Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Job Summary
Worcester Polytechnic Institute invites nominations and applications for the position of Peterson Family Dean, School of Arts & Sciences. This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary leader to advance interdisciplinary education and research at a premier technological university known for its distinctive project-based learning model.
Job Title
Dean of Arts & Sciences
Location
Worcester
Department
Provost Office
Responsibilities Develop and advance a strategic vision that positions the School of Arts & Sciences as a national leader in interdisciplinary education, leveraging the School's substantial research portfolio and the university's Carnegie R1 research status
Lead seven academic departments (Mathematical Sciences, Computer Science, Biology & Biotechnology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Physics, Social Science & Policy Studies, and Humanities & Arts) with oversight of faculty development, resource allocation, and program quality
Strengthen and expand the research enterprise by supporting faculty in securing competitive external funding, developing strategic research clusters, and establishing partnerships that increase research impact
Support faculty and staff excellence by serving as an advocate and champion for recruitment, retention, and advancement, supporting belonging, well-being, and community
Lead collaborative efforts and innovation as a member of the Provost's Council and President's leadership team, contributing to university-wide strategic initiatives while advocating for the School's distinctive mission
Drive interdisciplinary education and research that prepares graduates to address complex global challenges requiring both technical expertise and understanding of societal impact
Build strategic partnerships with industry leaders, international institutions, and community organizations that enhance research opportunities, student experiences, and raise the School's national profile
Champion academic program innovation by working with faculty to develop new programs that anticipate future demands while maintaining disciplinary foundations
Provide strategic and operational leadership for one of WPI's most academically diverse and research-productive units, with responsibility for substantial budget management and external representation
Advance the School's central role in WPI's distinctive project-based learning model, ensuring Arts & Sciences programs effectively support experiential learning through interdisciplinary projects that connect science and technology to societal challenges. Support capstone experiences that provide discipline-specific research opportunities while connecting student learning directly to faculty scholarship and real-world problem solving
Qualifications Doctoral degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field with a record of scholarship appropriate for a tenured professor appointment at WPI
A minimum of 5 years of experience as department head, chair, associate dean, or dean with proven success in higher education administration
Strong experience in strategic planning, change management, team building, and budget management with substantial financial oversight experience
Experience in STEM disciplines with understanding of interdisciplinary collaboration and research university operations, preferably at R1 institutions
Proven external funding success in securing grants, partnerships, and industry collaborations with experience in academic program development
A strategic vision with the ability to discern trends, position the school for future success, and lead with a collaborative style and data-driven approach
Excellent communication skills with outstanding written and verbal abilities, ability to work effectively with diverse communities, and professional presence suitable for senior leadership
An innovation-focused approach with willingness to take calculated risks and commitment to the highest standards of personal and professional integrity
FLSA Status
United States of America (Exempt)
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.
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Worcester Polytechnic Institute invites nominations and applications for the position of Peterson Family Dean, School of Arts & Sciences. This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary leader to advance interdisciplinary education and research at a premier technological university known for its distinctive project-based learning model.
Job Title
Dean of Arts & Sciences
Location
Worcester
Department
Provost Office
Responsibilities Develop and advance a strategic vision that positions the School of Arts & Sciences as a national leader in interdisciplinary education, leveraging the School's substantial research portfolio and the university's Carnegie R1 research status
Lead seven academic departments (Mathematical Sciences, Computer Science, Biology & Biotechnology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Physics, Social Science & Policy Studies, and Humanities & Arts) with oversight of faculty development, resource allocation, and program quality
Strengthen and expand the research enterprise by supporting faculty in securing competitive external funding, developing strategic research clusters, and establishing partnerships that increase research impact
Support faculty and staff excellence by serving as an advocate and champion for recruitment, retention, and advancement, supporting belonging, well-being, and community
Lead collaborative efforts and innovation as a member of the Provost's Council and President's leadership team, contributing to university-wide strategic initiatives while advocating for the School's distinctive mission
Drive interdisciplinary education and research that prepares graduates to address complex global challenges requiring both technical expertise and understanding of societal impact
Build strategic partnerships with industry leaders, international institutions, and community organizations that enhance research opportunities, student experiences, and raise the School's national profile
Champion academic program innovation by working with faculty to develop new programs that anticipate future demands while maintaining disciplinary foundations
Provide strategic and operational leadership for one of WPI's most academically diverse and research-productive units, with responsibility for substantial budget management and external representation
Advance the School's central role in WPI's distinctive project-based learning model, ensuring Arts & Sciences programs effectively support experiential learning through interdisciplinary projects that connect science and technology to societal challenges. Support capstone experiences that provide discipline-specific research opportunities while connecting student learning directly to faculty scholarship and real-world problem solving
Qualifications Doctoral degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field with a record of scholarship appropriate for a tenured professor appointment at WPI
A minimum of 5 years of experience as department head, chair, associate dean, or dean with proven success in higher education administration
Strong experience in strategic planning, change management, team building, and budget management with substantial financial oversight experience
Experience in STEM disciplines with understanding of interdisciplinary collaboration and research university operations, preferably at R1 institutions
Proven external funding success in securing grants, partnerships, and industry collaborations with experience in academic program development
A strategic vision with the ability to discern trends, position the school for future success, and lead with a collaborative style and data-driven approach
Excellent communication skills with outstanding written and verbal abilities, ability to work effectively with diverse communities, and professional presence suitable for senior leadership
An innovation-focused approach with willingness to take calculated risks and commitment to the highest standards of personal and professional integrity
FLSA Status
United States of America (Exempt)
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.
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