Dean of Arts & Sciences

Worcester Polytechnic Institute invites nominations and applications for the position of Peterson Family Dean, School of Arts & Sciences. This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary leader to advance interdisciplinary education and research at a premier technological university known for its distinctive project-based learning model. The Dean will join WPI during a period of significant institutional momentum, as the university celebrates its Carnegie R1 research status, recognition as #18 nationally for "Best Return on Investment" by U.S. News & World Report, and inclusion among LinkedIn's Top 50 Colleges for 2025 based on career outcomes and alumni success. Reporting directly to Provost Andrew Sears and serving as a key member of the President's leadership team, the Dean will shape the future of a school that bridges cutting-edge science, technology, and the liberal arts. Working collaboratively with the Provost, academic leaders, and faculty, the successful candidate will guide a school that contributes $27 million in research expenditures—37.8% of WPI's $71.6 million total—while offering 31 degree programs from undergraduate through doctoral levels. The Dean will lead seven departments spanning computer science, mathematical sciences, biology & biotechnology, chemistry & biochemistry, physics, social science and policy studies, and humanities & arts, strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, expanding research excellence, and elevating the school's national prominence. For a detailed executive search profile and application instructions, please see below. All inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed to WPIDeanArtsAndSciences@wpi.edu.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Develop and advance a strategic vision that positions the School of Arts & Sciences as a national leader in interdisciplinary education, leveraging the School's substantial research portfolio (which contributes $27 million in research expenditures—37.8% of WPI's total) and the university's Carnegie R1 research status
• Lead seven academic departments (Mathematical Sciences, Computer Science, Biology & Biotechnology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Physics, Social Science & Policy Studies, and Humanities & Arts) with oversight of faculty development, resource allocation, and program quality
• Strengthen and expand the research enterprise by supporting faculty in securing competitive external funding, developing strategic research clusters, and establishing partnerships that increase research impact
• Support faculty and staff excellence by serving as an advocate and champion for recruitment, retention, and advancement, supporting belonging, well-being, and community
• Lead collaborative efforts and innovation as a member of the Provost's Council and President's leadership team, contributing to university-wide strategic initiatives while advocating for the School's distinctive mission
• Drive interdisciplinary education and research that prepares graduates to address complex global challenges requiring both technical expertise and understanding of societal impact
• Build strategic partnerships with industry leaders, international institutions, and community organizations that enhance research opportunities, student experiences, and raise the School's national profile
• Champion academic program innovation by working with faculty to develop new programs that anticipate future demands while maintaining disciplinary foundations
• Provide strategic and operational leadership for one of WPI's most academically diverse and research-productive units, with responsibility for substantial budget management and external representation
• Advance the School's central role in WPI's distinctive project-based learning model, ensuring Arts & Sciences programs effectively support experiential learning through interdisciplinary projects that connect science and technology to societal challenges. Support capstone experiences that provide discipline-specific research opportunities while connecting student learning directly to faculty scholarship and real-world problem solving

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree from accredited institution in relevant field with record of scholarship appropriate for tenured professor appointment at WPI
• A minimum of 5 years of experience as department head, chair, associate dean, or dean with proven success in higher education administration
• Strong experience in strategic planning, change management, team building, and budget management with substantial financial oversight experience
• Experience in STEM disciplines with understanding of interdisciplinary collaboration and research university operations, preferably at R1 institutions
• Proven external funding success in securing grants, partnerships, and industry collaborations with experience in academic program development
• A strategic vision with ability to discern trends, position the school for future success, and lead with collaborative style and data-driven approach
• Excellent communication skills with outstanding written and verbal abilities, ability to work effectively with diverse communities, and professional presence suitable for senior leadership
• An innovation-focused approach with willingness to take calculated risks and commitment to the highest standards of personal and professional integrity

For full application instructions and to view the executive search profile, please click here.

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.

Welcome

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About Us

WPI is a dynamic, inclusive community of faculty, staff, and students committed to collaboration that sparks innovation to benefit the world. With competitive and comprehensive benefits—including health insurance, retirement, tuition assistance, work-life balance—and a culture that fosters growth, WPI empowers employees to thrive personally and professionally.