Director, School of Art

Director, School of Art

Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts

Arizona State University

Tempe, Arizona

 

THE SEARCH

The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts and Arizona State University (ASU) seek a Director of The School of Art. The director will provide innovative, aspirational leadership for the school’s vital participation in ASU’s vision for a New American University: a reinvention of higher education in which artists and arts-based inquiry are core values within the nation’s largest public university and global research institution. The director will lead a progressive school that is positioned to prepare a new generation of artists, art historians, and educators from diverse backgrounds to succeed, using their creative capacities to advance culture, build community and imaginatively address the most pressing challenges of today.

 

THE DIRECTOR

ASU, the Herberger Institute, and the School of Art seek a visionary director with a broad perspective and record of innovative thought and creation. The new director will lead faculty and students in shaping the future of artistic and scholarly work through inventive curricula, field-defining research, and globally renowned programs. We seek an individual who recognizes the complexity of the School of Art enterprise, understands and value the finest emerging scholarship and creative work in a wide range of fields represented in the school, and who can  engage with the community, the Institute, and the University in common purpose. This inspirational leader will have demonstrated success in mentorship and professional development of emerging artists and scholars and a zest for promoting research, creative work, and collaboration.

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

•     Advanced degree in an appropriate discipline; or equal or equivalent distinguished academic or professional experience;

•     Demonstrated scholarly, creative, or professional accomplishment that is recognized nationally and internationally;

•     Demonstrated administrative ability coupled with the ability to delegate, prioritize and make timely, transparent and well-considered decisions.

 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

•     Understanding and appreciation of excellence in the diverse disciplines represented in the School of Art, and sensitivity to the unique needs of a diverse community of practicing professionals;

•    Demonstrated support for traditional and emerging technologies and the development of leading edge curricula;

•     Significant administrative experience in a complex organizational setting;

•     Experience as a leader with skill in collaborative practice;

•     Ability to articulate the importance of the arts and art education;

•     An informed grasp of key issues affecting faculty recruitment, retention, and promotion; and scholarly productivity;

•     Zest for catalyzing research;

•     Experience in staff recruitment and development;

•     Demonstrated ability for mentorship and professional development of emerging artists and/or scholars, including undergraduate and graduate students;

•     Experience in fiscal planning and development activities;

•     Excellent oral and written communication skills;

•     Willingness to circulate widely, communicate openly, listen well and learn from others;

•     Creativity, flexibility, tenacity, optimism, and high energy level.

 

The director reports directly to the dean of the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, and is one of six directors in the Herberger Institute leadership team.  This position is a full-time, 12-month academic administrative appointment with a preferred starting date of July 1, 2017.

 

TO APPLY

The national executive search firm, Isaacson, Miller has been hired to assist with this search. All inquiries and nominations should be directed to them. Review of applications will begin immediately and the position will remain open until filled. For best consideration, please submit materials by January 20, 2017. Confidential inquiries, nominations or applications (a curriculum vitae and a letter of interest that is responsive to the challenges above), should be submitted electronically to:

 

Ben Tobin or Julie Yermack

Isaacson, Miller

263 Summer Street

Boston, MA 02210

617-262-6500

www.imsearch.com/5965 

Arizona State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions, which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. See ASU's complete non-discrimination statement at asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html. See ASU’s Title IX policy at asu.edu/titleIX.