Dean, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

The University of Southern California (USC), one of the world’s leading private research universities, seeks a strategic, bold, and dynamic leader to serve as the next Dean of the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences (USC Dornsife). USC Dornsife is USC’s largest and most academically diverse unit, serving as the University’s academic and intellectual core. The Dean will have the opportunity to affirm the value of the liberal arts, and of higher education generally, as keys to strengthening our democracy and ensuring the nation’s future prosperity. In collaboration with a strong and experienced leadership team, faculty, and staff, the Dean will leverage this conversation to advance a vibrant and diverse academic community that is committed to excellence and innovation, strengthening USC Dornsife’s visibility and impact and promoting its vital role in the future health of the University.

The College offers a broad and diverse range of nearly 190 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in 37 academic departments across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, and has over 900 faculty members who are some of the most celebrated and accomplished scholars in the world. With a research enterprise totaling over $119 million in annual expenditures comprised of 362 federal awards and 985 active grants, USC Dornsife’s world-renowned faculty continue to push the boundaries of knowledge by cultivating groundbreaking research and fostering interdisciplinary connections. These efforts not only shape USC’s reputation as a top-tier research institution, but also prepare its students to make meaningful contributions across diverse fields. The College is supported by more than 900 dedicated staff members whose excellence, alongside that of the College’s faculty, contribute to its dynamic environment. USC Dornsife’s excellence attracts over 9,900 of the world’s most talented undergraduate and graduate students, offering a distinct, 21st-century liberal arts education, infused with the West Coast, entrepreneurial spirit.

Founded by civic leaders in 1880 during California’s rise to prominence, USC has long been a pioneering institution with diversity, discovery, and exploration at its heart. Its aspirations and embrace were as expansive as the region it grew to represent. Since opening its doors, USC has pursued a path of breaking boundaries and transcending its own geography, which has put it on an impressive trajectory. Today, with a budget of $7.4 billion, $1.04 billion in sponsored research, and over $8 billion in economic impact across the region and state annually, USC has established itself as an anchor institution in Los Angeles; a global center for arts, technology, and international business; and a leading research university, distinguished by its unique, nimble, and inventive culture. In April 2022, President Carol Folt outlined a bold set of “moonshot” initiatives focused on: expanding health sciences across disciplines (Health Sciences 3.0), driving computing innovation (Frontiers of Computing), enhancing accessibility and affordability to attract top talent (USC Competes), sustainability in cross-disciplinary contexts (Sustainable Urban Futures), and investing in athletics (Athletics Reimagined). With an added focus on student success, faculty development, and community engagement, the new Dean will align USC Dornsife with USC’s broader strategic initiatives and increase efforts to boost the College’s research productivity and strengthen its interdisciplinary programs. Innovative programs like Public Exchange are enabling USC Dornsife to “swing open its doors” by bringing research into public dialogue, which in turn helps position the College as a leader in addressing global challenges and supports USC’s broad and ambitious future aspirations.

This is a remarkable opportunity for an experienced academic leader to champion USC Dornsife’s liberal arts mission, expanding its influence and championing its remarkable breadth locally, nationally, and globally. To accomplish this, the Dean will address a set of key opportunities and priorities, listed below:

• Advance an inclusive, bold, and inspiring vision for USC Dornsife that promotes the liberal arts mission and champions its critical role as the University’s academic and intellectual core;
• Build on USC Dornsife’s longstanding commitment to student success;
• Strengthen the College’s commitment to academic excellence to accelerate its impact;
• Bring a strategic approach to stewarding and growing resources in support of the College’s aspirations;
• Ensure transparent, clear, and inclusive communication and decision-making;
• Further USC Dornsife’s visibility, reach, and impact in Los Angeles and beyond.

The University of Southern California has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this search. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Electronic submission of materials is required, and inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website for the search: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/university-southern-california-dornsife-college-letters-arts-and-sciences/dean.

SALARY

The budgeted annual salary range that the University of Southern California reasonably expects to pay for the Dean of the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is $575,000 to $725,000.

This range takes into account a wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

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