s values and mission.

Your response should reflect your alignment with Walden's mission and values. Mention specific reasons that resonate with you – such as supporting adult learners and fostering social change – and how your skills can contribute to their objectives.