Dean, School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom. We therefore encourage applications from culturally diverse candidates.

Benefits:

We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, competitive retirement matching, vacation and sick time, and 15 paid holidays per year. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including staff chapel and a robust wellness program.

Job Summary:

The School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Dean. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Please submit application materials by Friday, October 30, 2026 for full consideration.

Point Loma Nazarene University
PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom. We therefore encourage applications from culturally and academically diverse faculty of the highest caliber, skilled and/or demonstrating great potential in the practice of teaching and scholarship.

The School of STEM serves over 440 students and has 35 faculty and staff that collaborate to offer traditional undergraduate, graduate, and adult undergraduate degrees in Biology B.A. or B.S., Biology-Chemistry B.S., Environmental Science B.S., Chemistry B.S., Computer Science B.S., Data Science, B.S., Information Systems, B.S., Mathematics, B.A. or B.S., Engineering, B.S.E., and Physics, B.A. or B.S.

Benefits
We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes health insurance, dental insurance, competitive retirement matching, and tuition benefits for employees and dependents. There may also be opportunities for university assistance with the cost of housing in Southern California. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community, including faculty chapel, weekly faculty lunches, and a robust wellness program.


Salary:
Pay range $150,000 - $175,000
Actual salary offered is determined by the candidate’s experience, education, skills, and other factors, including internal equity and university funding resources.

Job Status:

Full time

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Job Description:

General Responsibilities: 

Under the general direction of the Provost, the Dean of the STEM School will oversee the academic and administrative leadership of the school, including such areas as mission alignment; program development; strategic planning; course scheduling; assessment and improvement of curriculum and instruction; faculty recruitment, development, and retention; budgeting; and overseeing resource maintenance. The Dean will help shape a distinctive vision for Christian STEM education in which rigorous scientific inquiry, academic excellence, and deep Christian faith are brought into meaningful conversation. The Dean will serve as a strong advocate to enhance the profile, visibility, and effectiveness of the school and the programs housed within it by creating and strengthening partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders as well as accrediting organizations. In addition, the Dean will collaborate as part of the Provost’s Council with the Vice-Provosts as requested in carrying out school and university-wide assignments, policies, and initiatives beyond the scope of the STEM School.

Specific Duties to Include: 

• Encourage a culture of discipleship and faith expression within the school that supports and advances PLNU’s core commitment to be a vital Christian learning community.
• Provide leadership in cultivating a robust integration of Christian faith and learning across the STEM disciplines, equipping and encouraging faculty and students to engage thoughtfully with areas of perceived tension between scientific understanding, Christian faith, and contemporary culture. Foster an environment marked by intellectual rigor, theological depth, humility, and faithful dialogue.
• Foster an environment of excellence and innovation in academic teaching, research, and intellectual achievement of the faculty.
• Manage academic program planning, faculty matters, and administration (i.e. Associate Dean(s), Assistant Dean(s) and Program Directors), including staffing, budgets, and facilities. 
• Actively foster a culture of respect, openness, and opportunity for all individuals.
• Oversee current academic programs housed in the school, ensure they maintain high quality and relevance, and develop new and vibrant programs in related disciplines in consultation with the Strategic Enrollment Planning Committee. 
• Cast short- and long-term vision for the School of STEM to ensure that we continue to align with PLNU’s priorities, mission and attract and send students. 
• Support academic programs through monitoring of annual program metrics, yearly and periodic assessment and review to ensure regional and discipline-specific accreditation success. 
• Encourage interdisciplinary engagements within the school and with programs in other schools within the university.
• Administer the school’s budgets and oversee the effective use of university resources to meet university-established targets.
• Enhance the University and school profile with university partners to increase PLNU’s reputation within and contribution to the community and region.
• Ensure the successful recruitment, onboarding, and orientation of new faculty members. 
• Work with associate/assistant deans to encourage faculty development and professional improvement. 
• Oversee the faculty evaluation process for the STEM school and recommend continuation of faculty contracts to the Provost. 
• Collaborate with Enrollment and Marketing to promote the school's academic programs and ensure their success.
• Partner with Advancement on specific fundraising projects, building and cultivating alumni networks, and identifying grants and resources for investigation.
• Seek and respond to feedback about significant issues facing the School of STEM and  help with resolving conflicts that arise among academic unit leaders, faculty, staff and students.
• Ensure that faculty and student grievances are processed and appealed in a timely manner according to university policy and procedures.
• Oversee and suggest improvements to the physical learning environment for students.
• Attend STEM student events when possible.

Required Qualifications

• Terminal degree in one of the disciplines (or a closely related discipline) represented within the School.
• Understanding and appreciation for the Wesleyan tradition and theological commitments of the Church of the Nazarene.
• Demonstrated commitment to PLNU’s Christian mission and to the meaningful integration of faith and learning, with the capacity to lead faculty and students in thoughtful engagement at the intersection of Christian faith, scientific inquiry, and contemporary cultural questions.
• Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement. In addition, staff agree to live in agreement with PLNU’s Community Life Covenant. 
• ​The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. PLNU  will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local "Fair Chance" laws.
• A distinguished record of achievement as a teacher-scholar within the candidate’s discipline.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with with our entire campus community

Desired/Preferred Qualifications

• • Successful administrative experience, preferably at the department chair level or higher, and demonstration of successful developmental leadership.
  • Experience with multiple modes of content delivery and knowledge of the best pedagogical practices associated with each.
  • Experience with recruitment strategies to ensure a diverse student and faculty population.
  • Experience with program review, accreditation, and assessment activities.
  • Experience in conflict resolution both with students and staff/faculty.
  • A record of fair distribution of limited resources involving work with both higher administration and managed direct reports.
  • Experience with administration of experimental laboratory science.
  • A record of program development.
  • A record of developing and fostering interdisciplinary and collaborative relationships with faculty, administrators, staff, students, alumni, community, and business leaders.
  • Demonstrated (or expressed) commitment to faculty development.
  • Experience in strategic planning.
  • Experience in Budget management

Selection Process

Applicants will be expected to submit an application and corresponding documents. All applicants will be reviewed and evaluated. From this pool of applicants, a limited number will be selected and moved forward in the process. The interview process may include:

• • Phone/Zoom Interview(s).
  • Interview with Search Committee and Faculty across the disciplines within the school.
  • Interview with the Provost.
  • Interview with the President of the University.

Special Instructions

When beginning your application, be prepared to answer these questions and upload the following documents:

• • Letter of Application that addresses the responsibilities and qualifications of the position.
  • Curriculum Vitae.
  • Statement of Personal Faith.
  • Philosophy of Teaching in Christian Higher Education.
  • Names and contacts for 3 professional references (references will only be contacted if you are advanced as a finalist candidate).

If you have questions about items for the application, please contact the Office of Human Resources at humanresources@pointloma.edu or the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Jim Daichendt, Provost & Chief Academic Officer, at jimdaichendt@pointloma.edu

At PLNU, we believe in pursuing calling together. Deep and meaningful relationships between students, faculty, and staff are vital in nurturing our shared community and expressing God’s love. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to join us in empowering our students to reach their greatest personal, spiritual, and professional potential. 

To access the online application, please go to http://www.pointloma.edu/jobs. 

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At PLNU, we believe in pursuing calling together. Deep and meaningful relationships between students, faculty, and staff is vital in nurturing our shared community and expressing God’s love. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to join us in empowering our students to reach their greatest personal, spiritual and professional potential. 

Point Loma Nazarene University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.