The University
One of the largest universities in the country, California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is an urban, comprehensive university that delivers award-winning undergraduate and graduate programs to over 6,000 students annually and counts over 425,000 alumni who fuel the region’s economy. Since its founding in 1958, CSUN has made a significant and long-term impact on California, generating nearly $1.9 billion in economic impact and more than 12,000 jobs each year. California State University, Northridge is a designated Minority Serving and Hispanic Serving Institution (MSI/HSI) and a California Black Serving Institution (BSI), nationally and statewide recognized for advancing opportunity and promoting the success of Hispanic, Black, African American, and other historically underserved students. In 2025, Washington Monthly named the university the No. 1 master’s university in the nation for contributions to the public good and ranked CSUN No. 2 Best Bang for the Buck in the West and No. 3 Best Colleges for Your Tuition and Tax Dollars. Also in 2025, the university earned a 4.5-star rating in Money’s Best Colleges, ranked No. 3 for diversity among public universities and No. 8 in the nation for social mobility in The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse. In addition, CSUN placed No. 9 on the California Mobility Index for advancing economic and social mobility from the College Futures Foundation.
About the Position of Interim Associate Dean, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
This position provides academic and administrative support to the Dean in advancing the mission and strategic priorities of the College. The incumbent serves as Acting Dean in the Dean’s absence and plays a central role in overseeing academic planning, curriculum development, and program review processes across departments and interdisciplinary programs.
Key responsibilities include guiding the development and approval of new and revised curricula; coordinating program reviews, including self-studies and external evaluations; and ensuring timely communication of academic deadlines and requirements. The position also oversees grants and contracts, supports institutional research and reporting efforts related to faculty activity, and facilitates annual reporting for campus centers and institutes.
The role involves regular collaboration with department chairs, faculty, and college leadership through participation in administrative councils and committees, including serving as Executive Secretary of the College Academic Planning Committee. Additionally, the incumbent reviews and acts on student petitions, provides consultation on academic and disciplinary matters, and supports the Dean in development initiatives and special projects. This position requires a high level of judgment, organizational leadership, and the ability to coordinate complex academic and administrative functions across the College, including delegated supervision of the Project Rebound program, along with the flexibility to perform other duties as assigned.
As a leader, the Interim Associate Dean will have the opportunity to thrive in a community in which our leaders share common traits as identified in our Leadership Principles: https://www.csun.edu/leadership-principles.
Qualifications
Required qualifications:
• Earned doctorate from an accredited institution in an academic discipline within the social and behavioral sciences
• Qualifications for faculty appointment at advanced rank within one of the departments of the College
• Demonstrated record of excellence in university-level teaching, scholarship, and/or creative activity
• At least three years of successful academic administrative experience, including program management, budget and resource management, schedule and curriculum, and personnel, at or above the level of department chair (or equivalent)
• Demonstrated involvement in department, college, and/or university-wide efforts to increase student retention and graduation rates
• Demonstrated ability to serve as an effective member of an administrative team
• Demonstrated experience in grants, contracts, and/or sponsored projects
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse communities and vulnerable populations
Preferred qualifications:
• Demonstrated involvement in a leadership role in department, college, and/or university-wide efforts to increase student retention and graduation rates
Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule
• Salary is commensurate with knowledge, skills, and experience. The University offers excellent fringe benefits.
• The anticipated HIRING RANGE: $170,000 to $182,000 per year, dependent upon qualifications and experience.
Application Period
The position is open until filled but only applications received by June 18, 2026,, can be assured full consideration. Review of applications will continue until position is filled.
In order to be considered in the initial review, applications must be submitted prior to the date listed above. Application submissions received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
Effective Date of Appointment: On or before the first day of Fall 2026
How to Apply
Candidates should apply by completing the CSUN online application, which includes submitting a curriculum vita, detailed cover letter, and the names of three persons willing to act as professional references. To submit an application and for more detailed information on the application and hiring process, please visit www.csun.edu/careers.
Background check
This position is a sensitive position as designated by the CSU.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the status of candidates who apply for the position.
CANRA
The person holding this position will be considered a 'limited reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
Conflict of Interest
This position is a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. The successful candidate accepting this position is required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.
Please note: California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is not currently sponsoring staff or management positions for H-1B employment visas. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States.
Per the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California.
Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
Equal Employment Opportunity
CSUN is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of Age, Disability (physical or mental), Gender, Gender Identity (including Nonbinary or Transgender), Gender Expression, Genetic Information, Marital Status, Medical Condition, Nationality, Pregnancy or related conditions, Race or Ethnicity (including color, caste, or ancestry), Religion or Religious Creed, Sex (including Sex Stereotyping or Sex Characteristics), Sexual Orientation, and Veteran or Military Status. Our nondiscrimination policy is set forth in the Interim CSU Nondiscrimination Policy. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting Recruitment Services at 818-677-2101.