Dean, School of Leadership and Management
Inside Higher Ed, New London, CT, United States
Dean, School of Leadership and Management
United States Coast Guard Academy
New London, Connecticut
The United States Coast Guard Academy seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as the Dean of the School of Leadership and Management. This is a unique opportunity to lead a distinguished academic program dedicated to educating and inspiring the next generation of Coast Guard officers in the critical fields of leadership, management, and maritime operations.
About the United States Coast Guard Academy
The United States Coast Guard Academy, located on the Thames River in New London, Connecticut, is a four-year federal service academy that prepares young men and women to lead as officers in the U.S. Coast Guard. It is the only institution of higher learning in the U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security. One of the five U.S. service academies, the Academy provides a comprehensive education that blends rigorous academics, character development, physical fitness, and professional training.
The Academy is charged to educate Coast Guard officers academically and professionally. The faculty are a community of scholars and masters of academic disciplines that support the Coast Guard’s critical educational, workforce development, research, innovation, and analytic needs. Faculty have the expertise and skills to engage in basic and applied research and professional practice. As a community our purpose is to collaborate with each other, cadets, and the Service to develop and share new knowledge, meeting current and future operational, technical, managerial, fiscal, analytic, and policy challenges.
The Academy features a faculty of 175 civilians and military officers, a Cadet Corps of 1,100, and ten academic majors housed in three Schools.
In addition to a demanding STEM curriculum, cadets participate in extensive practical experiences, including annual summer training programs on board Coast Guard cutters and at various operational units. The Academy fosters a culture of service, integrity, and teamwork, instilling in its graduates the core values necessary to lead with honor and distinction.
About the School of Leadership and Management
The School’s two academic departments—the Department of Management and the Department of Nautical Science—delegate an energetic community of thirty faculty and staff. Together, they prepare Coast Guard officers to be effective leaders, critical thinkers, and strategic decision-makers. The Nautical Science department provides foundational training in seamanship, navigation, and maritime operations, and ultimately teaches cadets how to lead operational units and manage resources. The Management department offers the undergraduate major program in Management, with a strong focus on organizational leadership, financial management, and strategic planning. The School blends theoretical leadership with practical application in simulators and aboard training vessels; the curriculum emphasizes leadership, communication, problem‑solving, and ethical reasoning, preparing cadets for the complex demands of service at sea, ashore, and in the air. The Academy and its Management degree program are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). The Nautical Science curriculum is accredited by the National Maritime Center, allowing students to pursue a 100‑ton master’s license before graduation.
Job Description
The Dean of the School of Leadership and Management reports directly to the Provost. The Dean provides strategic leadership, fosters academic excellence, manages resources effectively, and ensures the School’s programs align with the institution’s mission and the U.S. Coast Guard’s strategic priorities.
The selected candidate will receive an appointment as an academic faculty member and as Dean. The tenure of service is up to five years with possible renewal. Following the Dean’s term, the individual may move into a faculty position in a department aligned with their qualifications and discipline. A candidate with academic credentials befitting a tenured Full Professor, or equivalent professional experience, is highly desired.
Key Responsibilities
Academic Leadership: Provide visionary leadership in curriculum development, program innovation, faculty development, and program accreditation. Directly supervise the department heads of Management and Nautical Science and other staff.
Strategic Planning: Develop and implement a strategic plan for the School, aligning with the Academy’s overall strategic goals and the U.S. Coast Guard Force Design 2028 initiative (https://www.uscg.mil/leadership/commandants-initiatives/forcedesign2028/).
Resource Management: Manage the School’s budget, personnel, and facilities effectively and efficiently.
Faculty Development: Recruit, mentor, and evaluate faculty, fostering a culture of excellence in teaching, research, and service. Encourage intellectual growth and leadership development among faculty.
Accreditation & Assessment: Ensure the School maintains AACSB accreditation, exceeds accreditation standards, and implements effective assessment processes; champion continuous improvement, and collaborate on the Academy’s NECHE accreditation practices. Work with the National Maritime Center to advance professional maritime qualifications.
