Dean, SC School of the Arts

Anderson University•Anderson, SC

About The Position

Anderson University and its South Carolina School of the Arts (SCSA) seek a full-time, twelve-month Dean to lead an academic unit serving more than 350 students across the Conservatory of Music and the Art & Design and Theatre & Dance departments. SCSA aims to become a preeminent professional arts conservatory within a Christian university context. Its programs combine classical arts training with contemporary professional fields, including commercial music and theatrical design and production, and hold specialized accreditation with NASAD, NASM, and NAST. The Dean will guide SCSA’s continued development as a professional conservatory, strengthening rigorous studio-intensive training, performance excellence, and career preparation. The role includes academic leadership, faculty recruitment and development, curriculum and program management, accreditation and compliance, budgeting, strategic planning, enrollment and recruitment accountability, marketing partnerships, fundraising, and external relationship building. The Dean serves on the Provost’s Cabinet and Academic Leadership Team and collaborates with university leaders, faculty, students, professional arts organizations, and industry partners. Anderson University is affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention. The university seeks a leader committed to its mission and values, a traditional Christian faith commitment, and the integration of faith and learning. The successful candidate will have an earned doctorate or relevant terminal degree and credentials qualifying them for the rank of Associate Professor or above, along with significant arts or higher education leadership experience.

Requirements

Earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited university in a field relevant to the arts.
Credentials and professional activity qualifying the candidate for the rank of Associate Professor or above.
Significant arts leadership experience or equivalent leadership within higher education administration.
Demonstrated expertise in academic program management and faculty development.
Commitment to work collaboratively in support of Anderson University’s mission, vision, and values.
Strong traditional Christian faith commitment and ability to integrate faith and learning in a scholarly academic arts environment.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
High emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with talented faculty and foster their professional growth.
Ability to think strategically and collaborate with Enrollment, Marketing, and the Academic Leadership team.

Nice To Haves

Previous higher education leadership experience at the dean or associate dean level, with a record of successful leadership in those roles.
Experience with accreditation processes and compliance requirements.
Proven track record in fundraising and external relationship building.

Responsibilities

Provide visionary leadership for SCSA’s evolution toward a professional conservatory, emphasizing rigorous studio training, performance excellence, and professional preparedness.
Lead development of a professional, studio-intensive curriculum, field experiences, and technological resources across the three departments.
Recruit, develop, and mentor faculty who are accomplished practicing artists and professionals.
Support departmental chairs in academic planning and curriculum development.
Oversee accreditation processes and ensure compliance with institutional and external standards.
Serve as an active participant on the Provost’s Cabinet and the Academic Leadership Team.
Manage SCSA’s budget and financial resources.
Provide a vision and clear goals for SCSA’s future, internally and externally.
Lead implementation of university strategic plan initiatives within SCSA.
Support student retention, experience, and success across SCSA programs.
Foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and creativity.
Partner with Enrollment Management in admission and recruitment efforts and be accountable for SCSA enrollment.
Partner with Marketing & Communication on outreach initiatives for SCSA programming and events.
Build and strengthen partnerships with professional arts organizations and industry leaders to create career pathways and professional opportunities for students.
Participate in fundraising for prioritized SCSA interests and strategic initiatives.
Represent Anderson University and SCSA at professional conferences and community events.