Dean, Law School

Drake; Des Moines, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition waiver

Two tuition exchange programs

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Drake University Law School in Des Moines, Iowa, invites applications for the position of Dean. The Dean reports to the Provost, and is a key member of the Provost Council and the university’s senior leadership team.

The Dean leads strategic initiatives, stewardship of resources, and external partnerships to advance justice and inclusion. The ideal candidate holds a JD, demonstrates collaborative leadership, and can secure funding while advancing Drake Law’s mission.

Qualifications

• The Dean must hold a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited institution and be qualified for appointment as a tenured full professor.
• Proven record of collaborative leadership and effective problem-solving across diverse constituencies.
• Ability to cultivate external partnerships to secure funding and advance the Law School's mission.

Responsibilities

• Lead Drake Law School's strategic initiatives and long-term vision.
• Oversee fiscal management and resource allocation for the Law School.
• Foster external partnerships with community, government, and philanthropic organizations to secure support.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Strategic planning

Diversity & inclusion

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

**Department Summary:** For more than 150 years, Drake University Law School has prepared students for lives of service and success in the law. The School was founded in Des Moines in 1865, which makes it one of the 25 oldest law schools in the country. Founded by Iowa Supreme Court justices, the Law School's mission was to teach law in proximity to the courts so students could witness the law in action. Long before most other law schools, Drake was seeking and admitting Black law students. Learn more about the Law School's history here. **Job Summary:** The Dean of the Law School reports directly to the Provost, Dr. Joe Valenzano, and is a key member of the Provost Council and the University's senior leadership team. The Dean plays an important role in the overall success and continuous evolution of our institution. **Required Qualifications**: The Dean must hold a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited institution and be qualified for appointment as a tenured full professor. The successful candidate will demonstrate:- A proven record of collaborative leadership and effective problem-solving across diverse constituencies.- Significant experience leading complex, large-scale initiatives, navigating competing priorities, and managing high-performing teams.- A demonstrated commitment to advancing a justice system that promotes equal access and addresses bias, discrimination, and racism in the law, consistent with Drake Law School's Mission and Vision.- The ability to cultivate and sustain relationships with community, corporate, governmental, and philanthropic partners to secure external funding and strategic support.- Significant leadership experience including fiscal management and oversight. For the full job prospectus please click here: Dean Prospectus**Special Instructions to Applicants:** All applicants must apply through our online application system. We welcome all applications, nominations, and inquiries. In addition to completing Drake's online application, candidates will be asked to include a letter of interest, CV/resume, and a statement that articulates the candidate's demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. For full consideration, please complete your application by October 30, 2026. The position will remain posted until filled. **Have Questions?** For questions about the position, please contact [e-mail]. For questions about the application process, please e-mail [e-mail] is competitive with peer schools and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our digital benefits guide: Benefits Overview | Drake University.One of our very popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. You can learn about both the tuition waiver policy and tuition exchange programs here: Benefits Overview | Drake University. For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.**About Drake:** **Drake University** is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees. All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments. **STRONG COMMITMENT TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY**At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. Drake University is proud to support an equal opportunity, diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Learn more about why Drake is an exceptional place to work: An Exceptional Working Environment | Drake University Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (ph: 515.271.3133; email: **[e-mail]**) and let us know how we can assist you. At Drake University, we highly value a diverse, inclusive workforce. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We stand firmly against discrimination including on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.