Dean of School of Art at Munson Williams Proctor Art Institute

Job Summary:

Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute (Munson-Williams) seeks an exceptional, dynamic, and resourceful leader who is committed to excellence in arts education and to embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) into every aspect of the Munson-Williams School of Art and its PrattMWP College program.

One of three divisions of Munson-Williams, the School of Art includes the PrattMWP College of Art & Design, a NASAD accredited program and extension site of Pratt Institute, as well as an active Community Arts Education program.

The Dean reports to the President and CEO of Munson-Williams and is the chief administrative officer of the School of Art division. The Dean provides leadership for faculty and staff to offer high-quality educational services for students at PrattMWP College of Art & Design and at the School of Art’s Community Arts Education program. The Dean directs admissions, financial aid, academics, residence life, faculty, and staff for both programs.

As part of the senior leadership team, the Dean works collaboratively with the Institute’s Administration and its five divisional directors (Treasurer, Museum of Art, Performing Arts, Marketing and Communications, Development, and Facilities/Safety) to develop initiatives within the School of Art division to achieve educational goals and objectives that align with Munson-Williams’ five-year strategic plan. The Dean brings leadership in planning, setting priorities, program development, and fiscal management. The position oversees all full-time faculty of 13 and adjunct faculty. Six departments report to the Dean—Community Arts Education, Admissions, Financial Aid, Student Life, Registrar, and Library Services—as well as the Chair of Academic Affairs.

Primary Duties:

Building on Munson-Williams’ strategic plan and the School of Art's mission, the Dean will:

• optimize the School’s joint credit program with Pratt Institute, ensuring academically excellent student learning and opportunities that are coordinated with the Pratt Institute curriculum;
• participate in the development and execution of the vision and strategic direction of the School and Munson-Williams;
• •model the values of the organization to colleagues and the public by being welcoming, inclusive, and respectful;
• provide leadership for the faculty through recruitment, hiring, professional development, and evaluation practices designed to establish and maintain a high level of skills and instruction;
• in conjunction with Pratt Institute, plan and oversee annual student admissions strategies, financial aid, and related staff recruitment efforts to ensure full enrollment of 200 students and optimize the retention rate;
• maintain and strengthen Munson-Williams’ Community Arts Education programs to provide quality instruction for a wide variety of interests and aptitudes;
• in daily operations and management, serve as a collaborative leader who can help the School of Art implement its strategic goals while promoting open dialogue and communications, professionalism, and integrity among academic departments, staff, students, faculty, and administrators;

• seek partnerships/collaborations with outside organizations in support of School activities, especially regional community organizations;
• work with the Development division to initiate fundraising strategies for the School of Art through alumni, community, and corporate support as well as pursue grant and foundation opportunities;
• work with the President and Treasurer to develop and monitor the School’s annual operating budget (including salaries, capital expenses, financial aid, scholarships, and other expenses) to ensure the School of Art’s financial stability;
• manage key metrics of the School of Art, including new student enrollment, persistence (retention), revenue, operating income, operating margin, and new programs;
• support the Student Life office’s efforts to provide high-quality campus experiences for all students;

• represent the School of Art to the Board of Trustees, School of Art Advisory Committee, students, parents, and community;
• participate and cooperate with all divisions and departments (including interdivisional committees, programs, and activities) to fulfill the mission and goals of Munson-Williams as well as the School; and
• promote the School of Art’s national and regional reputation through working with the Marketing and Communications division and by serving as the School of Art’s chief spokesperson.

Qualifications: A proven energetic and collaborative leader; appropriate terminal degree; demonstrated administrative experience in exercising leadership and participatory decision-making in higher education; experience with key aspects of curriculum development, budget activities, enrollment, facilities, and equipment and new technologies; demonstrated teaching ability in higher education; and a strong record of scholarly and/or creative activities. Experience with fundraising/grant writing and community-based funding is preferred.

Skills and Experience: The ideal Dean of the School of Art will:

• be an experienced professional with a record of successful, motivational administrative achievements in a professionally accredited college of art or similar setting;
• be a team leader who motivates and challenges creative, talented faculty and staff in an open and collaborative environment to develop and implement programs that strengthen and advance the School, support the culture of Munson-Williams; and create a positive and effective work environment;
• be experienced, strategic and thoughtful in addressing recruitment, enrollment, retention, and related admissions issues, policies, and processes;
• possess exemplary fiscal management capabilities for all aspects of the divisional budget, including salaries, equipment, and classroom/studio needs and managerial acumen to see projects through to completion, with attention to detail and respectful of deadlines; and 
• be a superior communicator with interpersonal skills that reflect clarity of expression and effectiveness in working with diverse groups in a complex organizational setting.

About Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute: 

Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute is an internationally and regionally prominent fine arts center serving diverse audiences. Through three program divisions—School of Art, Museum of Art, and Performing Arts—Munson-Williams creates transformational art experiences that cultivate curiosity and creativity, enlighten, educate, and inspire.

Munson-Williams was founded in 1919 and provides some 600 events annually, with 150,000+ patrons enjoying the many exhibitions, performances, art classes, and family-oriented activities. Munson-Williams is committed to diversity in its workforces and believes in fostering equity, celebrating diversity, and actively promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and transparency that work against systemic racism. Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute is an equal opportunity employer. 

The Institute’s campus includes 25 buildings on 10 acres of landscaped grounds within a mixed residential/business area in Utica and is conveniently located in the heart of New York’s Cultural Corridor in the historic Mohawk Valley, between Syracuse and Albany. Utica is less than one hour from the Adirondack Park, the nation’s largest state park and home to the state’s famous “High Peaks” region.

The School of Art’s PrattMWP College of Art & Design, an extension site of Pratt Institute, offers students a unique educational opportunity. PrattMWP is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Middle States Association, and the New York State Education Department. PrattMWP students are fully matriculated Pratt Institute students from the beginning, but PrattMWP students spend the first two years of the bachelor of fine arts degree program at our campus in central New York before they complete their studies at Pratt’s main campus in Brooklyn. PrattMWP follows the Pratt curriculum. All staff in the PrattMWP program are fully employed by Munson-Williams.

PrattMWP maximum enrollment is approximately 200 students majoring in fine arts, communications design, photography, and art and design education. The School of Art also operates a vibrant Community Arts Education program that attracts approximately 300 students each semester of all ages, enjoying non-credit classes in painting, drawing, pottery, jewelry, and more.

The PrattMWP faculty is made up of active artists who inspire, as well as educate, their students. They teach, exhibit their work, and participate in campus and community programs and events. This diverse group of gifted educators brings a real-world perspective to the classroom while helping students to develop their talents.

Among the School of Art facilities and utilized by both the Community Arts Education program and PrattMWP, is the Studio Building, which includes seven art studios and is bordered by an outdoor sculpture court; an Academic Center that houses design labs and the library; and the Student Center. Complementing these buildings are eight architecturally diverse buildings that have been restored to accommodate our students and academics. Throughout the Munson-Williams campus are exquisite examples of restored historic homes situated around the internationally renowned Museum of Art, designed by Philip Johnson. The Museum of Art holds one of the country’s most prestigious American art collections.

For more information about the Institute’s School of Art and PrattMWP College of Art and Design, please visit https://www.mwpai.edu and https://www.mwpai.org/learn/community-arts-education.

To Apply:

Send cover letter, resume, writing sample, and contact information for three professional references to

Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute

Dean, School of Art Search

310 Genesee Street

Utica, New York  13502       

hrjobs@mwpai.edu           

Inquiries 315/797-0000, ext. 2108.