Dean, Opus College of Business

OVERVIEW

The University of St. Thomas invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean of the Opus College of Business. The University seeks a visionary and innovative leader with a commitment to faculty scholarship, collaboration, and rigorous education, a respect for the Catholic intellectual tradition and the ability to build productive relationships across the College and institution and effectively engage its alumni and the greater Twin Cities business community.

Role of the Dean of the Opus College of Business Reporting to and working alongside the Executive Vice President and Provost, and in collaboration with leaders within the College and from other units, the Dean of the Opus College of Business will have responsibility for strategic programming, fundraising, and management operations that support the mission and vision of the College and its role within the University. The Dean is responsible for: 

• Developing, implementing, and revising a strategic plan that advances the mission of the College as a whole, ties the College to the mission and Catholic identity of the University, and advances Universitywide priorities
• Promoting high standards through intellectual and creative leadership to support teaching and scholarship
• Promoting and strengthening a culture of research and scholarship among the College’s facultyDemonstrating effective administration and fiscal management to enhance the College
• Inspiring trust and building bridges within the College and across the University;
• Developing external relationships and fund development opportunities for the College and its academic programs
• Advocating for the College internally within the context of its mission and building multi-disciplinary networks across campus and interdisciplinary programs within the College
• Providing leadership for the College’s DEI work and continuously assessing the culture of the College to enhance recruitment, retention, and success of the College community
• Actively participating in the community including partnership with the College’s Strategic Board of Advisors and enhance effective partnerships between academic programs, faculty, students, and external organizations
• Balancing the challenges of faculty workload, disseminating resources to faculty, and periodically evaluating faculty in areas of teaching, scholarship, and service
• Creating “space” for student, faculty, and staff excellence while reducing administrative obstacles that inhibit such goals
• Ensuring the College’s educational programs are exceptional in quality and designed to meet the needs of the University’s diverse student population
• Promoting and effectively articulating the importance of a Liberal Arts education
• Establishing and maintaining a cooperative, collegial work environment that enhances communication, trust, and productivity of and among all faculty and staff
• Collaborating with department chairs and faculty across diverse units to develop new opportunities and support current programs
• Recommending the appointment of all faculty under their jurisdiction and making recommendations on promotion and tenure of faculty
• Managing a Dean’s office inclusive of Associate Deans and staff members to assist in the administration of the College.

Opportunities and Expectations for Leadership

The new Dean of the Opus College of Business will to address the following immediate priorities:

• Create a compelling vision for the future of the Opus College of Business grounded in the University's Catholic mission and values, existing strengths, and emerging opportunities
• Advance diversity, equity and inclusion initiative
• Strengthen community among faculty, staff and students
• Actively engage with alumni and business partners
• Develop impactful, innovative learning experiences for students

QUALIFICATIONS

Professional Qualifications and Personal Qualities

• Academic Accomplishments: An earned doctorate or terminal degree and a record of scholarship and accomplishment commensurate with appointment as full professor at UST is desired. There is an openness to nontraditional candidates who bring an alternative combination of credentials and who, through previous experience and commitment to excellence in the study, teaching, and practice of business, would gain the respect of faculty and external audiences. Any candidate, traditional or nontraditional, should be a role model and advocate for faculty advancing in their academic careers and seeking new forms of impact and achievement.
• Commitment to Mission: An eagerness to embrace the Catholic intellectual tradition, identity and values of St. Thomas; the ability to advance the academic and intellectual enterprise of the College with an understanding and appreciation of shared governance.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Demonstrated commitment to and record of leadership in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion; ability to articulate and embody St. Thomas' mission and values as it relates to diversity and equity and creating a more just society; exemplary skill in communicating, collaborating with, and supporting a diverse and global community.
• Leadership: The skill to advocate effectively for the needs of the College, make difficult decisions with good judgment, and work collaboratively in a complex academic setting; a record of effective administrative leadership in higher education or a context that requires related skills and abilities; demonstrated strength in financial management and leadership of teams; creativity in building revenue streams to support the College's activities.
• Vision: An understanding of the major business and societal trends that will impact how graduates find meaningful, fulfilling professional work, as well as how faculty and the College's leadership approach undergraduate and graduate education, research and scholarship, and engagement with the communities they serve; ability to articulate a compelling vision and to inspire and unite a community around it; the capacity for building consensus around implementing and operationalizing strategic plans and initiatives.
• Fundraising and External Relations: Successful experience or strong potential to lead an effective fundraising effort that inspires others to support the College; the willingness to solicit donors and to engage with the school’s alumni; eagerness and ability to build meaningful relationships with the business community and channel their counsel and support to enhance opportunities for students and faculty; the skill and experience to identify new partnerships and steward existing relationships.
• Communication: Exceptional communication skills rooted in transparency and honesty; ability to listen attentively and with care; the capacity to formulate, articulate, and galvanize a wide range of audiences around the mission and vision of the College and University; and a style of engagement that builds mutual trust and respect.
• Fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or eligible for legally required exemption such as a medical or religious reason.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR CANDIDATES

All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile.