Stephenson Dean, School of Data Science

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Virginia invites applications for the Stephenson Dean of the School of Data Science. The Dean will set a distinctive vision as AI reshapes research, education, and societal impact, and will integrate data science across disciplines to advance innovation and responsible practice.

This is a university-wide leadership role that emphasizes fundraising, partnerships with industry and government, and the development of career pathways for students, faculty, and collaborators while

Responsibilities

• Lead the School of Data Science in strategic planning and external partnerships.
• Advise on academic program alignment, faculty recruitment, and resource development.
• Shape research priorities and interdisciplinary collaboration across UVA and external partners.

Job description

The University of Virginia’s School of Data Science seeks a visionary, strategic, and entrepreneurial leader to serve as its next Stephenson Dean and guide the School’s continued growth and impact in a rapidly evolving field.

Established as the nation’s first standalone school of data science, the School of Data Science was founded to advance discovery and apply data science for societal benefit. Designed as a “school without walls,” it connects expertise in statistics, computer science, mathematics, engineering, the social sciences and humanities, policy, and other fields. Its undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs prepare students to combine technical rigor with sound judgment and responsible practice.

The School is entering a new phase as artificial intelligence transforms the ways people conduct research, make decisions, and use data. The next Dean will define a distinctive vision for the School within this rapidly changing landscape. This leader will reinforce the foundational role of data science in the development and responsible application of AI while bringing together disciplines across the University to advance technical innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The next Dean will expand the School’s research ambition and influence, supporting work that brings data science to bear on challenges in health, science, climate, and society. The Dean will also build stronger connections with industry, frontier AI labs and AI tooling providers, and other research partners. These relationships will create opportunities for collaborative discovery, experiential learning, and career pathways for students while establishing the School as a national voice in the field.

As the School grows, the Dean will align academic programs, faculty recruitment, enrollment, infrastructure, and resources with its long-term goals. The Dean will support excellence in teaching and research while developing the people and systems needed for a growing academic enterprise. Fundraising and partnerships with alumni, donors, foundations, government, and industry will be essential to strengthening the School’s long-term financial sustainability and extending its impact.

The successful candidate will be a respected intellectual leader with the breadth and credibility to lead an interdisciplinary school of data science. Candidates from the academy should have a record of publication, teaching, service, and impact that meets the standards for appointment as a full professor with tenure at UVA. Candidates from outside the academy should be able to demonstrate appreciation for the importance of engaged research and an aptitude to advance impactful scholarship.

The University of Virginia will be assisted by Jackie Zavitz, Meghan Ashbrock, and Taylor Hayden of Heidrick & Struggles, Inc.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.