Dean of Arts & Sciences
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Job Location:
Worcester, MA - USA
Yearly Salary:
$ 275000 - 350000
Posted on:
30+ days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
JOB TITLE
Dean of Arts & SciencesLOCATION
WorcesterDEPARTMENT NAME
Provost OfficeDIVISION NAME
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPIJOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
Worcester Polytechnic Institute invites nominations and applications for the position of Peterson Family Dean School of Arts & Sciences. This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary leader to advance interdisciplinary education and research at a premier technological university known for its distinctive project-based learning model.The Dean will join WPI during a period of significant institutional momentum as the university celebrates its Carnegie R1 research status recognition as #18 nationally for Best Return on Investment by U.S. News & World Report and inclusion among LinkedIns Top 50 Colleges for 2025 based on career outcomes and alumni success. Reporting directly to Provost Andrew Sears and serving as a key member of the Presidents leadership team the Dean will shape the future of a school that bridges cutting-edge science technology and the liberal arts.
Working collaboratively with the Provost academic leaders and faculty the successful candidate will guide a school that contributes $27 million in research expenditures37.8% of WPIs $71.6 million totalwhile offering 31 degree programs from undergraduate through doctoral levels. The Dean will lead seven departments spanning computer science mathematical sciences biology & biotechnology chemistry & biochemistry physics social science and policy studies and humanities & arts strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration expanding research excellence and elevating the schools national prominence.
For a detailed executive search profile and application instructions please see below.
All inquiries nominations and applications should be directed to
JOB DESCRIPTION
- Develop and advance a strategic vision that positions the School of Arts & Sciences as a national leader in interdisciplinary education leveraging the Schools substantial research portfolio (which contributes $27 million in research expenditures37.8% of WPIs total) and the universitys Carnegie R1 research status
- Lead seven academic departments (Mathematical Sciences Computer Science Biology & Biotechnology Chemistry & Biochemistry Physics Social Science & Policy Studies and Humanities & Arts) with oversight of faculty development resource allocation and program quality
- Strengthen and expand the research enterprise by supporting faculty in securing competitive external funding developing strategic research clusters and establishing partnerships that increase research impact
- Support faculty and staff excellence by serving as an advocate and champion for recruitment retention and advancement supporting belonging well-being and community
- Lead collaborative efforts and innovation as a member of the Provosts Council and Presidents leadership team contributing to university-wide strategic initiatives while advocating for the Schools distinctive mission
- Drive interdisciplinary education and research that prepares graduates to address complex global challenges requiring both technical expertise and understanding of societal impact
- Build strategic partnerships with industry leaders international institutions and community organizations that enhance research opportunities student experiences and raise the Schools national profile
- Champion academic program innovation by working with faculty to develop new programs that anticipate future demands while maintaining disciplinary foundations
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for one of WPIs most academically diverse and research-productive units with responsibility for substantial budget management and external representation
- Advance the Schools central role in WPIs distinctive project-based learning model ensuring Arts & Sciences programs effectively support experiential learning through interdisciplinary projects that connect science and technology to societal challenges. Support capstone experiences that provide discipline-specific research opportunities while connecting student learning directly to faculty scholarship and real-world problem solving
Qualifications
- Doctoral degree from accredited institution in relevant field with record of scholarship appropriate for tenured professor appointment at WPI
- A minimum of 5 years of experience as department head chair associate dean or dean with proven success in higher education administration
- Strong experience in strategic planning change management team building and budget management with substantial financial oversight experience
- Experience in STEM disciplines with understanding of interdisciplinary collaboration and research university operations preferably at R1 institutions
- Proven external funding success in securing grants partnerships and industry collaborations with experience in academic program development
- A strategic vision with ability to discern trends position the school for future success and lead with collaborative style and data-driven approach
- Excellent communication skills with outstanding written and verbal abilities ability to work effectively with diverse communities and professional presence suitable for senior leadership
- An innovation-focused approach with willingness to take calculated risks and commitment to the highest standards of personal and professional integrity
For full application instructions and to view the executive search profile please click here.
Compensation : $275000 $350000 per year
Salary is based on related experience expertise and internal equity; generally new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.
FLSA STATUS
United States of America (Exempt)WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color age religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin veteran statusor disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity collaboration inclusion problem solving innovation high performance and change is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.
Key Skills
- Fiscal Management
- Teacher Coaching
- Classroom Management
- Classroom Experience
- Education Administration
- Strategic Planning
- Teaching
- Curriculum Development
- Administrative Experience
- Cordova
- Leadership Experience
- Program Development
About Company
A WPI education has never been more relevant than it is today, because the demand for innovative thinkers who can solve problems on a global scale has never been greater.
