Dean, School of Divinity

Founded in 1834, Wake Forest University is a private university located in Winston-Salem, N.C., with more than 8,000 students. Wake Forest is a vibrant and diverse academic community in which students pursue learning in one or more of the 45 majors, 60 minors and more than 50 degree programs offered across the undergraduate college, graduate school, and professional schools of business, divinity, law, and medicine.

Wake Forest University School of Divinity is a graduate, professional school that is Christian by tradition, Baptist in heritage, and ecumenical in outlook. Consistent with Wake Forest’s commitment to academic excellence and in the spirit of the University motto, Pro Humanitate, the School of Divinity prepares leaders informed by a theological understanding of vocation. With current enrollment of ~125 students, the Master of Divinity (MDiv) program encourages students to explore the rich histories and traditions of Christianity, to understand the fast-evolving social and religious landscapes of North Carolina, the U.S., and the world, and to gain awareness and practical experience of the issues facing churches in their local and global contexts. For five consecutive years, the Divinity School has been selected as one of the “Seminaries that Change the World” by the Center for Faith and Service.

Reporting directly to the Provost, the Dean will provide leadership for the academic enterprise of the School of Divinity and play a critical role in charting the course for the school and its distinctive identity going forward. This Dean will help deepen and extend the School’s vibrant community of faith, learning and practice that draws faculty, staff, students and others to its essential mission. Through the Dean’s Council and partnerships across campus, the Dean will join a strong and dynamic leadership team at Wake Forest that is focused on advancing the University forward.

Qualified candidates should have a sterling record of successful leadership in a complex environment, working effectively with a range of constituencies.  The Dean will have demonstrated success in recruiting and developing faculty and staff as well as the ability to attract resources to support of a School.  Stellar communication and relationship-building skills will be paramount.  This individual should also have strong academic credentials and a record of scholarly achievement in theological education.

Initial screening of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Review of applications will begin immediately. Wake Forest University will be assisted by Ellen Brown Landers and Tracie Smith of Heidrick & Struggles, Inc. Nominations and applications should be directed to:

Wake Forest University Divinity Dean Search

Heidrick & Struggles, Inc.

1180 Peachtree Street, NE, Suite 2250

Atlanta, GA 30309

wfudivdean@heidrick.com

Wake Forest is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages applications from minority and female candidates.