Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the School of Arts & Sciences, driving interdisciplinary education and research at WPI.
- Company: Worcester Polytechnic Institute, a top-tier technological university with a project-based learning model.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, significant research funding, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education and research while making a real impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: Doctoral degree and 5+ years in higher education leadership required.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team at a prestigious institution celebrating its Carnegie R1 research status.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute invites nominations and applications for the position of Peterson Family Dean, School of Arts & Sciences. This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary leader to advance interdisciplinary education and research at a premier technological university known for its distinctive project-based learning model.
The Dean will join WPI during a period of significant institutional momentum, as the university celebrates its Carnegie R1 research status, recognition as #18 nationally for "Best Return on Investment" by U.S. News & World Report, and inclusion among LinkedIn's Top 50 Colleges for 2025 based on career outcomes and alumni success. Reporting directly to Provost Andrew Sears and serving as a key member of the President's leadership team, the Dean will shape the future of a school that bridges cutting-edge science, technology, and the liberal arts.
Working collaboratively with the Provost, academic leaders, and faculty, the successful candidate will guide a school that contributes $27 million in research expenditures—37.8% of WPI's $71.6 million total—while offering 31 degree programs from undergraduate through doctoral levels. The Dean will lead seven departments spanning computer science, mathematical sciences, biology & biotechnology, chemistry & biochemistry, physics, social science and policy studies, and humanities & arts, strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, expanding research excellence, and elevating the school's national prominence.
For a detailed executive search profile and application instructions, please see below. All inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed to:
- Develop and advance a strategic vision that positions the School of Arts & Sciences as a national leader in interdisciplinary education, leveraging the School's substantial research portfolio.
- Lead seven academic departments with oversight of faculty development, resource allocation, and program quality.
- Strengthen and expand the research enterprise by supporting faculty in securing competitive external funding, developing strategic research clusters, and establishing partnerships that increase research impact.
- Support faculty and staff excellence by serving as an advocate and champion for recruitment, retention, and advancement.
- Lead collaborative efforts and innovation as a member of the Provost's Council and President's leadership team.
- Drive interdisciplinary education and research that prepares graduates to address complex global challenges.
- Build strategic partnerships with industry leaders, international institutions, and community organizations.
- Champion academic program innovation by working with faculty to develop new programs.
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for one of WPI's most academically diverse and research-productive units.
- Advance the School's central role in WPI's distinctive project-based learning model.
Qualifications:
- Doctoral degree from accredited institution in relevant field with record of scholarship appropriate for tenured professor appointment at WPI.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience as department head, chair, associate dean, or dean with proven success in higher education administration.
- Strong experience in strategic planning, change management, team building, and budget management.
- Experience in STEM disciplines with understanding of interdisciplinary collaboration and research university operations.
- Proven external funding success in securing grants, partnerships, and industry collaborations.
- A strategic vision with ability to discern trends and lead with collaborative style.
- Excellent communication skills with outstanding written and verbal abilities.
- An innovation-focused approach with willingness to take calculated risks.
Compensation: $275,000 – $350,000 per year. Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.
WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability.
Dean of Arts & Sciences in Worcester employer: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Contact Detail:
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Dean of Arts & Sciences in Worcester
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in your field! Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Don’t shy away from reaching out for informational interviews. It’s a great way to learn about the role and the institution while showcasing your enthusiasm and expertise. Plus, it helps you build relationships that could lead to job opportunities down the line.
✨Showcase Your Vision
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, make sure to articulate your vision for the role. Talk about how you can advance interdisciplinary education and research, and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job. We keep everything organised and it shows you’re serious about joining our team. Plus, it’s super easy to track your application status!
We think you need these skills to ace Dean of Arts & Sciences in Worcester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Vision: When writing your application, make sure to clearly articulate your strategic vision for the School of Arts & Sciences. We want to see how you plan to advance interdisciplinary education and research, so don’t hold back on your ideas!
Highlight Your Experience: Be sure to showcase your relevant experience in higher education administration. We’re looking for someone with a strong background in strategic planning and team building, so share specific examples that demonstrate your success in these areas.
Communicate Clearly: Your written application should reflect excellent communication skills. We appreciate clarity and professionalism, so make sure your writing is concise and free of jargon. Remember, we want to understand your thoughts easily!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your materials are received and reviewed properly. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace our project-based learning model.
How to prepare for a job interview at Worcester Polytechnic Institute
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to articulate your strategic vision for the School of Arts & Sciences. Think about how you can leverage WPI's research status and interdisciplinary approach to enhance education and research. Be ready to discuss specific ideas that align with their goals.
✨Showcase Collaborative Leadership
Highlight your experience in leading diverse teams and fostering collaboration across departments. Prepare examples of how you've successfully built partnerships and driven innovation in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to work effectively within WPI's leadership team.
✨Research the Institution
Familiarise yourself with WPI’s unique project-based learning model and its current initiatives. Understanding their recent achievements, like the Carnegie R1 status, will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest in the institution's mission and values.
✨Prepare for Tough Questions
Anticipate questions about budget management, securing external funding, and your approach to faculty development. Think through your answers and back them up with data or examples from your past experiences. This will showcase your readiness for the challenges of the Dean role.
