Dean of the College of Fine Arts

Position Information

Proposed Faculty Rank Dean

Department 00002 - EVPAA - Academics

City Salt Lake City, UT

Track Tenure Track

New Position to Begin 7/1/2027

Details

The University of Utah seeks a Dean of the College of Fine Arts

Click here to view position profile:

https://summitsearchsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/UU_Dean_FineArts_Profile.pdf

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

The Position:

Reporting to the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and serving on the Council of Academic Deans, the Dean is the chief academic and administrative officer of the College of Fine Arts. The Dean provides strategic leadership across the College’s academic programs, research and creative activities, performance and exhibition spaces, and community of faculty, staff, and students.

The Dean will articulate a compelling and sustainable vision for the College; support excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity; oversee financial, human, and physical resources; recruit and retain outstanding faculty and staff; and serve as the College’s chief advocate and fundraiser.

The next Dean will join the College at a time of opportunity and challenge. Key priorities include addressing aging and capacity-constrained facilities; strengthening support for faculty research and creative activity; expanding philanthropic support; and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, including emerging opportunities at the intersection of arts and health.

The Dean will be a visible advocate for the arts within the University and throughout Salt Lake City and Utah, strengthening the College’s relationships, reputation, reach, and impact.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate will possess:

• A terminal degree or equivalent professional accomplishment in an arts-related discipline, with a record appropriate for appointment as a tenured professor in the College.

• Significant academic leadership and administrative experience, including strategic planning, budget and resource management, personnel management, and organizational change.

• A strong understanding of the distinctive academic, creative, research, performance, production, and facilities needs of arts disciplines.

• A demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity.

• A record of effectively engaging faculty, staff, students, academic leaders, donors, community partners, and other stakeholders.

• A record of fostering a welcoming educational and professional environment for students, faculty, and staff from a range of backgrounds and experiences.

The successful candidate will also demonstrate many of the following:

• A compelling vision for arts education, research, and creative practice within a public research university.

• A collaborative, transparent leadership style and ability to build trust and shared priorities.

• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, listening, and problem-solving skills.

• Success advocating for resources and addressing complex facilities and space needs.

• Experience advancing research, scholarship, and creative activity.

• Success in fundraising, development, community engagement, and external relations.

• An ability to articulate the value of the arts to diverse audiences.

• An interest in interdisciplinary collaboration and new opportunities for the arts.

• An engaged leadership presence and enthusiasm for participating in the artistic and creative life of the College.

To Apply:

The responsibilities, qualifications, and preferences listed in this posting are intended to give applicants an understanding of the role we are seeking to fill and the types of skills, experience, and education that may have prepared someone to be effective in this role. Please submit application materials that demonstrate how your experience, leadership record, and professional accomplishments align with the qualifications and priorities of the position and describe your interest in serving as Dean of the College of Fine Arts at the University of Utah.

For more information and to apply to this position please apply here:

https://theapplicantmanager.com/jobs?pos=su528

Confidential review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled; individuals who apply by November 6, 2026 will be given first consideration . Upon application, please submit a PDF version of your CV/resume and a cover letter. All applications and nominations will be held in confidence. Refer to our blog on strengthening application materials and letters of interesthere.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Information

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number, can be located athttps://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/.

Online reports may be submitted athttps://oeo.utah.edu.

Notice

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/

This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

Special Instructions for Candidates

Open Date 10/01/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Requisition Number PRN01599CF

Type Faculty