External Relations: Cultivate relationships with industry, government, and academic partners to enhance the School’s research and educational programs; collaborate with Coast Guard partners to keep Nautical Science current with operational requirements and capabilities.
Minimum Qualifications
Doctorate in a field relevant to the School (e.g., business, leadership, management, maritime studies, organizational behavior, law, or closely related discipline) from an accredited institution.
Demonstrated experience in professional fields relevant to the School, such as law, business, or the maritime industry, either through leadership, education, or higher‑education administration.
Strong commitment to public service, undergraduate education, and the development of future leaders.
Evidence of alignment with the U.S. Coast Guard Core Values of honor, respect, and devotion to duty.
Preferred Qualifications
A distinguished record of achievement in teaching, research, and service meriting appointment as a tenured Full Professor.
Successful record of formal supervisory experience in an academic, industry, or professional setting.
Deep understanding of undergraduate education and trends in curricular innovation, learning science, and modern pedagogies that support effective teaching and learning. Participation in national committees or professional organizations relevant to the School is especially desirable.
Clear and effective communication of objectives, priorities, and challenges to faculty, students, and stakeholders.
Achievements in supporting faculty professional growth and scholarship.
Collaborative experience across academic or support units (e.g., other Deans, Business Office, Student Success Office, Research Office) to accomplish shared goals.
Budgetary, personnel, and facilities management experience, ideally within a federal budgeting framework.
Documented history of successful stakeholder engagement and support.
Understanding of accreditation processes and assessment methodologies; prior AACSB accreditation experience is highly desirable.
Experience managing pre‑professional or applied programs featuring practitioner students and staff.
Familiarity with the unique challenges and opportunities of a federal service academy environment.
Appreciation for the maritime community’s importance and the missions of the U.S. Coast Guard.
To Apply
Interested candidates should submit a curriculum vitae and a letter of interest explaining how they meet the qualifications above and how they will lead the School. Applications should be sent to CGALeadershipDean@uscga.edu.
Applications and nominations are also accepted through the Executive Search Firm Buffkin/Baker at USCGADeanSLAM@buffkinbaker.com. Candidates are encouraged to submit their materials by April 1, 2026 for full consideration. A second cutoff date is April 12, 2026.
Finalists will be required to provide proof of educational qualifications (e.g., transcripts) and contact information for five professional references. Successful candidates may need to submit official transcripts to the Human Resources Office before a firm offer is made.
Additional Information
This is a full‑time, permanent appointment as an excepted service supervisory faculty member on a 12‑month work schedule, with the first two years potentially a trial period. The candidate will work on campus with limited or no telework opportunities.
Salary is projected to be from $169,979 to $209,600, commensurate with experience and aligned with federal pay scales.
Military members are required to submit a voluntary resignation or retirement request if they wish to serve as a civilian; otherwise they will remain a uniformed officer upon appointment.
Former or current political appointees must disclose any political appointment within the last five years. The position is open to U.S. citizens and non‑citizens who can demonstrate eligibility. The Academy cannot sponsor visas; the Department of Homeland Security uses E‑Verify to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.
United States Coast Guard Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Benefits include health, dental, vision, life, and long‑term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Relocation expenses, if permitted, will be paid per federal regulations. Federal salaries are deposited by direct deposit.
All candidates are subject to the standard federal eligibility and suitability investigations.
For reasonable accommodations during the application and hiring process, contact 860‑444‑8508.
Veterans and active‑duty members may seek veterans’ preference. The appropriate documentation must be submitted with the application.
Veteran Preference Information:
5‑point preference: submit legible DD‑214(s) indicating Character of Service.
30% Disabled: submit DD‑214(s), a fully completed SF‑15, and a VA Disability Letter with at least 30% disability or equivalent documentation.
Other 10‑point preferences: submit applicable DD‑214(s), SF‑15, and required documentation proving entitlement.
Current active‑duty members claiming the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act must provide a certification of honorable discharge within 120 days.
