Dean, Drake Law School - 999244

Title: Dean, Drake Law School - 999244

Position Number: 999244 

Unit/Department: Dean's Office Law

FTE: Full-time

Dean, Drake University Law School

The Dean of Drake University’s Law School provides academic, intellectual, and administrative leadership for the Law School and works with key stakeholders to champion the Law School’s mission to educate future lawyers by blending theory and practice in a student-centered learning environment.

The Dean supports and promotes faculty’s commitment to student learning and engagement, advances faculty scholarship, and fosters service inside and outside the Law School. Bringing organizational and management experience, the next Dean will demonstrate strong interpersonal skills; manage the Law School’s administration; build bridges to the greater university, legal, and professional communities; partner with donors and philanthropic entities to effectively fundraise; and advance the professional development of all students.

We seek a visionary leader—a Dean who will build on the existing strengths of the Law School. The next Dean must possess a commitment to and track record of outcomes fostering a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.

The Dean, alongside the other academic deans of the University’s other colleges and schools, reports to the University Provost and serves as a senior leader at the institution and a member of the Deans Council.

To learn more about this position, please read the detailed position profile, accessible here.

Responsibilities & Priorities

• Leading, recruiting, and retaining a world-class faculty.
• Collaboratively developing a strategic vision for the Law School’s future by planning and implementing the initiatives necessary to realize a bold vision.
• Obtaining and managing financial and human resources to support key initiatives.
• Building strong relationships with advisors, alumni, and other donors, and leading the Law School’s fundraising efforts.
• Collaborating with fellow Deans on interdisciplinary programs, joint faculty appointments, and new academic initiatives.
• Working with the Law School’s Board of Counselors by keeping the members apprised of strategically important matters and soliciting their advice and support.
• Nurturing an environment where people look forward to learning, working, and serving, and where they feel valued and supported in their efforts.
• Advancing the Law School’s commitment to Drake University’s priorities and strategic goals.

Minimum Qualifications

The Dean must have a JD from an accredited institution and be eligible for appointment at the rank of tenured full professor.

Desired Competencies & Areas of Expertise

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in legal higher education or equivalent professional leadership experience that is appropriate for the Dean’s role and responsibilities. We are particularly interested in candidates who show evidence of the following skills and abilities:

• Develop and deploy data-informed strategies to successfully increase student enrollment and improve student preparation for bar exams.
• Mentor and inspire faculty in their scholarly pursuits and service to the Law School and University.
• Sincerely cares about the safety, mental health, and emotional well-being of faculty, staff, and students.
• Value and articulate the importance of the role of law and its impact on underrepresented communities.
• Effectively cultivate and maintain positive relationships with alumni and donors.
• Develop external relationships to maximize support for scholarship, academic programs, and legal practice readiness.
• Attract, support, engage, and retain superior faculty and staff.
• Past success educating, training, and prioritizing students through mentorship and guidance, with a demonstrated track record of developing meaningful relationships with students.
• Experience with academic programs awarding JD, MJ, and/or LLM degrees.
• Effectively articulate and execute a strategic vision for the Law School and effectively meet budgetary and operational demands.
• Can actively contribute to the Deans Council and the University's senior leadership team, including the ability to collaborate with the Provost's Office, Deans, and campus partners.
• Embrace the University's Core Values, including a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Eager to demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission of the University and the Law School.
• Demonstrable track record of interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Authentic commitment to shared governance, effective communication, and transparency.

Salary & Benefits

Salary is competitive with peer schools and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our digital benefits guide: Drake Benefits Guide (Plan Year 2023).

One of our very popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. You can learn about both the tuition waiver policy and tuition exchange programs here: Tuition Benefits.

Special Instructions to Applicants

We welcome all applications, nominations, and inquiries. In addition to completing Drake’s online application, candidates will be asked to include a letter of interest, CV/resume, and a statement that articulates the candidate’s demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

For full consideration, please complete your application by November 30, 2023. The position will remain posted until filled.