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Dean Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Dean of Pacific College is responsible for the strategic leadership of the academic and clinical components of the college. The Dean also collaborates with key leaders in other divisions of the ...

The Dean of Pacific College is responsible for the strategic leadership of the academic and clinical components of the college. The Dean also collaborates with key leaders in other divisions of the ...

Dean of Nursing

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$160K - $175K/yr

The Dean of Pacific College is responsible for the strategic leadership of the academic and clinical components of the college. The Dean also collaborates with key leaders in other divisions of the ...

The Assistant Dean will assist the Dean with instructional and management responsibilities for the specified Workforce Development site, be responsible for providing site supervision of nursing ...

Showing results 41-60

Dean information

See California salary details

$42.4K

$104.4K

$178.6K

How much do dean jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for dean in California is $104,364.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $129,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the role of a dean?

The dean of a higher education facility is a member of the administration and helps to make decisions that affect the university or college within their specific department or area of influence. As a dean, sometimes called the provost in some schools, your responsibilities include helping to set a study curriculum, planning a budget, determining admission guidelines, advocating for student needs, and performing other duties as determined by the size of the institution. You also answer to the vice president and the president of the university.

What are some typical challenges deans face when balancing administrative duties with academic leadership?

Deans often encounter the challenge of managing administrative responsibilities—such as budgeting, policy implementation, and resource allocation—while also providing academic leadership and support to faculty and students. Juggling these demands requires strong time management and communication skills. Additionally, Deans must navigate competing priorities and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders, ensuring that both the academic mission and operational needs of the college or school are met. Building relationships and maintaining transparency are key strategies to successfully balance these roles.

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

To thrive as a Dean, you need extensive experience in academic administration, advanced degrees (usually a doctorate), and a strong track record in leadership and education management. Familiarity with institutional accreditation processes, budgeting software, and learning management systems is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, strategic vision, and the ability to foster collaboration set outstanding Deans apart. These competencies are crucial for effectively guiding academic programs, supporting faculty and students, and advancing the institution's mission.

What does a dean do at a college or university?

A Dean is a senior academic administrator responsible for overseeing a specific division, college, or faculty within a university or college. Their duties typically include managing academic programs, supporting faculty and student needs, developing policies, and handling budgets. Deans also represent their division to the broader institution and may be involved in strategic planning, fundraising, and accreditation processes. They play a key role in setting academic standards and fostering an environment that supports both teaching and research.

What is the difference between Dean vs Principal?

AspectDeanPrincipal
Primary RoleAcademic leadership within a college or university, overseeing academic programs and facultySchool leadership responsible for overall management, operations, and student discipline in a K-12 school
Required CredentialsTypically advanced degrees (Master's or Doctorate), academic experience, leadership skillsUsually teaching certification, administrative credentials, leadership experience
Work EnvironmentHigher education institutions, universities, collegesPrimary and secondary schools, K-12 education settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, higher education sectorPublic and private K-12 schools, school districts

The main difference between a Dean and a Principal lies in their scope and setting. A Dean typically works within higher education institutions, focusing on academic programs and faculty management. In contrast, a Principal manages K-12 schools, overseeing daily operations and student discipline. Both roles require leadership skills, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Dean jobs in California?

The most popular types of Dean jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Dean jobs?

Cities in California with the most Dean job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Dean jobs in CA?

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

Infographic showing various Dean job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $104,364 per year, or $50.2 per hour.

Assistant Dean, Educational Programs and Services

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Oversee the management of educational programs and services, providing leadership to achieve organizational goals.

  • Define and advance the administrative and business strategies to support the academic vision and ensure operational integration across educational functions.

  • Lead operational planning, policy setting, and strategic initiatives to support the educational mission and ensure organizational performance.


Stanford University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

213th of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Note: This position has been deemed critical by the School of Medicine and is exempt from the hiring freeze.

Stanford University School of Medicine is world-renowned for leading-edge education, research, patient care, and medical advancements.

Stanford University School of Medicine seeks a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as Assistant Dean for Educational Programs and Services (EPS). This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a comprehensive portfolio supporting the full continuum of medical and graduate education, including undergraduate medical education, graduate education, graduate medical education, continuing medical education, postdoctoral affairs, and the Lane Medical Library.

Reporting to the Associate Dean and Chief Operating Officer and partnering closely with the Senior Associate Deans for Medical Education, Graduate Education, and Postdoctoral Affairs, the Assistant Dean provides strategic direction and operational oversight for a large, complex organization, translating academic vision into integrated operational strategies that advance the School's education mission.