Additional Resources
For more information, visit https://uscga.edu/dean-slam/.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
United States Coast Guard Academy
New London, Connecticut
The United States Coast Guard Academy seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as the Dean of the School of Leadership and Management. This is a unique opportunity to lead a distinguished academic program dedicated to educating and inspiring the next generation of Coast Guard officers in the critical fields of leadership, management, and maritime operations.
About the United States Coast Guard Academy
The United States Coast Guard Academy, located on the Thames River in New London, Connecticut, is a four-year federal service academy that prepares young men and women to lead as officers in the U.S. Coast Guard. It is the only institution of higher learning in the U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security. One of the five U.S. service academies, the Academy provides a comprehensive education that blends rigorous academics, character development, physical fitness, and professional training.
The Academy is charged to educate Coast Guard officers academically and professionally. The faculty are a community of scholars and masters of academic disciplines that support the Coast Guard’s critical educational, workforce development, research, innovation, and analytic needs. Faculty have the expertise and skills to engage in basic and applied research and professional practice. As a community our purpose is to collaborate with each other, cadets, and the Service to develop and share new knowledge, meeting current and future operational, technical, managerial, fiscal, analytic, and policy challenges.
The Academy features a faculty of 175 civilians and military officers, a Cadet Corps of 1,100, and ten academic majors housed in three Schools.
In addition to a demanding STEM curriculum, cadets participate in extensive practical experiences, including annual summer training programs on board Coast Guard cutters and at various operational units. The Academy fosters a culture of service, integrity, and teamwork, instilling in its graduates the core values necessary to lead with honor and distinction.
About the School of Leadership and Management
The School’s two academic departments—the Department of Management and the Department of Nautical Science—delegate an energetic community of thirty faculty and staff. Together, they prepare Coast Guard officers to be effective leaders, critical thinkers, and strategic decision-makers. The Nautical Science department provides foundational training in seamanship, navigation, and maritime operations, and ultimately teaches cadets how to lead operational units and manage resources. The Management department offers the undergraduate major program in Management, with a strong focus on organizational leadership, financial management, and strategic planning. The School blends theoretical leadership with practical application in simulators and aboard training vessels; the curriculum emphasizes leadership, communication, problem‑solving, and ethical reasoning, preparing cadets for the complex demands of service at sea, ashore, and in the air. The Academy and its Management degree program are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). The Nautical Science curriculum is accredited by the National Maritime Center, allowing students to pursue a 100‑ton master’s license before graduation.
Job Description
The Dean of the School of Leadership and Management reports directly to the Provost. The Dean provides strategic leadership, fosters academic excellence, manages resources effectively, and ensures the School’s programs align with the institution’s mission and the U.S. Coast Guard’s strategic priorities.
The selected candidate will receive an appointment as an academic faculty member and as Dean. The tenure of service is up to five years with possible renewal. Following the Dean’s term, the individual may move into a faculty position in a department aligned with their qualifications and discipline. A candidate with academic credentials befitting a tenured Full Professor, or equivalent professional experience, is highly desired.
Key Responsibilities
Academic Leadership: Provide visionary leadership in curriculum development, program innovation, faculty development, and program accreditation. Directly supervise the department heads of Management and Nautical Science and other staff.
Strategic Planning: Develop and implement a strategic plan for the School, aligning with the Academy’s overall strategic goals and the U.S. Coast Guard Force Design 2028 initiative (https://www.uscg.mil/leadership/commandants-initiatives/forcedesign2028/).
Resource Management: Manage the School’s budget, personnel, and facilities effectively and efficiently.
Faculty Development: Recruit, mentor, and evaluate faculty, fostering a culture of excellence in teaching, research, and service. Encourage intellectual growth and leadership development among faculty.
Accreditation & Assessment: Ensure the School maintains AACSB accreditation, exceeds accreditation standards, and implements effective assessment processes; champion continuous improvement, and collaborate on the Academy’s NECHE accreditation practices. Work with the National Maritime Center to advance professional maritime qualifications.
