Dean, College of Science (APPLY VIA SEARCH FIRM)
About The Position
San José State University seeks an innovative, visionary leader to serve as Dean of the College of Science. Reporting to the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean provides strategic leadership for the college’s academic programs, faculty, staff, students, research enterprise, and administrative operations. The College of Science emphasizes academic excellence, student success, innovative research, inclusive excellence, and partnerships throughout Silicon Valley and beyond. The Dean works collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, university leadership, alumni, industry partners, government agencies, and community organizations to advance the college and university missions. The role leads academic planning and governance, promotes student and faculty success, oversees college resources, and advances research, partnerships, and fundraising. The Dean is expected to foster a respectful and collaborative academic community and support responsible, ethical, and equitable adoption of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. The position requires a terminal degree in a discipline represented by the college’s academic programs or equivalent experience, and a record of teaching, research, service, and/or experience meriting appointment as a tenured professor in the college. Leadership experience at the department chair, director, associate dean, or dean level, along with accreditation and/or collective bargaining experience, is preferred. The anticipated hiring range is $22,917 to $25,417 per month; the final salary will be commensurate with experience. San José State University offers a comprehensive employee benefits package typically worth 30–35% of base salary. Applications are submitted through WittKieffer, which is assisting with the search; candidate materials should be received by January 15, 2027 for fullest consideration.
Requirements
- Terminal degree in a discipline represented by the college’s academic programs, or equivalent experience.
- Demonstrated record of teaching, research, service, and/or experience meriting appointment as a tenured professor in the college.
- Demonstrated experience providing energetic, effective, and visionary leadership to a diverse college community.
- Record of accomplishment promoting academic excellence and innovation to improve student and faculty success.
- Ability to communicate professionally and respectfully and build relationships with community, public, private, and/or government organizations.
- Ability to work collegially with university leadership and College of Health and Human Sciences faculty and staff within a shared governance structure.
- Ability to provide forward-looking academic initiatives and help faculty and staff carry them to successful completion in a complex, collaborative environment.
- Commitment to supporting diversity efforts for faculty, students, and staff.
- Ability to effectively lead a management team and demonstrate open communication and transparent decision-making.
- Ability to provide resources for basic and applied research and attract external resources and fundraise effectively.
- Exemplary quantitative, analytical, critical-thinking, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Knowledge and understanding of national and disciplinary trends, including accreditation standards.
- Strong skills in academic planning, administration, budgeting, and personnel management.
- Ability to develop proficiency in emerging technologies, including AI, in higher education and public-sector settings, and to lead continuous improvement and innovation through effective technology adoption.
Nice To Haves
- Leadership experience at the department chair, director, associate dean, or dean level.
- Accreditation experience and/or experience working in a collective bargaining environment.
Responsibilities
- Provide visionary leadership for the College of Science and guide strategic planning, academic governance, accreditation, assessment, and continuous improvement.
- Lead efforts to enhance student success, retention, graduation rates, inclusive excellence, innovative teaching, experiential learning, and career outcomes.
- Oversee recruitment, retention, development, evaluation, and support of faculty, staff, and administrators, fostering a respectful and collaborative academic community.
- Manage the college’s budget, enrollment practices, facilities, personnel, and other resources, ensuring strategic, equitable, and effective allocation.
- Strengthen external partnerships and advancement efforts with alumni, industry, government, foundations, donors, and community organizations to support research, programs, and college priorities.
- Guide the evaluation and appropriate advancement of emerging technologies, including AI, to support institutional effectiveness, student success, and operational excellence.
- Support responsible, ethical, and equitable use of AI and related technologies, with attention to data privacy, bias mitigation, accessibility, and compliance.
- Lead a management team with open communication and transparent decision-making, and represent the college and/or university on critical or politically sensitive matters.
- Provide resources and inspiration to support basic and applied research, and attract external resources and fundraise effectively.
Benefits
- Comprehensive employee benefits package typically worth 30–35% of base salary; specific benefit programs are described in the Employee Benefits Summary.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
