American University
Dean, School of Public Affairs
American University, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
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Dean, School of Public Affairs
role at
American University
1 week ago – Be among the first 25 applicants.
Job Description:
American University (AU) seeks an experienced, visionary, and strategic leader to serve as its next Dean of the School of Public Affairs (SPA). The new Dean will lead a nationally recognized public‑affairs school within a newly designated R1 institution, building on the university’s comprehensive reputation for excellence in teaching, research, and social impact. As part of AU’s leadership team—alongside President Jonathan Alger and Provost Vicky Wilkins—the Dean will elevate SPA’s national and international profile by advancing its research agenda, fostering innovative public‑affairs education, and supporting community outreach and public influence.
American University is a student‑centered research institution in Washington, DC, with a history of impact‑driven scholarship and teaching. In the last five years, AU has doubled research funding, launched new endowed faculty positions, and established multiple centers and institutes that incubate innovative ideas. SPA, the top‑ranked public‑affairs school in DC, trains the next generation of civic and academic leaders through diverse undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. With Washington, DC as its laboratory, SPA promotes a culture of innovation where faculty conduct cutting‑edge research that bridges academia and policy, shaping public understanding of pressing challenges.
As SPA’s chief academic and administrative officer, the Dean provides intellectual leadership to faculty, students, and staff, and leads planning, program development, fundraising, administration, and personnel efforts to sustain excellence. Reporting to the provost and serving on the President’s and Deans’ Councils, the Dean collaborates with AU leadership, other deans, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to advance the university and the school, build visibility, reputation, philanthropic support, and revenue.
Location & Status:
Washington, DC | Full‑time | Exempt
Salary Range:
$325,000 – $375,000. The President and Board of Trustees reserve the final determination of the selected candidate’s actual pay, considering experience and qualifications.
To Apply:
To view the complete job description and submit your application, please visit
https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/american-university-school-public-affairs/dean . All applications must include a resume or curriculum vitae and cover letter. Isaacson, Miller is managing this search and all applications must be submitted through their website.
Benefits:
200% matching retirement plan
Tuition benefits for full‑time staff and families
Leadership development certificates
Recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit‑friendly worksite
Other Details:
Background check required for hire.
Employees must work in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, or on‑site at the university.
This announcement is not a comprehensive listing of duties; responsibilities may change without notice.
American University is an E‑Verify employer.
Current American University Employees:
Current employees must apply through their Workday account. Log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report to view internal listings.
Contact Us:
For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
American University is an equal‑opportunity, affirmative action institution that complies with applicable laws and regulations. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, genetic information, or any other bases under federal or local laws (“Protected Bases”) in our programs and activities.
Seniority Level:
Executive
Employment Type:
Full‑time
Job Function:
Education and Training
Industries:
Higher Education
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Dean, School of Public Affairs
role at
American University
1 week ago – Be among the first 25 applicants.
Job Description:
American University (AU) seeks an experienced, visionary, and strategic leader to serve as its next Dean of the School of Public Affairs (SPA). The new Dean will lead a nationally recognized public‑affairs school within a newly designated R1 institution, building on the university’s comprehensive reputation for excellence in teaching, research, and social impact. As part of AU’s leadership team—alongside President Jonathan Alger and Provost Vicky Wilkins—the Dean will elevate SPA’s national and international profile by advancing its research agenda, fostering innovative public‑affairs education, and supporting community outreach and public influence.
American University is a student‑centered research institution in Washington, DC, with a history of impact‑driven scholarship and teaching. In the last five years, AU has doubled research funding, launched new endowed faculty positions, and established multiple centers and institutes that incubate innovative ideas. SPA, the top‑ranked public‑affairs school in DC, trains the next generation of civic and academic leaders through diverse undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. With Washington, DC as its laboratory, SPA promotes a culture of innovation where faculty conduct cutting‑edge research that bridges academia and policy, shaping public understanding of pressing challenges.
As SPA’s chief academic and administrative officer, the Dean provides intellectual leadership to faculty, students, and staff, and leads planning, program development, fundraising, administration, and personnel efforts to sustain excellence. Reporting to the provost and serving on the President’s and Deans’ Councils, the Dean collaborates with AU leadership, other deans, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to advance the university and the school, build visibility, reputation, philanthropic support, and revenue.
Location & Status:
Washington, DC | Full‑time | Exempt
Salary Range:
$325,000 – $375,000. The President and Board of Trustees reserve the final determination of the selected candidate’s actual pay, considering experience and qualifications.
To Apply:
To view the complete job description and submit your application, please visit
https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/american-university-school-public-affairs/dean . All applications must include a resume or curriculum vitae and cover letter. Isaacson, Miller is managing this search and all applications must be submitted through their website.
Benefits:
200% matching retirement plan
Tuition benefits for full‑time staff and families
Leadership development certificates
Recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit‑friendly worksite
Other Details:
Background check required for hire.
Employees must work in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, or on‑site at the university.
This announcement is not a comprehensive listing of duties; responsibilities may change without notice.
American University is an E‑Verify employer.
Current American University Employees:
Current employees must apply through their Workday account. Log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report to view internal listings.
Contact Us:
For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
American University is an equal‑opportunity, affirmative action institution that complies with applicable laws and regulations. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, genetic information, or any other bases under federal or local laws (“Protected Bases”) in our programs and activities.
Seniority Level:
Executive
Employment Type:
Full‑time
Job Function:
Education and Training
Industries:
Higher Education
#J-18808-Ljbffr