Dean of the College of Arts & Media

Description The Opportunity

The University of Montana seeks an innovative and visionary leader to serve as Dean of the College of the Arts and Media (CAM). This leadership role comes at a dynamic time, with the College well-positioned for growth and transformation, reflecting the evolving landscapes of music, theatre and dance, visual and media arts, and journalism. The new Dean will build on the College’s momentum, focusing on energized curricular offerings and innovative co-curricular performances and exhibitions.

The College recognizes the rapidly shifting environment within these disciplines with emerging technologies As Dean of CAM, you will have the unique opportunity to guide the College as it navigates the shifting landscapes of the creative industries. Your leadership will be essential in driving key strategic priorities, enhancing student success, securing new resources through fundraising, and positioning the College at the forefront of creative innovation. As the College embraces new technologies like generative AI, you will ensure that faculty and students are prepared for the future of the arts and media professions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Lead the College’s four schools (Visual and Media Arts, Journalism, Music, and Theatre and Dance) and various programs and auxiliary units by shaping an academic environment that is responsive to current trends in the arts and media.
• Innovative Program Development: Collaborate with faculty to evolve curricular and co-curricular offerings incorporating cutting-edge practices in the arts and media fields, including the responsible and creative use of generative AI technologies.
• Student Success: Cultivate a culture of student-centered learning, emphasizing student retention, engagement, and career readiness through expanded experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, performances, exhibits, and entrepreneurial training.
• Fundraising and Development: Build and sustain relationships with donors, alumni, and industry partners to secure significant financial support for CAM’s growth, particularly through innovative initiatives and scholarships.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Commit to fostering an inclusive community that embraces diverse perspectives, ensuring equitable access to educational and creative opportunities within the College.
• External Partnerships and Community Engagement: Enhance CAM’s visibility and influence through external partnerships with creative industries, local and regional arts organizations, and other campus units, positioning the College as a cultural leader within the state and beyond.

Position Details:

• Title: Dean
• Schedule: Full-time fiscal year position beginning by July 1, 2025.
• Salary Range: $175,000-$185,000 annually.
• Benefits: Medical Insurance/Mandatory Retirement Contribution/Professional Development/Partial Tuition Waiver/Wellness

Qualifications Required Qualifications

• A terminal degree in a discipline represented within the College or related field and/or strong leadership experience with a record of fostering academic or creative excellence, a history of successful program development, and evidence of effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including students, faculty, and community partners.
• Demonstrated experience in academic leadership and management, preferably within the arts, media, or journalism fields.
• A proven ability to lead and inspire faculty, staff, and students through collaboration and clear communication.
• An entrepreneurial mindset with experience in fundraising, donor engagement, and strategic financial management.
• Knowledge of emerging trends in the arts and media, including the impact of generative AI, and a vision for how these developments can be incorporated into the College’s future.

Application Instructions

All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited.

Applications should include, as separate documents:

1. CV or resume

2. Letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile

3. Five professional references – contact information including name, title, professional relationship (e.g., colleague, supervisor, subordinate), phone number, and email address.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

University of Montana shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, national origin, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, gender, age, political ideas, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation (“protected classes”). Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, gender, age, political ideas, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.

Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request.

Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).