Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Portland State University
Position Announcement Position Details Proposed Start Date 08/01/2025 Classification Title Executive / Chief Officers Rank A - Professor Working Title Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Department 220101 - LAS Dean's Office Position Number D99031 Representation UX - Unclassified Excluded Renewable Renewable End date, if applicable Position FTE 1.0 Tenure Status I - Indefinite Tenure Position Summary Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept Portland State University is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities. Our mission to “let knowledge serve the city” reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action — in Portland and around the world. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene and hands-on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners.
More than 27,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree-lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state-of-the-art science labs. We are proud of our world-class faculty, groundbreaking research and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement and innovation.
Position Summary The Dean is the chief academic and administrative officer and provides leadership to The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (CLAS). Reporting directly to the Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs, the Dean works collaboratively both within CLAS and across other colleges to create a unified vision for the College and to provide strategic leadership to advance its overall quality, reputation, stature, and goals.
The Dean oversees teaching, research, and service missions; coordinates the faculty in developing academic policy and programs for the College; oversees the personnel, budget, and curriculum for all academic programs; and advocates for the college among external constituents, including business partners, the senior administrative team and the Academic Leadership Team. Positions reporting to the Dean include Department Chairs and Directors of Centers, Institutes, and Programs, as well as Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Associate Dean for Faculty and Professional Staff, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Engagement and Dean’s Office staff.
CLAS plays an important role in advancing the University’s campus wide initiatives, particularly with regard to student success, sustainability and diversity. The next Dean of CLAS will have a meaningful opportunity to position the College as a fully engaged partner in campus-wide efforts to live out our vision as a national leader for social mobility through higher education, a model for serving minoritized learners, and a driving force for Portland’s success. Minimum Qualifications Position requirements include: An earned doctorate in an area related to one of the College’s disciplines, and a record of recognized research, scholarship, and teaching accomplishments sufficient to merit a tenured appointment as a full professor. 10 years of professional academic experience. This will include a minimum of 5 years of prior experience in a leadership role (such as associate dean, dean, or equivalent) with a demonstrated ability to manage teams and drive academic initiatives. Demonstrated ability to develop and articulate a compelling vision that: 1) excites, attracts, and retains high-quality faculty and students, 2) attracts capital, and 3) drives resource management decision-making. Demonstrated success in fundraising and/or securing external support. Outstanding oral and written communication: Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences, including faculty, students, staff, alumni, and external stakeholders. Experience improving the efficiency and effectiveness of organizations. Experience in managing financial and human resources and a demonstrated success in fiscal planning and management of complex budgets in environments with limited resources. Ability to allocate resources and empower entrepreneurialism with a high level of transparency and fairness. Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the capacity to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously. Demonstrated capacity to create and develop a cadre of leadership and work effectively with peer leaders. Proven ability to foster shared governance, transparency in decision-making, and openness to collaborative relationships with campus stakeholder groups. Demonstrated track record of effectively engaging governmental organizations and collaborating with diverse communities both internal and external to academic institutions locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. Commitment to the College’s role in addressing critical policy and social issues. A commitment to creating and nurturing a distinguished and diverse faculty. Commitment to applied, professional, interdisciplinary, and community-based education and scholarship. Demonstrated experience with personnel development and decision-making. Preferred Qualifications Experience serving as a Dean or in a similarly situated Higher Education Executive or Chief Officer role. Experience leading and working within a unionized environment and with collective bargaining agreements. Experience developing research programs that address important societal issues and that contribute to the economic vitality of the city and the state. A clear understanding of leading-edge methods and technologies to support a large public college. Key Cultural Competencies Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences. Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds. Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement. Adhere to all of PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct. Environmental Stewardship Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals. Work Days/Hours 8am - 5pm Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement The starting annual salary rate for this position will be dependent upon qualifications and experience / competitive with an excellent benefits package including 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools. Application Instructions Additional Information Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.) Apply here
Confidential review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed as they come in. Those received by April 1st, 2025 will be given first consideration.
Applicants must submit a CV, a letter of interest that details their related qualifications and vision for the role, as well as a statement (one page maximum) that describes their commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion personally and/or professionally.
For more information or to offer recommendations or nominations:
Caitlin Hummel
Senior Consultant
Summit Search Solutions, Inc.
(585) 880-7550
chummel@summitsearchsolutions.com Summit Search Solutions Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle? No Background Check Required Yes Position End Date (if applicable) If you have questions Search Details Posting Close Date Projected Close Date for Posting Open Until Filled Application screening begins Quick Link https://jobs.hrc.pdx.edu/postings/46987 Supplemental Questions
More than 27,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree-lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state-of-the-art science labs. We are proud of our world-class faculty, groundbreaking research and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement and innovation.
Position Summary The Dean is the chief academic and administrative officer and provides leadership to The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (CLAS). Reporting directly to the Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs, the Dean works collaboratively both within CLAS and across other colleges to create a unified vision for the College and to provide strategic leadership to advance its overall quality, reputation, stature, and goals.
The Dean oversees teaching, research, and service missions; coordinates the faculty in developing academic policy and programs for the College; oversees the personnel, budget, and curriculum for all academic programs; and advocates for the college among external constituents, including business partners, the senior administrative team and the Academic Leadership Team. Positions reporting to the Dean include Department Chairs and Directors of Centers, Institutes, and Programs, as well as Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Associate Dean for Faculty and Professional Staff, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Engagement and Dean’s Office staff.
CLAS plays an important role in advancing the University’s campus wide initiatives, particularly with regard to student success, sustainability and diversity. The next Dean of CLAS will have a meaningful opportunity to position the College as a fully engaged partner in campus-wide efforts to live out our vision as a national leader for social mobility through higher education, a model for serving minoritized learners, and a driving force for Portland’s success. Minimum Qualifications Position requirements include: An earned doctorate in an area related to one of the College’s disciplines, and a record of recognized research, scholarship, and teaching accomplishments sufficient to merit a tenured appointment as a full professor. 10 years of professional academic experience. This will include a minimum of 5 years of prior experience in a leadership role (such as associate dean, dean, or equivalent) with a demonstrated ability to manage teams and drive academic initiatives. Demonstrated ability to develop and articulate a compelling vision that: 1) excites, attracts, and retains high-quality faculty and students, 2) attracts capital, and 3) drives resource management decision-making. Demonstrated success in fundraising and/or securing external support. Outstanding oral and written communication: Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences, including faculty, students, staff, alumni, and external stakeholders. Experience improving the efficiency and effectiveness of organizations. Experience in managing financial and human resources and a demonstrated success in fiscal planning and management of complex budgets in environments with limited resources. Ability to allocate resources and empower entrepreneurialism with a high level of transparency and fairness. Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the capacity to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously. Demonstrated capacity to create and develop a cadre of leadership and work effectively with peer leaders. Proven ability to foster shared governance, transparency in decision-making, and openness to collaborative relationships with campus stakeholder groups. Demonstrated track record of effectively engaging governmental organizations and collaborating with diverse communities both internal and external to academic institutions locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. Commitment to the College’s role in addressing critical policy and social issues. A commitment to creating and nurturing a distinguished and diverse faculty. Commitment to applied, professional, interdisciplinary, and community-based education and scholarship. Demonstrated experience with personnel development and decision-making. Preferred Qualifications Experience serving as a Dean or in a similarly situated Higher Education Executive or Chief Officer role. Experience leading and working within a unionized environment and with collective bargaining agreements. Experience developing research programs that address important societal issues and that contribute to the economic vitality of the city and the state. A clear understanding of leading-edge methods and technologies to support a large public college. Key Cultural Competencies Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences. Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds. Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement. Adhere to all of PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct. Environmental Stewardship Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals. Work Days/Hours 8am - 5pm Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement The starting annual salary rate for this position will be dependent upon qualifications and experience / competitive with an excellent benefits package including 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools. Application Instructions Additional Information Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.) Apply here
Confidential review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed as they come in. Those received by April 1st, 2025 will be given first consideration.
Applicants must submit a CV, a letter of interest that details their related qualifications and vision for the role, as well as a statement (one page maximum) that describes their commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion personally and/or professionally.
For more information or to offer recommendations or nominations:
Caitlin Hummel
Senior Consultant
Summit Search Solutions, Inc.
(585) 880-7550
chummel@summitsearchsolutions.com Summit Search Solutions Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle? No Background Check Required Yes Position End Date (if applicable) If you have questions Search Details Posting Close Date Projected Close Date for Posting Open Until Filled Application screening begins Quick Link https://jobs.hrc.pdx.edu/postings/46987 Supplemental Questions
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