Dean of Faculty and Vice President of Academic Affairs

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) seeks an academic leader to serve as its next Dean of Faculty and Vice President of Academic Affairs ("dean of faculty").

Located in the heart of Chicago, a city defined by its rich diversity, distinctive architecture, and renowned public art, SAIC is one of the largest and most esteemed independent schools of art and design in the country, enrolling 3,685 degree-seeking students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The Art Institute of Chicago contains both a world-class fine arts museum and a leading college of art and design, the latter of which is distinguished by its multidisciplinary approach to arts education. Cultivating creativity and innovation, SAIC’s faculty, students, and alums extend the School’s influence on contemporary art and design throughout the United States and around the world.

Reporting directly to the provost, the successful candidate will be responsible for developing and articulating a compelling vision of education at SAIC, and championing this vision to key constituencies at the local and global level. The dean will oversee the quality and coordination of SAIC’s academic programs, research and professional practice activities, faculty diversity and inclusion efforts, and related administrative operations, in pursuit of maintaining SAIC’s high standards of teaching, scholarship, and creative production.

The new dean will recruit, support, and advocate for faculty, collaborating with colleagues to develop new curricular opportunities and faculty enrichment. They will sustain a productive educational environment that engages the interests of faculty, students, alums, and partners within and beyond the institution. In addition, the successful candidate should have significant administrative experience and demonstrate innovative thinking, an inclusive approach to academic leadership, and a strong record of achievement meriting a tenured appointment as a full professor in a field related to one or more of SAIC’s departments.

Confidential inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited and may be directed to Dennis Barden, Elizabeth Bohan and Breanna Liddell, the WittKieffer consultants supporting this search, at SAICDean@wittkieffer.com. For formal consideration, applicants should submit a CV and cover letter in response to the leadership opportunities and qualifications described within the comprehensive leadership profile. For fullest consideration, application materials should be received by  January 3, 2020.

 

The Art Institute of Chicago is an equal opportunity, equal access employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce.