Dean, David Eccles School of Business

The University of Utah•Salt Lake, UT

About The Position

The University of Utah is on the rise, as measured by nearly ever key indicator, from graduation rates to research funding and support from private and public partners. The Eccles School of Business, similarly, has made significant gains—a result of both ambition innovation and its strategic leverage of the platform a world-class flagship institution provides. As the University aspires to become a top-10 public university: the next Dean of the Eccles School will lean into that momentum, leading key internally- and externally focused priorities to unlock the School’s full potential. The Eccles School of Business seeks a strategic and entrepreneurial leader for its next Dean who will develop a strategic plan for the future of the School, in concert with faculty, staff and alumni. The Dean will have the vision, talent, and energy to further advance the Eccles School’s impact at the University of Utah, across the broader business community, and around the world. To that end, they may emphasize natural opportunities for the Eccles School that arise from the University’s notable strengths (i.e., Responsible AI) and regional economic priorities (i.e., fintech). In pursuing these priorities, the Dean will be mindful to also develop additional resources to advance the mission of the Eccles School. They will bring a successful track record of leadership experience relevant to a business-focused academic setting, an outstanding record of scholarly achievement and research, and a reputation in the broader business community. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to engaging with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external stakeholders, as well as advancing diversity, inclusion, and belonging efforts in a meaningful way. The Dean of the Eccles School is responsible for ensuring success in the Eccles School’s programmatic, teaching, and research enterprise. The Dean will report to the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Dean will lead the school in developing a strong academic foundation by pursuing rigorous academic standards in faculty, as well as excellence in curricula, programs of research, and students.

Requirements

Superior academic credentials and record of scholarly achievement with a track record of leadership and administrative experience or
A recognized career of achievement in business, with experience in and a strong understanding of business education, scholarship, and university culture
A distinguished teacher and scholar who has a passion for students, research, and service. If the candidate comes from outside the academe: a genuine, palpable appreciation for the importance of research in a business school, and an aptitude to advance teaching and peer-reviewed scholarship.
Strong business acumen that demonstrates an astute understanding of finances and the relationship between academic priorities and the budget.
A record of accomplishment in recruitment, retention, and equity for outstanding faculty or staff, and students, including women and those traditionally underrepresented in business programs.
A forward-looking leader with a demonstrated ability to articulate a compelling vision. Brings a strong track record of developing and implementing a strategic plan.
Experience collaborating with a diverse set of academic disciplines to foster inter- and multi- disciplinary programs and partnerships, as well as experience collaborating with industry partners to stimulate growth and advancement.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate, fundraise, and develop relationships with multiple stakeholder groups, including faculty, staff, students, fellow university leaders, alumni, donors, board members, and industry leaders.

Nice To Haves

Collaborator. Leads through collaboration with the ability to cultivate a strong sense of pride, builds consensus, as well as make tough decisions.
Participatory leader. Has a commitment to an environment of shared governance and participatory decision-making.
Dedication to a culture of well-being and possessing the ability to create an environment of holistic, lifelong learning where all members of the community can grow and learn to lead healthy, purposeful, impactful lives.
A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Highly ethical and holds others to the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrity.
A highly empathetic and emotionally intelligent leader.
Leads and inspires by example.

Responsibilities

Establish an innovative and inclusive vision for the Eccles School.
Provide leadership, administering the policies established by the University and the Eccles School, overseeing faculty and staff development, maintaining rigor and accreditation of programs, and facilitating communication within the Eccles School, the University, and the community.
Foster an environment that attracts and retains the very best business faculty, staff, and students.
Enhance the student experience to promote student recruitment, success, and retention.
Promote an interdisciplinary and collaborative culture and facilitate growth in research and grants.
Promote and support collegial and collaborative interactions across the university.
Create and cultivate relationships and conditions with alumni, colleagues and the wider business community that will attract significant philanthropic investments.
Demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset using a strong business acumen to manage and drive the Eccles School’s success.
Foster an environment of research excellence among faculty and students.
Lead through cooperation, sincere communication, personal accountability, and ethical governance, with excellent communication skills, management skills.
Work effectively with and build collaborative relationships across multiple constituencies, including students, staff, faculty, alumni, local governments, and members of the philanthropic, business, and broader communities.