External Relations: Cultivate relationships with industry, government, and academic partners to enhance the School’s research and educational programs; collaborate with Coast Guard partners to keep Nautical Science current with operational requirements and capabilities.
Minimum Qualifications
Doctorate in a field relevant to the School (e.g., business, leadership, management, maritime studies, organizational behavior, law, or closely related discipline) from an accredited institution.
Demonstrated experience in professional fields relevant to the School, such as law, business, or the maritime industry, either through leadership, education, or higher‑education administration.
Strong commitment to public service, undergraduate education, and the development of future leaders.
Evidence of alignment with the U.S. Coast Guard Core Values of honor, respect, and devotion to duty.
Preferred Qualifications
A distinguished record of achievement in teaching, research, and service meriting appointment as a tenured Full Professor.
Successful record of formal supervisory experience in an academic, industry, or professional setting.
Deep understanding of undergraduate education and trends in curricular innovation, learning science, and modern pedagogies that support effective teaching and learning. Participation in national committees or professional organizations relevant to the School is especially desirable.
Clear and effective communication of objectives, priorities, and challenges to faculty, students, and stakeholders.
Achievements in supporting faculty professional growth and scholarship.
Collaborative experience across academic or support units (e.g., other Deans, Business Office, Student Success Office, Research Office) to accomplish shared goals.
Budgetary, personnel, and facilities management experience, ideally within a federal budgeting framework.
Documented history of successful stakeholder engagement and support.
Understanding of accreditation processes and assessment methodologies; prior AACSB accreditation experience is highly desirable.
Experience managing pre‑professional or applied programs featuring practitioner students and staff.
Familiarity with the unique challenges and opportunities of a federal service academy environment.
Appreciation for the maritime community’s importance and the missions of the U.S. Coast Guard.
To Apply
Interested candidates should submit a curriculum vitae and a letter of interest explaining how they meet the qualifications above and how they will lead the School. Applications should be sent to CGALeadershipDean@uscga.edu.
Applications and nominations are also accepted through the Executive Search Firm Buffkin/Baker at USCGADeanSLAM@buffkinbaker.com. Candidates are encouraged to submit their materials by April 1, 2026 for full consideration. A second cutoff date is April 12, 2026.
Finalists will be required to provide proof of educational qualifications (e.g., transcripts) and contact information for five professional references. Successful candidates may need to submit official transcripts to the Human Resources Office before a firm offer is made.
Additional Information
This is a full‑time, permanent appointment as an excepted service supervisory faculty member on a 12‑month work schedule, with the first two years potentially a trial period. The candidate will work on campus with limited or no telework opportunities.
Salary is projected to be from $169,979 to $209,600, commensurate with experience and aligned with federal pay scales.
Military members are required to submit a voluntary resignation or retirement request if they wish to serve as a civilian; otherwise they will remain a uniformed officer upon appointment.
Former or current political appointees must disclose any political appointment within the last five years. The position is open to U.S. citizens and non‑citizens who can demonstrate eligibility. The Academy cannot sponsor visas; the Department of Homeland Security uses E‑Verify to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.
United States Coast Guard Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Benefits include health, dental, vision, life, and long‑term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Relocation expenses, if permitted, will be paid per federal regulations. Federal salaries are deposited by direct deposit.
All candidates are subject to the standard federal eligibility and suitability investigations.
For reasonable accommodations during the application and hiring process, contact 860‑444‑8508.
Veterans and active‑duty members may seek veterans’ preference. The appropriate documentation must be submitted with the application.
Veteran Preference Information:
5‑point preference: submit legible DD‑214(s) indicating Character of Service.
30% Disabled: submit DD‑214(s), a fully completed SF‑15, and a VA Disability Letter with at least 30% disability or equivalent documentation.
Other 10‑point preferences: submit applicable DD‑214(s), SF‑15, and required documentation proving entitlement.
Current active‑duty members claiming the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act must provide a certification of honorable discharge within 120 days.
Additional Resources
For more information, visit https://uscga.edu/dean-slam/.
#J-18808-Ljbffr