Dean of the School of Education

Metropolitan State University of Denver • Denver, CO

14d • $200,000 - $230,000

About The Position

The Dean of the School of Education (SOE) provides academic and strategic leadership, fostering an inclusive, and forward-thinking vision for educator preparation and development. The Dean promotes an environment where faculty design and deliver innovative, evidence-based curricula that prepare educators to meet the evolving needs of diverse learners across the P-20 (pre-school through age 20) spectrum. The Dean ensures high academic and professional standards, supports the School’s growth, and engages in strategic planning aligned with MSU Denver’s mission and values. This role includes oversight of academic programs, licensure and accreditation processes, budget and personnel management, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. To grow the School of Education, the Dean actively engages in fundraising activities to support the mission of the College. The Dean champions student success through a commitment to recruiting diverse faculty and staff, supporting inclusive curricula, and fostering an environment of belonging. The successful candidate must work collaboratively with other senior leaders to achieve the University’s strategic goals. The successful candidate will prioritize strategies and resource allocation that enhance student retention, degree completion, licensure outcomes, and career readiness. The Dean represents the School to a wide range of constituents, including university leadership, school districts, accrediting bodies, community organizations, and policymakers. Through bold outreach, strategic partnerships, persuasive advocacy, and impactful fundraising, the Dean elevates the School’s visibility and secures the resources needed to drive innovation and expand programs and centers .

Requirements

• Earned terminal degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) from an accredited institution in a field that would qualify the candidate to be tenured within one of the college’s three departments
• Previous experience in a leadership position at a higher education institution. Roles may include, but are not limited to, Dean, Associate Dean, Department Chair, or similar administrator positions
• Experience in P-20 educational settings
• At least three years of experience managing budgets and personnel
• Experience in educator preparation, licensure, and accreditation processes
• Strong communication skills and a record of service to the field of education

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in work that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and participation within the academic community
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant writing, or donor cultivation
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans aligned with institutional goals
• Knowledge of current education policy and best practices in P-20 education
• Commitment to inclusive pedagogy, active learning, and community-engaged scholarship

Responsibilities

• Academic Leadership and Student Success Provide visionary leadership for the SOE by managing strategic planning and aligning the School’s goals with institutional priorities, anticipating future trends in educator preparation, and advancing student success .
• Ensure educator preparation programs are innovative, evidence-based, and aligned with state and national standards, reflecting current research, policy developments, and the evolving needs of P–20 education systems to support student achievement .
• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration across the University and with external partners by engaging colleges, departments, and community stakeholders to enhance program relevance, impact, and opportunities for student success .
• Maintain compliance with accreditation and licensure requirements, including Colorado Department of Education standards, ensuring all programs meet or exceed expectations for quality, rigor, accountability, and positive student outcomes .
• Administrative Management Oversee the School’s departments, centers, and programs, including personnel, budget, and resource allocation to ensure efficient operations and equitable support strategic goals .
• Collaborate with the Provost and senior leadership to align the School’s goals with institutional priorities, contribute to university-wide initiatives and lead efforts to recruit and retain a diverse, high-quality faculty and staff through inclusive hiring and professional development .
• Community and External Engagement Represent the School to local, state, and national education organizations and policy bodies, enhancing visibility through outreach, partnerships, and community engagement, including participation in public forums, advisory boards, and collaborative initiatives .
• Engage in advocacy and policy work that advances the mission of the School and University by monitoring legislative developments and advising senior leadership on strategic responses .
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Lead efforts to create a welcoming and supportive culture by promoting access, diversity, equity, and inclusion for students, faculty, staff, and the community .
• Demonstrate a commitment to serving historically underserved and linguistically diverse populations by supporting culturally responsive pedagogy and inclusive curriculum development .
• Professional Development of Department Chairs, Faculty, and Staff Encourage and support the professional development and mentorship of faculty and staff, as well as provide support for faculty in teaching, scholarly activity , and service .
• Promote a culture of learning and academic excellence by fostering collaboration, collegiality, career advancement, continuous improvement, innovation, and shared governance .
• Fundraising and Development Collaborate with University Advancement to cultivate donor relationships and secure external funding by identifying priorities and effectively communicating the School’s impact to potential supporters .
• Pursue grants and philanthropic support to strengthen programs, scholarships, and research initiatives, working with faculty and staff to develop competitive proposals and steward donor relationships .
• Strategic Planning and Governance Collaborative, forward-thinking leadership in campus-wide strategic planning and governance to shape MSU Denver’s future with innovative, solutions-oriented approaches and a commitment to constructive progress .
• Support MSU Denver’s designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority Serving Institution (MSI) collaboratively to ensure that the School’s practices align with these designations and support student success .

Benefits

• MSU Denver offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package.
• The University’s benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree