Dean, School of Arts & Sciences

La Salle University; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

La Salle University is seeking a Dean for the School of Arts & Sciences. This leader will provide strategic vision, academic leadership, and administrative oversight to advance the mission and enhance student success. The role includes developing new academic programs and promoting inclusivity in education while ensuring resource management aligns with the university's goals.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical and dental plans

Employer-paid life and disability insurance

Tuition benefits for employees and dependents

Generous paid time off

Qualifications

• Significant achievements in teaching, scholarship, and service within higher education.
• Proven administrative leadership experience in academic program development.
• Strong commitment to promoting inclusivity and equity.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic vision and academic leadership for the School of Arts & Sciences.
• Develop and implement innovative undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Enhance student retention and success through support and mentorship.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational Skills

Education

Earned doctorate or terminal degree

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

La Salle University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports a fully inclusive, equitable, and diverse working and learning environment. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

La Salle University offers its eligible employees comprehensive medical and dental plans, employer paid life and disability insurance, retirement benefits, generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays), and tuition benefits such as no cost undergraduate and graduate degree programs for its employees (with no wait period) and no cost undergraduate degree programs for its employees’ dependents (after completing the required years of service).

Position Overview

Position Title

Position Title Dean, School of Arts & Sciences

Department

Department 200100 - Office of the Provost

Position Type

Position Type Regular

Position Classification

Position Classification Full-Time, 12 months

Grant/Gift Funded (all or a portion)?

Grant/Gift Funded (all or a portion)? No

If Temporary or Grant Funded, Start Date and End Date

Posting Number

Posting Number S1207P

Position Summary

The Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences is a forward-thinking and student-centered leader who reports directly to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the School of Arts & Sciences.

The Dean will collaborate closely with faculty, staff, and students, providing strategic vision and direction, academic leadership, and administrative and operational supervision to strengthen and expand programs, foster student success, and ensure a collaborative and inclusive learning and working environment. This role in integral to advancing La Salle University’s mission by supporting faculty excellence, promoting student achievement, and cultivating a dynamic community of leaders and lifelong learners. This position offers a unique and exciting opportunity to lead and shape the future of the School of Arts and Sciences at La Salle University, helping to advance its mission and increase its impact on students, the community, and society.

New Program Development:

• Lead efforts to develop, implement, and evaluate innovative undergraduate and graduate programs that align with academic advancements, student interests, and industry needs.
• Work collaboratively with faculty and other University leaders to identify opportunities for interdisciplinary and experiential learning programs and emerging fields of study.
• Ensure new programs are designed to enhance student learning outcomes, integrate applied learning experiences, and reflect La Salle’s commitment to social justice, innovation, and community engagement.

Enrollment Growth and Student Retention:

• Develop and execute strategies to increase undergraduate and graduate enrollment in the School of Arts and Sciences.
• Work with colleagues in the Enrollment Management and Marketing to attract a diverse student body and support recruitment efforts for new and existing programs.

Student Success:

• Partner with faculty and staff to enhance student retention, advising, mentorship, professional development, and other support services, ensuring that students have access to the resources needed to succeed academically and professionally.
• Oversee the tracking and resolution of School related student complaints across a range of issues, including academic concerns, by addressing issues directly and partnering with faculty, staff, relevant offices to ensure fair and effective resolution.

Philanthropic Support and Advancement Partnerships:

• Collaborate with the University’s Advancement professionals to identify, cultivate, and secure philanthropic support for the School of Arts & Science’s priorities, including scholarships, faculty research, and programmatic initiatives within the School.
• Cultivate relationships with alumni, donors, and community partners to increase external funding for school programs and initiatives.
• Serve as a compelling advocate for the School of Arts and Sciences, sharing its achievements and needs with external audiences to inspire increased visibility, investment, and support.

Faculty and Staff Management and Development:

• Oversee the recruitment, selection, management, development, and retention of talented and diverse faculty who are committed to academic excellence, student-centered teaching, fostering a collaborative and effective academic environment, and conducting impactful research.
• Ensure the hiring, management, and retention of high-quality staff who are dedicated to the School’s mission, committed to the University’s goals, and who are focused on supporting and promoting student and employee excellence and success.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, accountability, and inclusion within the School.
• Oversee the implementation of appropriate procedures for evaluating performance, adherence to institutional policies, processes, and standards.
• Assist Department Chairs in addressing personnel issues and resolving complex situations in accordance with approved University policies and procedures.
• Encourage professional development opportunities for faculty and staff, with an emphasis on innovative teaching practices, research, and scholarship.
• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration within the School and across La Salle University to enrich the curriculum and enhance faculty engagement.
• Demonstrated strong management skills in supervising personnel, resolving conflicts involving employees, students, and other key stakeholders, providing guidance, and taking corrective actions to maintain a positive and productive academic and work environment.

Resource Management and Strategic Planning:

• Oversee the School of Arts & Science’s budget, including resource allocation, financial planning, and operational management, ensuring alignment with the University’s strategic priorities.
• Lead long-term planning initiatives that support academic excellence, financial sustainability, and strategic growth. Ensure alignment of the School’s goals with the University’s strategic goals.
• Ensure compliance with relevant accreditation standards and institutional policies, maintaining the School’s reputation for academic quality and integrity.
• Understanding of, and appreciation for, MSCHE accreditation standards applying to the management of personnel, financial resources, and programmatic sustainability.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Other related duties as assigned.

# of Direct Reports

# of Direct Reports Faculty plus 15 full- and part-time administrative positions (subject to change)

Required Qualifications

• An earned doctorate or terminal degree in a field relevant to the School of Arts and Sciences.
• A record of significant achievements in teaching, scholarship, and service within higher education or an equivalent professional environment.
• Proven administrative leadership experience in academic program development, enrollment growth, and fundraising or advancement activities.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with a demonstrated commitment to promoting inclusivity, equity, and belonging.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the mission of La Salle University.

Preferred Qualifications

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours

• This position will require evening and weekend work to attend events, engage with students and other key constituents, participate in fundraising activities, and represent the School of Arts & Sciences and the University.
• This position may require some travel, with input from the Provost to ensure alignment with University priorities.

Special Instructions to Applicant

La Salle University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports a fully inclusive, equitable, and diverse working and learning environment. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

La Salle University offers its eligible employees comprehensive medical and dental plans, employer paid life and disability insurance, retirement benefits, generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays), and tuition benefits such as no cost undergraduate and graduate degree programs for its employees (with no wait period) and no cost undergraduate degree programs for its employees’ dependents (after completing the required years of service).

Posting Information

Application Open Date

Application Open Date 06/02/2025

Application Close Date

Application Close Date 08/15/2025

Application Open To

Application Open To Internal and External Applicants

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

Cover Letter/Letter of Interest

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1900 W. Olney Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19141