Dean, College of Arts and Media

Grand Canyon University • Phoenix, AZ

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Grand Canyon University (GCU), a private, non-denominational Christian university in Phoenix, Arizona, is seeking a dynamic leader for the position of Dean for the College of Arts & Media. This role requires a unique individual who can integrate arts, media, and performance with Christian faith and academic excellence. The Dean will bring real-world experience, a passion for teaching, and an operational mindset to expand the college's influence and spread the Gospel through creative expression. GCU's mission is to be a Christ-centered university that addresses global needs by fostering a compassionate Christian community, promoting free and virtuous action, and serving others to enhance human flourishing. The university aims to equip students with a Christian worldview, instilling a sense of purpose and vocational calling to become innovative thinkers, effective communicators, global contributors, and transformative leaders. The Dean will report to the Provost & Chief Academic Officer and is expected to be a high-energy, servant leader with an entrepreneurial vision, encouraging students to utilize their talents. The ideal candidate will strengthen the academic community through their experience, perspective, and industry knowledge, and be adept at navigating the evolving landscape of AI. The Dean is responsible for all aspects of the college and its integration with GCU's academic affairs and university systems, supported by a centralized shared-services model designed for scaling excellence.

Requirements

• Advanced degree relevant to the role or to the College of Arts & Media (e.g., MFA or doctoral degree)
• Leadership, business, and/or entrepreneurial experience in the arts and/or media
• Experience in higher education and teaching
• Demonstrated ability to lead at both operational and strategic levels
• A passion for sharing Christian faith as a leader and educator

Responsibilities

• Lead faculty and staff in support of the GCU mission across all aspects of the student academic experience, including program creation, college operations, student experience, retention, graduation, and career outcomes
• Create high-quality learning outcomes and a culture of assessment that integrates Christian faith and character, free-market principles, and servant leadership
• Lead the college in collaboration with university teams and services within a matrix organization, creating efficiencies and leveraging best practices for student success and college operations (e.g., Faculty Training & Development, Curriculum Design & Development, and Marketing)
• Establish the College of Arts & Media brand and partner with operational teams to market, recruit, and enroll high-quality students
• Lead the college's advisory boards and engage with C-level business leaders to advocate for GCU
• Lead faculty and support their professional development in teaching, service, and scholarship
• Uphold the integrity of GCU's Christian mission, faith integration, and learning outcomes
• Oversee new program development, course scheduling, faculty evaluation and development, curriculum development, faculty/staff hiring and supervision, budget development, and fiscal monitoring
• Ensure programs and curriculum meet accreditation standards
• Provide leadership for the college in strategic planning, direction setting, and policy development within the context of the University's strategic plan and institutional policies
• Take on additional responsibilities as assigned by the Provost or President

Benefits

• The opportunity to work at a thriving, diverse campus and online student population — the largest private, Christian university in the country
• The chance to champion a Christian and entrepreneurial mindset for today's changing world within the arts and media
• A place on a leadership team that has built a high-quality, Christian-based academic experience for students of all socio-economic backgrounds, without raising undergraduate tuition in 18 years.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive