Associate Dean for Innovation and Program Development

Position Summary

Reporting directly to the Dean, the Associate Dean for Innovation and Program Development provides senior-level management and strategic leadership for a portfolio of three distinct, highly specialized functions: Artificial Intelligence/Instructional Media, Instructional Design, and Program Development and Strategic Administration. The position is accountable for the collective performance of these functions and for translating broadly stated School priorities into coordinated organizational strategies, operating structures, resource plans, and measurable results. Operating under general direction, the Dean establishes broad institutional priorities and objectives, while the Associate Dean independently determines the methods and organizational approach for achieving them. The Associate Dean establishes implementation strategies, work plans, priorities, decision rights, timelines, stakeholder-engagement approaches, performance measures, and resource coordination across the portfolio; resolves cross-functional barriers; evaluates results; and adjusts implementation strategies when necessary. The role is expected to oversee approximately 3-5 significant School-wide or cross-School initiatives simultaneously, in addition to shorter-term institutional priorities. Approximately 40% of the role focuses on proactive strategy development and 60% on strategic implementation and ongoing oversight. The Associate Dean manages the portfolio through senior professionals and specialized functional leaders rather than personally performing the technical work of the units. The position initially has management responsibility for 3 direct and 6 indirect reports (9 total FTE) and establishes organizational structure, staffing and workload priorities, performance expectations, operating standards, and accountability for results. The Associate Dean also oversees the budgets and other resources assigned to each of the three functional areas, including significant technology and equipment investments associated with AI, instructional media, digital learning, and studio-level recording and editing capabilities. The Associate Dean serves as a principal strategic partner to the Dean on emerging institutional needs, organizational priorities, new academic and non-degree opportunities, partnerships, and the long-term evolution of Anderson's portfolio. Within delegated authority, the Associate Dean makes administrative and operational decisions necessary to achieve approved objectives. Matters involving major changes in School-wide strategy, substantial new financial commitments, significant organizational restructuring, material institutional or reputational implications, or decisions reserved to the Dean are elevated with developed recommendations, alternatives, risks, and proposed courses of action. The position leads the administrative and implementation framework for academic innovation while preserving the decision-making authority of faculty governance, the Academic Senate, and other University authorities.

Salary & Compensation

*UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.
Qualifications

Significant progressively responsible management experience leading multiple functions, senior professionals, and/or highly specialized technical teams in higher education or a comparably complex organization. (Required)
Adept with budget and resource management, including setting priorities, monitoring expenditures, evaluating staffing or technology needs, and making resource-allocation decisions within delegated authority. (Required)
Experience in a major research university or comparable shared-governance environment, including thorough knowledge with faculty governance, institutional approval processes, and cross-functional decision-making. (Required)
Expert in developing or implementing new academic or non-degree programs, major program redesigns, interdisciplinary or cross-campus partnerships, revenue-generating offerings, or other complex institutional initiatives. (Required)
Accomplished in external leadership or influence in graduate management education, higher education associations, accreditation, or related networks. (Required)
Excellent leadership ability to manage multiple specialized functions and senior professionals, establish organizational and functional objectives, delegate accountability, and hold teams responsible for results in a complex higher-education or comparable environment. (Required)
Demonstrated management skill in organizational design, staffing, performance management, workload prioritization, and stewardship of human, financial, technological, and other resources, including responsibility for multiple functional budgets. (Required)
Advanced ability to develop strategy and translate broadly stated organizational priorities into operating plans, governance structures, implementation methods, measurable outcomes, and sustained organizational capability. (Required)
Excellent analytical, financial, and operational judgment, including the ability to quickly evaluate complex issues and risks, identify multiple options for resolution, develop sustainable business cases, and make resource-allocation decisions within delegated authority. (Required)
Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, change-management, and conflict-resolution skills, with demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and diverse constituencies, build cross-functional coalitions, and resolve sensitive or controversial matters. (Required)
Demonstrated ability to lead complex institutional initiatives in a shared-governance environment, including academic program development and approvals, digital learning, AI-enabled organizational change, institutional partnerships, accreditation, or related strategic transformation. (Required)

Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations

An advanced degree or an equivalent combination of education and substantial senior-level experience. (Required)
Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience or training. (Required)

Special Conditions for Employment

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired.

Schedule

Standard operational hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Union/Policy Covered

99-Policy Covered