Dean, Law School

Drake University; United States; On-site; USD 210,000 - 310,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition waiver for employees and their

Tuition exchange programs

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Drake University invites applications for the Dean of the Law School, reporting to the Provost and serving as a key member of the Provost Council and senior leadership. The Dean shapes the institution’s ongoing success and strategic evolution while upholding Drake’s mission to advance justice and access in the law.

The successful candidate will hold a J.D. from an accredited institution, demonstrate collaborative leadership, and have experience managing complex, large-scale initiatives along

Qualifications

• J.D. degree required from an accredited institution.
• Proven collaborative leadership across diverse constituencies.
• Experience leading large-scale initiatives with high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Law School as part of the university’s senior leadership team.
• Drive the school’s strategic evolution in alignment with Drake’s mission and values.

Skills

J.D. degree

Leadership

Strategic planning

Diversity & inclusion

Stakeholder relations

Fiscal management

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree

Job description

Academic Affairs 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.
• 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.

Salary

Salary is competitive with peer schools and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

Benefits

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.

Contact

For questions about the position, please contact [e-mail]. For questions about the application process, please e‑mail [e-mail].

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 a 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.

Accessibility

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.

Work Opportunities and Culture

More than 900 faculty and staff members have chosen Drake as the place to further their careers. The University values our faculty and staff and strives to create an exceptional working environment. Inspire lifelong learning through tuition benefits for employees and their eligible dependents/partner to pursue degrees at Drake Encourage work/life balance through competitive personal time, vacation and holiday schedule, including an extended Winter Break Practice shared governance and strategic planning through various representative bodies, including Faculty Senate and All Staff Council Support research through internal and external grants as well as through collaborative student engagement All In This Together - Drake Bulldogs find a home where they can pursue their passions and ideas while having an impact on the future of our University. One of Drake’s top strategic priorities is to maintain and build our inclusive community. Drake University moves past mere tolerance of diversity and creates a culture of inclusion that sees diversity of identities, backgrounds, and ideas as fundamental to our excellence and success as an institution. A welcoming and diverse campus is critical to delivering on our mission of providing an exceptional learning environment.

Diversity Initiatives and Activities

Some key inclusion and diversity initiatives and activities on campus include: Drake's Campus Climate Assessment, which gauged the experiences and attitudes of current faculty, staff, and students, showcases a racially Faculty and Staff Affinity Groups Free or reduced tickets to fine arts and select athletics events make it easy to proudly support our students and colleagues. A variety of workshops, webinars, lectures and events aimed at encouraging civil debate and bringing the world to campus to support our commitment to lifelong learning. Check out our campus tour video highlighting Drake University. Self-Directed Drake Campus Tour