Dean, School of the Arts

Position Summary: Job Description: Position Western Colorado University invites applications for the position of Dean, School of the Arts. The Dean reports to the Provost and serves as the chief academic, administrative, and strategic leader for the School, which unites programs in Art, Design, Film, Music, and Theatre under a bold vision of creative excellence. The School of the Arts serves nearly 200 students across its majors and minors and contributes significantly to Western’s general education program through a wide range of creative and performance-based courses. Students pursue B.A. and B.F.A. degrees in areas such as painting, design, ceramics, music performance, theatre, and film, combining rigorous academic preparation with high-impact experiential learning. The School is a vibrant community of faculty artists, designers, filmmakers, and performers who mentor students in creative exploration, professional practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The Dean will provide visionary and collaborative leadership, championing innovative curriculum development, interdisciplinary connections, community engagement, and student success across all creative disciplines. The Dean also serves as a visible advocate for the arts both on campus and in the broader community, embodying Western’s values of hands-on, experiential learning inspired by the Rocky Mountain setting. Responsibilities Provide academic and creative leadership across the School of the Arts, strengthening collaboration among programs in Art, Design, Film, Music, and Theatre. Advance an innovative and inclusive vision for creative education and experiential learning. Lead recruitment, retention, and marketing efforts to grow enrollment across arts programs. Foster partnerships with the WCU Foundation, alumni, and external arts organizations to expand fundraising, professional networks, and visibility. Recruit, support, and evaluate a diverse and dynamic faculty and staff. Oversee budgets, facilities, and operations across studios, galleries, labs, and performance venues. Represent the School on campus, within the community, and at regional and national arts education networks. Minimum Qualifications A terminal degree in an arts discipline or closely related field (for academic candidates); or a degree in a relevant field with significant leadership experience in the non-profit or industry arts sectors. A minimum of five years of leadership experience in an academic institution, or ten years of executive-level experience in the arts or non-profit industry. Demonstrated success in academic or organizational leadership, enrollment growth, and community engagement. Preferred Qualifications Advanced degree in a relevant field (for candidates from outside academia). Experience in recruitment, marketing, fundraising, and/or growing an organization. Active engagement with professional arts organizations or non-profits in a leadership role. Experience in teaching in a fine arts discipline in a K-12, higher education, or non-profit setting. Compensation Salary range: $90,000 – $100,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. This position is an administrative position and FLSA exempt. Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, retirement plan options, and other insurance choices. After one year of employment, Western provides free undergraduate tuition for dependents enrolled full-time for up to four years. How to Apply Apply online at www.western.edu/jobs. Required attachments include: Letter of application addressed to Dr. Jessica Young, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Curriculum vitae or résumé Contact information for three professional references In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information. Application deadline: December 5, 2025 at 11:59pm (MST). Please direct inquiries to Dr. Tina Butterfield, Chair of the Art and Design department, at butterfield@western.edu . Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of approximately 3,700 students. Forty-seven percent of students are undergraduates, thirty-three percent are graduate students, and eighty percent receive some form of financial aid. Western students represent 17 countries, 50 states, and nearly every county in Colorado. With an average class size of 17, Western’s faculty and staff share a strong commitment to personalized, rigorous, and immersive education. Visit www.western.edu to learn more about the university. Western Colorado University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, about 200 miles southwest of Denver amidst more than two million acres of public land and a vibrant ranching community. The Gunnison Valley provides robust cultural programming and exceptional outdoor recreation. A network of dedicated community organizations enriches the lives of many in this tight-knit community. Residents enjoy a vibrant culture of festivals, exhibitions, performances, and wellness activities year-round. In the winter, locals and visitors ski at Crested Butte Mountain Resort or explore dozens of miles of cross-country trails. In the summer, bikers, hikers, and runners explore over 750 miles of singletrack trails, while others fish, boat, or paddleboard at Blue Mesa Reservoir or on the Gunnison River and its tributaries. The highly ranked Gunnison Watershed School District serves Pre-K–12 students. Western Colorado University encourages qualified candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Western is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants in accordance with applicable law. An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. Western Colorado University believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Western is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (for state classified positions, with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. Please see our diversity statement, and our DEII Committee charge. ADAAA ACCOMMODATIONS: Western Colorado University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Western will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Human Resources at HR@western.edu or (970) 943-3140. WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETERANS At Western Colorado University our faculty members and staff share a strong commitment to an inclusive and personalized education and take pride in following a set of values that form our vision as a university. Our shared values of courage, growth, inclusivity, integrity and stewardship provide the foundation for our culture and our work. Our faculty and staff are student-oriented, collegial, enthusiastic, and engaged in the campus and community. With the Rocky Mountains as our laboratory, Western is a premier public provider of rigorous, immersive education for our undergraduate and graduate students. The curriculum provides professional flexibility where experiential learning and interdisciplinary approaches are valued. Employees have chosen Western because of the quality of life combined with rewarding careers.

Salary : $90,000 - $100,000