Institution: PrattMWP School of Art & Design, a NASAD accredited institution, is an extension site of Pratt Institute and a division of Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute
Location: Utica, New York
Type: Full-time
Job Summary:
The Dean of the School of Art & Design is the chief administrative officer of the School of Art division and reports to the President of Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute. The Dean provides leadership for faculty and staff to offer high-quality educational services for students at PrattMWP College of Art & Design and the School’s Community Arts Education program. The Dean directs admissions, academics, student affairs, faculty, and School staff.
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 & Communications, Development, and Facilities/Safety) to develop initiatives within the School division to achieve educational goals and objectives that align with MWPAI’s strategic plan. The Dean brings leadership in planning, setting priorities, program development, and fiscal management. The position oversees all fulltime and adjunct faculty and six departments.
Primary Duties:
Building on MWPAI’s strategic plan and the School of Art's mission, the Dean will:
- optimize the School’s joint credit program with Pratt Institute, ensuring academic 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 MWPAI;
- 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 MWPAI’s 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;
- work with the Development office to initiate fundraising strategies for the School of Art through alumni, community and corporate support as well as pursue grant and foundation opportunities;
- working with the President and Treasurer, develop and monitor the School’s annual operating budget (including salaries, capital expenses, financial aid, scholarships, and other expenses) to ensure financial stability of the School;
- 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 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 MWPAI as well as the School; and
- promote the School’s national and regional reputation through working with the Marketing & Communications division and by serving as the School’s chief spokesperson.
Qualifications: A proven dynamic and collaborative leader; appropriate terminal degree; demonstrated administrative experience in exercising leadership and participatory decision-making in higher education; experience with key aspects of curricular development, budget activities, enrollment, facilities, and equipment and new technologies; demonstrated teaching ability in higher education; and 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 & Design will be:
- an experienced professional with a record of successful administrative achievements in a professionally accredited college of art or similar setting;
- a 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;
- 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 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 will be
- a superior communicator with interpersonal skills that reflect clarity of expression and effectiveness in working with diverse groups in a complex organizational setting.
To Apply:
Send cover letter, resume, writing sample, and contact information for three professional references to:
Jeanette R. Breish, H.R. Director
Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute
310 Genesee Street
Utica, New York 13502
(315) 797-0000, ext. 2108
Email: hrjobs@mwpai.org
