What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dean (College of Science & Mathematics) position at UMass Boston?
The University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston) invites applications, expressions of interest, and nominations of candidates in its search for the next dean of the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM). The University seeks a visionary, innovative, and engaging leader to serve as dean. The next dean of the College of Science and Mathematics will lead an academic community dedicated to the success of its students as aspiring scientists, mathematicians, and problem-solvers, preparing them to explore the frontiers of knowledge and to tackle the complex, real-world challenges across science and mathematics, while promoting world class research that advances scientific, computational, and mathematical knowledge.
Founded in 1964, UMass Boston, part of the University of Massachusetts system, is the only public research university in the greater Boston area. The University plays a pivotal role in providing accessible higher education as the most diverse campus in New England, and the third most diverse in the nation. As of Fall 2024, the University serves over 15,000 undergraduate and graduate students, taught and supported by over 2,500 faculty and staff across its six colleges and schools.
The University continues to enhance its research capabilities, contributing significantly to a wide variety of research areas and contributing to bolstering local, regional, and state-wide industries. As 2025, its forthcoming classification as an "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very high research activity" institution underscores its dedication to advancing knowledge, addressing societal challenges, and driving innovation in diverse fields. In FY 2024, UMass Boston reported research expenditures over $71 million, reflecting a 35% growth in annual research funding over the past decade and positioning the university's research enterprise for greater impact in the future.
The dean is the executive leader for the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) and reports to the Provost at UMass Boston. In close collaboration with the CSM leadership and faculty, the dean will shape the College's future and articulate a compelling vision for continued growth, innovation, support, and sustainability of its faculty, students, and staff. The next dean will benefit from a recently completed CSM strategic plan and will have the opportunity to advance an academic vision and programmatic evolution for CSM that is rooted in the University's commitment to a dynamic teaching and research environment with transformational experiences across a community-minded institution.
The new dean of the College of Science and Mathematics will be invigorated by the mission of UMass Boston, inspired by the College's academic and scholarly achievements and future success, and will be an advocate and an impassioned champion for the College and University.
The successful candidate will hold a doctoral degree along with a record of academic scholarly achievements in one of the disciplines of the College that merits appointment as a full professor at UMass Boston. The successful candidate will bring significant academic administrative experience across complex institutions like UMass Boston, including experience with undergraduate and graduate education.
The ideal candidate will bring experience with service to public institutions and be a leader inspired by UMass Boston's significant contributions as a member of Massachusetts public higher education. The next dean will bring to the position a highly relational approach, outstanding communication skills, authenticity, self-confidence balanced with humility, integrity of the highest order, a strong work ethic, and a clear understanding of the modern research university.
Application Instructions:
To express interest in this role please submit materials directly through the Talent Profile - Dean, College of Science and Mathematics. Applications should include a letter of interest that responds to the agenda for leadership and the desired attributes for the new dean and a curriculum vita/resume. All materials will be considered in full confidence.
Jim Sirianni, Managing Director
Kate Phillips, Senior Associate
UMassBostonCSM@storbecksearch.com
UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HR@umb.edu or 617-287-5150.
