Dean of Graduate Studies

California State University, Chico; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 190,000 - 208,000; Full time

Job summary

Sacramento State is seeking a Dean of Graduate Studies to serve as chief academic and administrative officer for graduate education. The role supports student success, scholarly activity, and community partnerships while guiding budget, personnel, and accreditation efforts.

The Dean works with faculty, staff, and administrators to foster an inclusive environment, advance strategic plans, and secure external funding. Strong leadership in governance and outcomes assessment is required.

Qualifications

• PhD earned and eligible for senior faculty appointment.
• Five years leadership experience in a university setting.
• Successful teaching and research/scholarship activity.
• Experience with assessment of program learning outcomes.
• Experience in shared faculty governance.
• Fiscal/resource management experience in a unionized environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead Graduate Studies with annual budget development and administration.
• Oversee personnel matters including graduate coordinators and staff.
• Collaborate with deans, coordinators, and graduate council to advance graduate education.
• Advocate for diverse, inclusive programming for graduate students.
• Coordinate external grants and contracts for graduate education.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Strategic planning

Communication

Grant administration

Policy development

Diversity & inclusion

Stakeholder engagement

Data-driven assessment

Program evaluation

Education

Earned doctorate

Senior faculty appointment eligibility

Leadership experience in university

Teaching & scholarship record

Program assessment experience

Tools

University governance

Job description

Job no: 563469
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: Sacramento
Categories: MPP, Administrative, At-Will, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Priority Application Deadline: Sunday, November 29th @ 11:55pm PST(Posting will remain open until filled)

Position Summary

The Dean of Graduate Studies is a member of the Provost’s Academic Affairs Leadership Team and serves as the chief academic and administrative officer and spokesperson for graduate education in support of student success, academic excellence, community success, and inclusivity. The Dean supports faculty and student development and productivity in teaching, scholarly and creative activities, and service to the institution and the community; assists in partnerships with regional school districts, non-profit and government agencies, business and industry entities, and education initiatives; coordinates and supports the development and evaluation of institutional learning outcomes, instructional program offerings and student support systems; and assists departments and centers of the University in professional and regional accreditation efforts. The Dean’s leadership and management responsibility includes fostering an inclusive learning and working environment and implementing proactive programs and initiatives in support thereof. The Dean has responsibility for external grants and contracts that support the breadth of graduate education activities, and provides leadership in building strong relationships with, and generating support in, the campus community for the benefit of graduate students and the educational mission of a regional comprehensive university.

The Dean is responsible for the development of annual budget requests and administers the Graduate Studies budget. The Dean is responsible for personnel matters, including coordinating and overseeing the administrative duties of graduate coordinators, staff, and academic student employees. The Dean is responsible for implementation of the University’s Academic and Strategic Plans. The Dean is supported by a Director and Special Assistant to the Dean, and staff. The Dean works in partnership with all other units on campus to fulfill the mission of the University. The Dean provides a communication link between other campus administrators and the Graduate Coordinators, Graduate program directors, and academic student employees, and coordinates long-range planning for graduate education. The Dean serves as an advocate for the diverse needs of graduate education and post-baccalaureate academic programs in support of the mission of the University, particularly at the University and CSU System-wide levels. The Dean is a University administrative officer and performs these and other duties as assigned by the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs and the President.

FLSA

Exempt(Not eligible for overtime compensation)

Anticipated Hiring Range

$17,000 per month -$18,616 per month

CSU Classification Salary Range

$10,106 per month -$32,441per month

Work Hours

Monday - Friday, 8-5 and weekend and evenings as needed.

Department Information

The Office of Graduate Studies serves as both the admissions and degree evaluations office for the over 50 graduate degree programs on campus.

In collaboration with the academic college deans, graduate coordinators, and the graduate council, we also provide campus leadership and a vision for graduate education. Our number one priority is to provide quality service to prospective and current graduate and credential students. Graduate education is open and available to all who are interested in applying, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin.

Education and Experience

1. Possession of an earned doctorate and eligibility for a senior faculty appointment or equivalent work experience.
2. Five years of leadership experience in a university setting;
3. Successful teaching experience and record of research or scholarly activity in one or more of the disciplines in a University setting;
4. Experience with assessment of program learning outcomes;
5. Experience in shared faculty governance;
6. Evidence of successful personnel and fiscal resource management experience in a unionized environment.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

1. Achieving the Graduation Initiative goals;
2. Facilitating forward thinking and articulating mission appropriate vision for graduate curricula;
3. Being a strong advocate for graduate education as a member of the Academic Affairs Leadership Team and in partnership with other units in the University;
4. Commitment to hiring and retaining diverse, inclusive faculty, staff, and administrators;
5. Working with a diverse faculty, staff, and student population and implementing practices to ensure a more inclusive learning and working environment;
6. Supporting excellence in teaching, scholarship and creative activities, service, and student success via the professional development of graduate faculty and staff;
7. Developing and supporting activities that support the Anchor Institution role of the University such as community-based teaching, scholarship, and service.
8. Partnering with faculty, the Office of Research Innovation and Economic Development, and University Advancement to cultivate external support via grants, contracts, and other potential funding sources.
9. Using data to expand graduate research and improve student support programs.
10. Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents including faculty, students, staff, and members of the community.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Satisfactory completion of the background check process.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience with and commitment to a Liberal Arts education
2. Experience with K-16 outreach and teacher/school based education
3. Experience with interdisciplinary programs and scholarship
4. Understanding of and appreciation for education across disciplines

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume and cover letter.

Failure to upload required documentation may result in disqualification.

Sacramento State is located in the heart of California’s capital city, five miles from State Capitol.

The lush, 300-acre park-like campus is situated along the American River, close to numerous bike trails and other recreational areas. Sacramento, also known as the "Farm-to-Fork Capital," is one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in the country, with a population of half of a million.

“As California's capital university, Sacramento State transforms lives by preparing all students to lead, serve, and succeed. We are committed to our designations as a Hispanic Serving Institution, an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution, and a Black Serving Institution, and to intentionally serving students reflective of these designations and all students who have been historically underserved in education.”

As evidenced by the values embedded in our Hornet Honor Code , Sacramento State is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all faculty, staff, students, and guests are welcome and valued. Our commitment is more than simply ensuring that our campus is free from bias and discrimination, but is one devoted to celebrating many diverse identities, life experiences, and perspectives that enrich our community, teaching and learning.

To learn more about why you should join the Hornet Family, please visit the Why Sac State? page.

Equal Employment Opportunity

California State University, Sacramento is an Affinative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires on ly those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States.

Jeanne Clery Campus Safety ActNotification

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at https://www.csus.edu/clery .

The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics ofCleryAct crimes for Sacramento State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request by emailing the Clery Director at [e-mail] .

Under the Clery Act, this position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) depending upon the role on campus and/or job duties. If this position is identified by the Director of Clery Compliance as a CSA position, you will be notified via email and will be assigned the appropriate training in CSU Learn.

Education Code 89521 Requirements

Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with California State University, Sacramento. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current California State University, Sacramento employees who apply for the position.

Out of State Employment

Sacramento State, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees (up)on date of hire to reside in the State of California.

Candidate must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. California State University, Sacramento is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (ie. H-1-B Visa).

Note to Applicants

Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview unless required by collective bargaining agreement.

Advertised: Nov 06 2026 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close: