Dean, Conservatory for the Performing Arts

Stephens College • Columbia, MO

12d

About The Position

The Dean of the Conservatory for the Performing Arts provides visionary, strategic, and collaborative leadership for one of Stephens College’s signature academic divisions. The Dean oversees all Conservatory programs—including theatre, dance, musical theatre, acting, technical theatre, filmmaking, and related performing arts disciplines—and leads faculty, staff, and students in advancing artistic excellence, academic rigor, and national visibility. This senior academic leader reports to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and serves as a member of the Academic Leadership Team.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a performing arts discipline or related field (terminal degree preferred).
• Demonstrated leadership experience in higher education or professional performing arts.
• Experience with faculty supervision, academic/program administration, or production management.
• Evidence of teaching or professional creative practice.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to lead collaboratively and make informed, timely decisions.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student development.
• Professionalism, discretion, and high ethical standards.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with recruitment, enrollment growth, or student retention in arts programs.
• Experience managing complex production schedules, budgets, or facilities.
• Professional network within theatre, dance, musical theatre, or related performing arts fields.

Responsibilities

• Academic Leadership Oversee all Conservatory academic programs, including curriculum, scheduling, assessment, and program review. Ensure alignment with institutional policies, accreditation requirements, and learning outcomes. Support development of new courses, certificates, or programs that reflect industry needs.
• Faculty and Staff Management Supervise, evaluate, and support full-time and adjunct faculty and Conservatory staff. Oversee faculty workload, hiring recommendations, onboarding, and professional development. Foster a culture of respect, collaboration, professionalism, and student-centered learning.
• Production and Operations Oversight Provide leadership for the annual production season, ensuring educational quality, safety, and fiscal responsibility. Work closely with production leadership and technical staff to manage calendars, facilities, equipment, and resources. Support guest artists, partnerships, and special projects that enhance training experiences.
• Student Success Promote a learning environment that emphasizes discipline, wellness, inclusivity, and professional readiness. Support student advising, mentoring, and pathways to internships, showcases, and career opportunities. Maintain visibility at performances, rehearsals, and Conservatory events.
• Budget and Resource Management Develop and manage academic and production budgets in collaboration with Finance and Academic Affairs. Allocate resources responsibly and transparently. Assist in fundraising, grants, donor engagement, and Conservatory visibility efforts.
• Recruitment and External Relations Partner with Admissions and Marketing to support recruitment, auditions, outreach, and yield activities. Represent the Conservatory to alumni, industry partners, schools, and professional organizations. Build relationships that strengthen employment, transfer, and networking opportunities for students.
• Institutional Participation Serve on committees, contribute to institutional planning, and collaborate with other academic units. Uphold College policies, strategic priorities, and compliance expectations. Communicate regularly with the Vice President for Academic Affairs and senior leadership.

Benefits

• Stephens offers an attractive benefits package that includes health insurance, an Employee Assistance Program, Supplemental Retirement Annuity, Faculty/Staff Grants, tuition waivers and tuition paid undergraduate classes for dependents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees