Dean, General Studies — Visionary, Interdisciplinary Leader

Boston University; Boston, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 275,000 - 325,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston University in Boston, MA seeks a Dean for the College of General Studies to lead the college’s academic programming, student support, financial management, and strategic initiatives. The successful candidate will advance interdisciplinary, experiential learning and global collaboration, while building BU’s nationally recognized model for student-centered liberal arts education.

The Dean reports to BU leadership, guides faculty and staff, and champions fundraising, outreach, and innovation

Qualifications

• To be considered, the candidate must possess a record of outstanding scholarly and professional leadership appropriate for a tenured full professor at Boston University.
• Additional qualifications for an ideal candidate include having a track record of:
• Prior academic leadership experience
• Experience with complex organizational management, including strategic planning, fiscal oversight, resource allocation, and human resource management
• A distinguished record of teaching at the undergraduate level
• Appreciation for the College’s approach to the fields of General Studies and Liberal Arts
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting interdisciplinary, collaborative pedagogy
• Experience supporting faculty development, advancement, and success
• Strong communication skills that can translate singular strengths to the wide internal and external community
• Ability to adapt and respond to emerging issues with creativity and open-mindedness
• Experience with fundraising and philanthropic support

Responsibilities

• Strategic Visioning and Execution: identify and achieve strategic priorities in collaboration with university leadership and the CGS community
• Communicate the value and importance of General Studies and the Liberal Arts to internal and external audiences
• Partner with admissions to align enrollment goals with the University’s Strategic Framework
• Support BU values through CGS’s commitment to global education
• Serve as a visible, accessible leader within CGS
• Work across diverse university departments and external communities
• Communicate transparently with faculty, staff, and students
• Alumni and Donor Relations: lead fundraising and advancement efforts; strengthen engagement
• Faculty Advancement: support faculty scholarship, teaching, and professional development
• Academic Innovation: oversee team-taught interdisciplinary curriculum and inclusive pedagogy
• Strategic and Operational Oversight: manage administrative team and budget; adapt to fiscal changes
• Student Success and Belonging: foster relationships, support advising, expand internships

Skills

Strategic planning

Fiscal oversight

Resource allocation

HR management

Fundraising

Education

Tenured full professor

Job description

Boston University in Boston, MA seeks a Dean for the College of General Studies to lead the college’s academic programming, student support, financial management, and strategic initiatives. The successful candidate will advance interdisciplinary, experiential learning and global collaboration, while building BU’s nationally recognized model for student-centered liberal arts education.

The Dean reports to BU leadership, guides faculty and staff, and champions fundraising, outreach, and innovation