Dean, College of Humanities
Dean, College of Humanities
Our client is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as Dean of the College of Humanities. This role provides an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of humanities education, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and advance the mission and strategic goals of the institution. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a deep commitment to academic excellence, and the ability to inspire faculty, staff, and students across a diverse array of disciplines.
The Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the College, responsible for providing strategic vision, managing resources, cultivating external partnerships, and advocating for the humanities both within the institution and to a broader public. This position bridges the worlds of scholarly achievement and practical institutional leadership in ways that few roles in academia demand.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Vision
- Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the College of Humanities, ensuring alignment with the institution’s mission, values, and long-range strategic plan
- Lead initiatives to enhance academic excellence, faculty development, and student success across all programs within the college
- Develop and implement strategies to promote innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement within and beyond the college
- Represent the college within the university and to external stakeholders, advocating for its programs, faculty, and students at every level
Academic Administration and Curriculum
- Oversee academic programs, curricula, and assessment processes to ensure relevance, intellectual rigor, and compliance with accreditation standards
- Supervise department chairs and program directors, providing mentorship, accountability, and a collaborative framework for shared governance
- Support faculty in research, scholarship, creative activity, and the pursuit of grants and external recognition
- Lead or oversee periodic program reviews, new program development, and curricular innovation efforts across the college
Resource and Operational Management
- Manage the college’s budget, resources, and operations efficiently to support long-term growth, sustainability, and strategic priorities
- Advocate with institutional leadership for the resources, facilities, and staffing needed to sustain and grow the college’s programs
- Actively engage in fundraising, alumni relations, and external partnerships to secure financial support and expand opportunities for the college
Culture, Equity, and Community
- Foster a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and equity within the college, promoting an environment where all voices are valued and heard
- Build and maintain a collegial, transparent, and supportive environment for faculty, staff, and students
- Cultivate relationships with alumni, community partners, and external organizations to advance the college’s mission and visibility
Education, Experience, and Skills
Education and Experience
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex budgets, build external partnerships, and secure funding through grants and development efforts
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a proven ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and institutional leadership
- Commitment to fostering a student-centered learning environment and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across all college activities
- Demonstrated understanding of shared governance and the ability to work productively within faculty governance structures
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with program development, assessment, and accreditation processes in humanities disciplines
- A track record of successful fundraising, grant writing, and external engagement efforts on behalf of an academic unit
- Familiarity with current trends and challenges in higher education, particularly within the humanities including enrollment pressures and interdisciplinary program development
What We Are Looking For
A distinguished record of achievement in a humanities discipline that commands the respect of faculty and establishes the Dean as a genuine peer of the scholars they lead.
Ability to see across disciplinary boundaries and build connections between departments, programs, and institutions that expand the college’s intellectual reach and relevance.
Experience and comfort with fundraising, alumni engagement, grant development, and the cultivation of external partnerships that expand resources and visibility for the college.
Skill in recruiting, mentoring, retaining, and developing a diverse and high-achieving faculty community within the structures and expectations of a shared governance environment.
Capacity to translate institutional mission and emerging trends in higher education into actionable college-level strategies that are well-resourced, clearly communicated, and consistently executed.
Genuine commitment to building a college community defined by equity, belonging, and respect, with demonstrated results in advancing diversity among faculty, staff, and students.
- Scholarly Credibility: a distinguished record in a humanities discipline that commands faculty respect and establishes genuine peer standing
- Interdisciplinary Vision: ability to build connections across departments and institutions that expand the college’s reach and relevance
- Resource Development: experience with fundraising, alumni engagement, and grant development that expands college resources
- Faculty Leadership: skill in recruiting, mentoring, and developing a diverse faculty within shared governance structures
- Strategic Planning: capacity to translate institutional mission into actionable, well-resourced college-level strategies
- Inclusive Leadership: genuine commitment to equity and belonging with demonstrated results in faculty and student diversity
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package. The institution provides a supportive and collaborative campus environment with strong investment in the long-term success of its academic leadership.
Application Instructions
Excelon Associates is conducting this search on behalf of our client institution. All applications and nominations will be handled with complete confidentiality. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply promptly as review will begin immediately.
- Submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references through the Excelon Associates candidate portal
- Applications should highlight leadership accomplishments, commitment to the humanities, and a clear vision for advancing the mission of the College
- Selected candidates will be invited for a confidential conversation with the Excelon Associates search team
- Finalists will participate in campus visits including presentations and meetings with faculty, staff, students, and institutional leadership
For nominations or confidential inquiries, contact Excelon Associates at +1 (828) 417-7094 or via the Start a Search page.
For universities and institutions committed to advancing excellence in humanities education, Excelon Associates is your trusted recruitment partner for finding a Dean who will inspire scholars, steward resources, and lead the College of Humanities with vision and integrity.
Need to Hire a Dean for Your College of Humanities?
Excelon Associates recruits academic deans, provosts, and senior administrators for colleges and universities nationwide. Whether your goals are to strengthen humanities leadership, enhance student outcomes, or drive interdisciplinary innovation, we connect you with candidates who align with your mission and values. Headquartered in Asheville, NC. Retained search since 2007.