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College Dean Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Academic Dean

Visalia, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

... other college wide meetings • Coordinates/supports and documents new faculty orientation and ... Dean of Instruction and Student Success and the Student Affairs Manager • Coordinate and ...

Academic Dean

San Jose, CA · On-site

$90K - $93K/yr

... other college wide meetings • Coordinates/supports and documents new faculty orientation and ... Dean of Instruction and Student Success and the Student Affairs Manager • Coordinate and ...

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$43K

$105.7K

$181K

How much do college dean jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for college dean in the United States is $105,749.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $131,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a college dean?

College deans are senior administrators at colleges or universities who oversee specific academic units, such as a college within a university or a particular department. They are responsible for managing faculty, budgeting, academic programs, and student affairs within their domain. Deans also serve as a bridge between the institution’s leadership and faculty, ensuring policies and goals are implemented effectively. Their role is crucial in upholding academic standards and fostering a positive learning environment.

What are some of the primary challenges a college dean faces in balancing administrative duties with academic leadership?

A College Dean often navigates the complex challenge of balancing administrative responsibilities—such as budgeting, compliance, and personnel management—with providing academic leadership and fostering a vibrant learning environment. Deans must allocate time and resources to support faculty, champion student success, and drive strategic initiatives, all while ensuring institutional policies and accreditation standards are met. Effective communication and delegation are essential, as Deans frequently collaborate with department chairs, faculty, and university leadership to align goals and address emerging issues. This dynamic role requires adaptability, strong organizational skills, and the ability to mediate diverse interests within the college.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a college dean, and why are they important?

To thrive as a College Dean, you need advanced academic credentials (typically a doctorate), leadership experience in higher education, and a deep understanding of academic policies and administration. Familiarity with student information systems, accreditation processes, budgeting software, and strategic planning tools is essential. Outstanding interpersonal skills, vision, and the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively make a Dean truly exceptional. These competencies are crucial for guiding institutional growth, ensuring academic excellence, and fostering a positive educational environment.

What is the difference between College Dean vs Department Chair?

AspectCollege DeanDepartment Chair
CredentialsTypically requires a doctoral degree and extensive academic experienceUsually requires a master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field
Work EnvironmentAdministrative leadership at the college or university levelLeadership within a specific academic department
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities and collegesUniversities and colleges
Primary ResponsibilitiesOverseeing multiple departments, strategic planning, budgeting, and policy developmentManaging faculty, curriculum, and departmental operations

The main difference between a College Dean and a Department Chair lies in their scope of responsibility. A College Dean oversees multiple departments and handles broader administrative and strategic tasks, while a Department Chair focuses on managing a specific academic department. Both roles require advanced degrees and are integral to higher education leadership.

Do college deans make a lot of money?

College deans typically earn a high salary that reflects their leadership role, administrative responsibilities, and experience. Salaries can vary widely depending on the institution's size, location, and funding, but they generally range from $80,000 to over $200,000 annually. Many deans also receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

How do I become a college dean?

To become a college dean, individuals typically need a doctoral degree in a relevant field, extensive experience in higher education administration, and a strong record of leadership and academic achievement. Progressing through faculty ranks and gaining experience in department or program management are common steps before advancing to a dean position.

Is being a college dean a stressful job?

Being a college dean is often considered a stressful role due to responsibilities such as managing faculty, overseeing academic programs, and handling administrative tasks. The position requires strong leadership, conflict resolution skills, and the ability to work under pressure, often with long hours and high accountability.

What cities are hiring for College Dean jobs?

Cities with the most College Dean job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for College Dean jobs?

The top employers for College Dean jobs are:

What states have the most College Dean jobs?

States with the most job openings for College Dean jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to College Dean jobs?

For College Dean jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Dean, College of Business

Missouri State University

Springfield, MO • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Missouri State University rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

533rd of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Dean, College of Business
Work Location
Springfield Campus
Out-of-State Employment
Out-of-state employment is limited to Arkansas, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., and subject to supervisor approval.
Department
Provost Office
HR Home Department
020300 COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
Pay Grade
Unclassified
Sponsorship Information
Applicants must be currently authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States on a full-time basis. This position may not be eligible for work visa sponsorship.
Position only available to current, regular, full-time Missouri State University employees?
No, Position is available to all applicants.
Faculty Appointment Type
Tenure Granted
Term (if applicable)
12 month
Begin Date of Appointment
02/01/2027
Exempt/Non-Exempt
Exempt
General Function
The College Dean is responsible for the administration of the college which may include, but is not limited to, department head and faculty recruitment and development, department head and faculty evaluation, program development, program review, student advisement, college budgeting and budget control, and indirect supervision of the teaching, research, and service activities of the college.
Description of Primary Duties
The next dean will build on significant strengths while helping position COB for greater academic distinction, enrollment growth, research impact, industry engagement and national visibility. The dean will guide and inspire COB and work collaboratively with, and advocate for, faculty, staff and students by promoting excellence in teaching, scholarship and service; encouraging faculty development; prioritizing student learning; facilitating student recruitment and retention; building partnerships with external constituents and public organizations; engaging in fundraising and alumni relations; and demonstrating sound fiscal management. As chief administrative officer of the College of Business, the Dean will provide professional, intellectual and administrative leadership with a focus on student success and the public affairs mission of the university.
Minimum Acceptable Qualifications
The minimum acceptable qualifications for the position of College Dean are prescribed by the Provost and the University President. A record of inclusive conduct and evidence of multicultural skills in the workplace are required.
Additional Qualifications
Link to Job Description
http://www.missouristate.edu/human/jobdescriptions/21291.htm
Open Date
08/14/2026
Close Date (If Close Date is blank then the posting is considered open until filled)
Special Instructions to Applicants
The first date of consideration is October 5, 2026, and review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
Applicants should upload as three (3) separate documents (PDF format preferred):
• A detailed cover letter, addressed to the search committee, expressing the candidate's qualifications and leadership vision for COB, particularly the opportunities and priorities identified in this announcement.
• A current resume/curriculum vitae (CV).
• A list of five professional references, including email addresses and a brief note of the candidate's working relationship with each.
For more information about the position, please contact the co-chairs of the search:
Dr. Mark Smith
Dean, McQueary College of Health and Human Services
MarkASmith@MissouriState.edu
Dr. Barri Tinkler
Interim Chief Academic Strategy Officer
BarriTinkler@MissouriState.edu
Equal Opportunity Statement
Non-Discrimination Statement
Missouri State University is a community of people with respect for diversity. The University emphasizes the dignity and equality common to all persons and adheres to a strict non-discrimination policy regarding the treatment of individual faculty, staff, and students. In accord with federal law and applicable Missouri statutes, the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including ancestry, or any other subcategory of national origin recognized by applicable law), religion, sex (including marital status, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other subcategory of sex recognized by applicable law), age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law in employment or in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the University. Sex discrimination encompasses sexual harassment, which includes sexual violence, and is strictly prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
This policy shall not be interpreted in a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
The University maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity employer. Inquiries concerning the complaint/grievance procedure related to discrimination on the basis of a protected class, including sexual harassment and sexual assault, or compliance with federal and state laws and guidelines, should be addressed to the Director, Office for Institutional Compliance, Carrington Hall 205, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65897, Compliance@MissouriState.edu, 417-836-4252.
Background Check Statement
Employment will require a criminal background check at University expense.
Posting Detail
Posting Number
20260043FTF
Quicklink for Posting
https://jobs.missouristate.edu/postings/87656

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