Dean of the College of Fine Arts

About the role

The Dean of the College of Fine Arts reports to the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and serves on the Council of Academic Deans. As the chief academic and administrative officer, the Dean provides strategic leadership across academic programs, research and creative activities, performance and exhibition spaces, and the community of faculty, staff, and students. The Dean will articulate a compelling and sustainable vision for the College; support excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity; oversee financial, human, and physical resources; recruit and retain outstanding faculty and staff; and serve as the College's chief advocate and fundraiser. Key priorities include addressing aging and capacity‑constrained facilities; strengthening support for faculty research and creative activity; expanding philanthropic support; and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, including emerging opportunities at the intersection of arts and health. The Dean will be a visible advocate for the arts within the University and throughout Salt Lake City and Utah, strengthening the College's relationships, reputation, reach, and impact. Location: Salt Lake City, Utah.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across academic programs, research and creative activities, performance and exhibition spaces, and the faculty/staff/student community.
• Articulate a compelling and sustainable vision for the College.
• Support excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity.
• Oversee financial, human, and physical resources.
• Recruit and retain outstanding faculty and staff.
• Serve as the College's chief advocate and fundraiser.
• Address aging and capacity‑constrained facilities.
• Strengthen support for faculty research and creative activity.
• Expand philanthropic support.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration, including opportunities at the intersection of arts and health.
• Act as a visible advocate for the arts within the University and throughout Salt Lake City and Utah.

Qualifications

• A terminal degree or equivalent professional accomplishment in an arts‑related discipline, with a record appropriate for appointment as a tenured professor in the College.
• Significant academic leadership and administrative experience, including strategic planning, budget and resource management, personnel management, and organizational change.
• A strong understanding of the distinctive academic, creative, research, performance, production, and facilities needs of arts disciplines.
• A demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity.
• A record of effectively engaging faculty, staff, students, academic leaders, donors, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• A record of fostering a welcoming educational and professional environment for students, faculty, and staff from a range of backgrounds and experiences.
• A compelling vision for arts education, research, and creative practice within a public research university.
• A collaborative, transparent leadership style and ability to build trust and shared priorities.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, listening, and problem‑solving skills.
• Success advocating for resources and addressing complex facilities and space needs.
• Experience advancing research, scholarship, and creative activity.
• Success in fundraising, development, community engagement, and external relations.
• Ability to articulate the value of the arts to diverse audiences.
• Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration and new opportunities for the arts.
• An engaged leadership presence and enthusiasm for participating in the artistic and creative life of the College.