Fordham University, the Jesuit University of New York, is committed to the discovery of Wisdom and the transmission of Learning, through research and through undergraduate, graduate, and professional education of the highest quality.
Fordham University seeks a visionary, student-centered, collaborative leader to serve as its inaugural dean of Arts and Sciences. The new dean will join the University at a pivotal moment, as Fordham implements a new leadership structure and more coordinated approach for the arts and sciences, University-wide. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced academic administrative leader to make an impact that will benefit the entire university, as Fordham for the first time hires a leader who will have the scope of authority, budgetary control, and line-of-sight visibility across all academic programs, faculty concerns, and campus-based endeavors in arts and sciences at both the undergraduate and graduate levels for what has historically been four distinct entities: Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC), Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH), Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS), and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).
Reporting to the provost/senior vice president for academic affairs, the dean of Arts and Sciences will serve as the chief academic and executive officer for all of Arts and Sciences (A&S) at Fordham University. The dean of Arts and Sciences will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction across all Arts and Sciences academic programs, developing and implementing academic policies and procedures, ensuring the thriving of faculty and staff and the success of students, budgeting and allocating resources, and engaging in external relations and fundraising to advance A&S priorities.
In concert with Arts and Science’s many constituents, the new dean will establish a vision for moving A&S forward, foster a collaborative culture that the faculty and staff will feel proud to be a part of, and convey the importance of the arts and sciences within the Jesuit tradition. The dean will be a strong advocate for liberal arts education, communicating the importance of the education students receive that enables them to enter the world and advance the human cause. The dean will bring a student-centered approach and be a present, visible leader who is active within the life of the University. The dean will foster an environment that upholds diversity, equity, justice, and inclusion as core values, and encourages exceptional scholarship and teaching.
The successful candidate will hold a terminal degree and academic credentials suitable for the rank of full professor in a department within A&S. Candidates should be seasoned administrators with demonstrated experience leading change. The new dean will bring an eagerness to embrace the Jesuit mission, identity, and values of the University, and to contribute to and advance these within Arts and Sciences and beyond. They will be able to build rapport and trust with the faculty and staff quickly, serving as a unifying force who inspires others to contribute to a common vision for the future of A&S and of the University.
Firmly rooted in the life of New York City, Fordham is a private university for the public good. Across all its schools and colleges, approximately 17,000 students are taught by nearly 750 full-time instructors on campuses in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Westchester County in New York, and at Fordham’s London campus in the U.K. This vibrant and diverse learning community also has programs in Spain, China, and South Africa, more than 1,000 administrators, a fiscal year 2024 operating budget of $732 million (net after $351 million in financial aid allocation), an endowment of $1.02 billion, and recent capital investments over the past three years totaling $300 million ($210 million of which funded the renovation of the Joseph M. McShane SJ Campus Center on the Rose Hill campus). The University is steeped in the Jesuit tenet of cura personalis, or care for the whole person, and is committed to scholarly research and teaching excellence. Additionally, Fordham strives to contribute to the well-being of New York City, the nation, and the planet through education and research for the common good. The University seeks to engage deeply and authentically with its local communities to promote mutual learning and solidarity. Fordham commits to making the pursuit of racial, economic, environmental, and social justice an inextricable and interdependent part of its academic excellence.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume, and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile available at WittKieffer.com.
WittKieffer is assisting Fordham University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by November 22, 2024.
Application materials, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to: Robin Mamlet, Lauren Bruce-Stets, and Sarah Seavey at FordhamA&SDean@wittkieffer.com.
The anticipated salary range for this position is $360,000 to $440,000, depending upon experience.
Fordham University is committed to excellence through diversity and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds.
Fordham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