This role requires a highly collaborative leader who can engage effectively with faculty, senior administrators, and staff across the institution. The Assistant Dean acts as a trusted advisor on organizational design, programmatic priorities, and institutional challenges, ensuring that operational infrastructure evolves in alignment with academic goals, learner experience, and emerging trends in education, including the integration of new technologies.

The Assistant Dean leads a multi-layered organization through a team of senior leaders and is responsible for advancing organizational performance and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned leader to shape the future of education at Stanford, supporting innovation and a best-in-class experience for learners, faculty, and staff.

Onsite Cadence: Onsite, Main Campus

Core Duties

  • Oversee the management of areas of responsibility. Direct staff and provide leadership to achieve goals and vision of the organization. Responsible for hiring and retaining staff, career coaching, personal development for direct reports and accountable for the performance of employees.

  • Define and advance the business and administrative mission for EPS, creating strategies to translate the academic vision of the Senior Associate Deans for Medical Education and Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs and other faculty leaders along with the Chief Operating Officer into actionable operating goals.

  • Lead operational planning across EPS to integrate medical, graduate, GME, CME, and Postdoctoral Education functions into a scalable, multi-tiered organizational structure that supports the academic mission.

  • In close collaboration with faculty leadership, set policy direction and provide strategic counsel on academic and administrative policy governing educational programs, learner services, accreditation standards, and institutional compliance.

  • Serving as a strategic leadership partner to faculty leaders and the COO, lead long-range strategic planning for EPS, supporting the School of Medicine's educational mission.

  • Oversees allocation of staffing, financial, facilities, and educational resources across EPS with limited review by senior officers, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and long-term sustainability.

  • Responsible for the financial viability and success of the organization. Develop and deliver complex, comprehensive financial analysis, high level strategic modeling both short and long term and provide advice to senior leadership decisions. Oversee the management of the consolidated annual budget plan of ~$125M. Responsible for committing school resources with limited review by senior officers.

  • Champion major initiatives, lead complex, high-visibility process redesign and innovation projects; develop and implement initiatives.

Education & Experience (Required): 

Bachelor's degree and ten years of relevant experience in administrative and financial management, or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Required): 

  • Demonstrated strategic leadership, planning and change management skills.

  • Ability to demonstrate a high level of diplomacy in persuading and influencing a wide variety of people at various levels to achieve results.

  • Excellent strategic planning skills.

  • Excellent communication skills. Able to influence people, solve problems, trouble shoot, think creatively and resolve conflicts.

  • Advanced financial expertise in accounting, budget planning, and financial forecasting.

  • Advanced expertise in grants and contract administration.

  • Exceptional negotiation and effective interpersonal skills negotiation and political acumen skills.

  • Attention to detail and accuracy.

  • Expert analytical and problem solving skills.

  • Strong knowledge of industry standards, trends and/or regulatory requirements.

  • Subject matter expertise for area(s) of responsibility.

  • Advanced expertise in business and management computer applications and databases.

  • Broad understanding of information technology hardware and software infrastructure.

  • Ability to multi-task and manage deadlines.

  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to cultivate strong collaborative relationships with faculty and able to anticipate faculty needs.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Advanced degree (e.g., MD, PhD, MHA, MBA, MPH) or an equivalent combination of education and extensive leadership experience in academic/educational administration within a health/medical/Biosciences education setting.

  • Demonstrated senior leadership experience overseeing complex educational programs and services in a large academic medical center or equivalent environment.

  • Proven track record in strategic planning, program development, implementation, and evaluation across multiple educational domains (medical student education, graduate education, GME, CME, postdocs).

  • Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets, staffing, and resources at scale.

  • Knowledge of accreditation and regulatory processes (LCME, ACGME) and experience guiding programs through accreditation cycles.

  • Ability to lead diverse teams, influence across a complex organization, and work effectively with senior leadership.

  • Experience within Stanford Medicine or comparable top-tier academic medical center.

  • Demonstrated success in large-scale program integration across multiple educational domains.

  • Proficiency with educational technology, digital learning platforms, and data analytics.

  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in education.

Physical Requirements: 

  • Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.

  • Frequently sitting.

  • Occasionally stand/walk, writing by hand, use a telephone, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh 11-20 pounds.

  • Rarely sort/file paperwork or parts, rarely twist/bend/stoop/squat.

Working Conditions:

  • Occasional evening and weekend hours.

Work Standards:

  • Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.

  • Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.

  • Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

The expected pay range for this position is $237,369 to $302,041 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs. At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.

Why Stanford is for You

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

  • Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.

  • A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.

  • A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.

  • Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.

  • Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

We pride ourselves in being a culture that encourages and empowers you.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.  All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S.

Additional Information
  • Schedule: Full-time
  • Job Code: 4134
  • Employee Status: Regular
  • Grade: O
  • Requisition ID: 109041
  • Work Arrangement : On Site

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