Dean - South Carolina School of the Arts

Anderson University; Anderson (SC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Anderson University in Anderson, South Carolina, seeks a full-time, twelve-month Dean for the South Carolina School of the Arts (SCSA) to drive strategic vision, scholarly excellence, and professional outcomes within a Christian university context.

The Dean will guide academic leadership, curriculum development, accreditation processes, and external relations while promoting collaboration across Art & Design, Theatre & Dance, and Music.

Qualifications

• Must possess an earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited university in a field relevant to the arts.
• Credentials and professional activity that qualify the candidate for the rank of Associate Professor or above.
• Significant arts leadership experience or equivalent leadership within higher education administration.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership for the continued evolution of SCSA toward a professional conservatory of the arts with emphasis on studio training and professional preparedness.
• Lead development of a professional, studio‑intensive curriculum, field experiences, and technological resources across all three departments.
• Recruit, develop, and mentor faculty who are accomplished practicing artists and professionals in their fields.
• Support departmental chairs in academic planning and curriculum development.
• Oversee accreditation processes and ensure compliance with institutional and external standards.

Skills

Visionary leadership

Higher education leadership

Fundraising

Academic program management

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Education

Earned doctorate or terminal degree in arts field

Eligibility for Associate Professor or higher

Job description

Anderson University and itsSouth Carolina School of the Arts (SCSA)invite applications for a full-time, twelve-monthposition as Dean. The South Carolina School of the Arts is a dynamic and innovative academic unit with a clear and intentional vision: to be apreeminentprofessionalconservatory of the artswithin a Christian university context. We seek a visionary and entrepreneurial leader who will be a driving force in this continued transformation.

SCSA serves a diverse student body with degrees andprograms in the visual andperforming arts through the Conservatory of Music and two departments Art & Design and Theatre & Dance. With over 350 students, SCSA maintains specialized accreditation with NASAD, NASM, and NAST, ensuring the highest standards ofprofessional training across allprograms. Anderson University is an innovative,premier comprehensive entrepreneurial university affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention that accepts academically qualified students. It is a level VI institution regionally accredited by The Commission offering bachelors, master's and doctoral degreeprograms. The university seeks accomplished qualified candidates with a strong traditional Christian lifestyle, values, and a commitment to the integration of faith and learning and the development of traditionalpersonal virtues.

We offer both academic andprofessional degreeprograms. Weprepare students for the modern creative landscape, not just for the traditional fine arts. We believe in integratingprofessional training in contemporary fields like commercial music and theatrical design andproduction alongside our classicalprograms.

The successful candidate mustpossess an earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited university in a field relevant to the arts, with credentials andprofessional activity that qualifies the candidate for the rank of AssociateProfessor or above. Significant arts leadershipexperience or equivalent leadershipwithin higher education administration is required, along with demonstrated expertise in academicprogram management and faculty development. The candidate must demonstrate a commitment to work in a collaborative and cooperative manner in support of the mission, vision, and values of Anderson University, with a strong traditional Christian faith commitment and ability to integrate faith and learning in a scholarly, respected academic arts environment.

The university isparticularly committed to developing graduates for theprofessions. Anderson'sprofile is expanding,particularly in impressive student outcomes and its reputation as one of the South'spremier arts schools. SCSA is defined by a culture of rigorous, studio-intensivetraining, performance excellence, and professional preparedness. The Dean will not only embrace this distinction but also strengthen and further developit, ensuring our students areprepared to enter the highest levels of theirprofessions.

Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, are essential, as are a high level of emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills. Theposition requires a demonstrated ability to work effectively with talented faculty, fostering an environment where they can thrive and growprofessionally. The candidate must be able to think strategically and work collaboratively with Enrollment, Marketing, and the Academic Leadershipteam.

The ideal candidate will haveprevious experience in higher education leadershipat the dean or associate dean level, along with a record of successful leadershipin thoseprevious roles. Experience with accreditationprocesses and compliance requirements is highly valued, as is a proven track record in fundraising and external relationshipbuilding.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Leadership:

• Provide visionary leadershipfor the continued evolution of SCSA toward aprofessional conservatory of the arts, with an emphasis on rigorous studio training,performance excellence, andprofessionalpreparedness.
• Lead the development of aprofessional, studio-intensive curriculum, field experiences, and technological resources across all three departments.
• Recruit, develop, and mentor faculty who are also accomplishedpracticing artists andprofessionals in their fields.
• Support departmental chairs in academicplanning and curriculum development.
• Oversee accreditationprocesses and ensure compliance with institutional and external standards.

StrategicPlanning and Administration:

• Activeparticipant on theProvost’s Cabinet and the Academic LeadershipTeam.
• Manage SCSA’s budget and financial resources.
• Provide a vision and clear goals for SCSA’s future internally and externally.
• Lead implementation of university strategicplan initiatives within SCSA.
• Support student retention, experience, and success across all SCSAprograms.
• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and creativity.

Enrollment and External Relations:

• Partner with the Office of Enrollment Management in admission and recruitment efforts, ultimately being accountable for SCSA's enrollment.
• Partner with the Office of Marketing & Communication in outreach initiatives for SCSAprogramming and events.
• Forge and strengthenpartnerships withprofessional arts organizations and industry leaders to create careerpathways andprofessional opportunities for students.
• Participate in fundraising forprioritized SCSA interests and strategic initiatives.
• Represent Anderson University and SCSA atprofessional conferences and community events.

About our Commitment to Fairness in Employment

Anderson University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, religion, genetic information, pregnancy orchildbirth, veteran or military status, or anyother basis on which the University is prohibited from discrimination under local, state, or federal law, in its employment or in the provision of its services, including but not limited to its programs and activities, admissions, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other University-administered programs.

As a Christian institution of higher education, Anderson University is entitled to certain religious accommodations under federal and state law, including Title IX of the Education Amendments Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. For questions or concerns contact the Office of Human Resources at [e-mail].