Dean of Instruction- Taos Branch

Dean of Instruction - Now Accepting Applications

UNM-Taos, one of four branch campuses of the state's flagship university, is seeking visionary, collaborative, and student-centered leader to apply for the FE (Faculty Executive) position of Dean of Instruction. Located in the culturally rich and naturally stunning community of Taos, New Mexico, UNM-Taos is recognized for its commitment to student success, equity, and community partnerships.

About the Role

The Dean of Instruction is the chief academic officer of UNM-Taos, responsible for leading academic and Career Technical Education programs, supporting faculty development, and creating pathways that prepare students for both transfer and immediate employment. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the academic future of a diverse, rural campus deeply rooted in culture, creativity, and community engagement.

Ideal Candidate

We're seeking a leader who:

* Demonstrates a deep commitment to inclusive education and servingness

* Has a strong record of academic leadership, innovation, and institutional effectiveness

* Can engage collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and community partners

* Is passionate about serving rural and underserved student populations

Click here for additional information about the position

Why UNM-Taos?

* A stunning natural setting with rich cultural heritage

* A close-knit campus community focused on student success

* Opportunities to lead transformative initiatives in higher education

* A chance to make a lasting impact in Northern New Mexico

Located approximately 130 miles north of Albuquerque, UNM-Taos is the only college within a 50-mile radius. Nestled between the Rio Grande, Sangre de Christo Mountains, and the ancestral lands of the Taos Pueblo, we are tightly connected to the unique rural, multicultural, and historically rich communities we serve and as such, UNM-Taos epitomizes the term "community college."

UNM-Taos serves almost 1,300 students from a service area, including the counties of Taos, Rio Arriba, and Colfax, and the Pueblo Nations of Taos and Picuris. The UNM-Taos student body is representative of its communities, with 52% Hispanic and 10% Native American enrollment in fall 2025, making it one of the most diverse student bodies in the state. Our student population is comprised of non-traditional and first-generation students. UNM-Taos is the recipient of several federal grants, including three TRIO programs (Student Support Services and Veterans Upward Bound), Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) grants including Title V and Title III: Part F STEM, USDA NIFA, and LIFT, and most recently, a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant.

About 80% of UNM-Taos alumni remain in the area and provide valuable contributions to the region's intellectual life, economy, cultural community, and primary industries including healthcare, tourism, and construction.

The last decade at UNM-Taos has seen transformative and remarkable growth. From state-of-the-art facilities to future classroom renovations, a nationally-accredited nursing program, an award-winning Early Childhood Education and Care program and learning lab, and the rising reputations of the Natural Resources Management, and Film and Digital Media Arts programs, meaningful collaboration with the community focused on scholarship, internship, and workforce development, UNM-Taos' roots are spreading deeper and stronger every year.

Drawing on nationally recognized and research-based practices, such as Guided Pathways, UNM-Taos is committed to academic excellence, which starts with professionals who advise, instruct, and support students in achieving their educational and career goals. In this way, our campus promotes an environment of learning, encourages a growth mindset, and prioritizes continuous improvement inside and outside the classroom with a commitment to mentorship and professional development opportunities for our faculty and staff. UNM-Taos professionals draw on high-impact practices that increase inclusion and equitable outcomes such as culturally relevant pedagogy, teaching to learn, and creating a sense of community and belonging college-wide.

What makes UNM-Taos special is our shared commitment to student engagement, learning, and success as defined by each student, whether that is transferring to four-year programs, entering the workforce, gaining new skills to change career paths, or personal enrichment. UNM-Taos provides academic and social supports and wrap around services to promote equitable outcomes for our students.

People from various identities and experiences make UNM-Taos grow and thrive. We offer opportunities for everyone-teachers and researchers, business professionals, skilled tradespeople, and many, many more-in an environment that values the unique experiences and perspectives each of us brings. Join the UNM-Taos familia today!

In addition to all the University has to offer, you have the added benefit of living in Taos, New Mexico - a land rich with art, history, culture, and outdoor activities. For more about life in Taos, see Visit Taos and NewMexicoTrue.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Ph.D. or other terminal degree awarded by July 2026 by a regionally accredited institution
2. Five years of progressive academic leadership experience in higher education (e.g., department chair, associate dean, dean, or equivalent).

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Demonstrated experience with faculty supervision, innovation, curriculum development, and advancing equitable student outcomes.
2. Evidence of successful leadership at a community college.
3. Strong record of teaching, scholarship, and service.
4. Successful implementation of Guided Pathways framework.
5. Experience using data to inform and achieve student success.
6. Ability to engage collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and community partners.
7. Experience managing budgets, including federal grants.
8. A demonstrated commitment to UNM-Taos's mission including serving the local community, contributing to workforce development, dual credit, adult education, and transfer.
9. Ability navigate, communicate, guide, and advocate for the branch within the larger UNM system
10. Demonstrated commitment to cultivate an understanding of the rich and varied cultures of New Mexico and to the success of the university's mission to serve local and global communities

Only applications submitted through
the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job
advertisement on a 3rd party site, please
visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Applicants who are appointed to a UNM faculty position are required to provide an official certification of successful completion of all degree requirements prior to their initial employment with UNM.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.