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Graduate Dean Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

University of Michigan

DEAN

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

Founded in 1927 as the School of Forestry and Conservation, SEAS has evolved into a graduate ... Job Summary The next Dean of SEAS will guide the school into a period of significant opportunity ...

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All JobsGraduate Dean JobsGraduate Dean Jobs in Michigan

Graduate Dean information

See Michigan salary details

$16.6K

$66.7K

$112K

How much do graduate dean jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate dean in Michigan is $66,677.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $79,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Dean, you need advanced academic credentials (typically a doctoral degree), leadership experience in higher education, and a strong understanding of graduate program administration. Familiarity with university management systems, accreditation processes, and data analysis tools is commonly required. Exceptional communication, strategic vision, and the ability to foster collaboration set outstanding Graduate Deans apart. These skills are crucial for ensuring academic excellence, effective program oversight, and positive engagement with faculty, staff, and students.

What are Graduate Deans?

Graduate Deans are senior academic administrators who oversee graduate programs at a college or university. They are responsible for setting policies, ensuring academic quality, supporting graduate students, and facilitating communication between faculty, students, and administration. Graduate Deans often work on program development, admissions standards, and funding opportunities. Their role is crucial in maintaining the integrity and reputation of graduate education at their institution.

What are some common challenges a Graduate Dean faces when balancing administrative duties with advocating for student needs?

A Graduate Dean often juggles the demands of overseeing academic policies, managing budgets, and fostering faculty development, while also ensuring graduate students receive the support and resources they need. Balancing these responsibilities can be challenging, as it requires strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to mediate between institutional objectives and student advocacy. Success in this role typically involves building collaborative relationships across departments, staying accessible to student concerns, and implementing initiatives that enhance both program quality and student experience.

Can you be a dean with a master's degree?

A Graduate Dean typically requires a doctoral degree in education or a related field, along with extensive experience in academic administration. While a master's degree may be sufficient for some entry-level or assistant roles, becoming a dean generally necessitates higher-level qualifications and leadership experience.

What is the difference between Graduate Dean vs Academic Program Director?

AspectGraduate DeanAcademic Program Director
Required CredentialsTypically a doctoral degree in education or related field, extensive experience in higher education administrationMaster's or doctoral degree, experience in program management or academic administration
Work EnvironmentUniversity or college administration, overseeing multiple departments or facultiesSpecific academic department or program, managing curriculum and faculty
Employer & IndustryHigher education institutions, universitiesUniversities, colleges, academic institutions
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for leadership roles in academia, overseeing academic policies and student affairsCompared for program management, curriculum development, and faculty coordination

The main difference is that a Graduate Dean oversees broader academic policies and student affairs at the institutional level, while an Academic Program Director focuses on managing specific programs or departments. Both roles require advanced education and experience in higher education, but their scope and responsibilities differ significantly.

How much do graduate school deans make?

Graduate school deans typically earn between $100,000 and $200,000 annually, depending on the institution's size, location, and the dean's experience. Salaries can vary widely, with some deans earning more at large research universities or private institutions. The role often requires advanced degrees and leadership experience in higher education administration.

Can you be a dean without a PhD?

Typically, a Graduate Dean or similar academic leadership role requires a doctoral degree, such as a PhD, as it demonstrates advanced expertise and academic credentials. While some administrative positions may accept master's degrees, most deans are expected to hold a PhD or equivalent terminal degree in their field. Relevant experience in higher education administration and leadership skills are also essential.

What does a graduate school dean do?

A graduate school dean oversees the administration and academic policies of a graduate program, manages faculty and student affairs, and ensures the quality of graduate education. They often coordinate curriculum development, handle budget and resource allocation, and work with university leadership to support research and student success.
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Dean jobs in Michigan? For Graduate Dean jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Dean jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Dean jobs in Michigan are:
Graduate Dean jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Dean job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,677 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Assistant Dean - Van Andel Graduate School

Van Andel Institute

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Van Andel Institute (VAI), a world-class biomedical research institute, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is dedicated to improving human health. We are pioneers in the fight against cancer, Parkinson's, and other diseases. We are committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and educators.
VAI Graduate School is hiring for an Assistant Dean. VAI Graduate School develops future leaders in biomedical research through an intense, problem-based learning focused Ph.D. degree in molecular and cell biology. By combining rigorous, inquiry-based coursework with extensive experience in laboratories led by the Institute's expert faculty, the Graduate School prepares students for productive careers in biomedical research and beyond. The Graduate School thrives within a collaborative state-of-the-art research environment, currently ranked #3 in the Nature Index of U.S. independent research institutes, and offers access to extensive core technology and collaborators in Grand Rapids, Michigan and around the world.
Position Summary:
The Assistant Dean, reporting to the Dean of the Graduate School, provides creative and effective leadership for students, faculty and staff to support doctoral student academic milestones, predoctoral fellowship and grant development, scientific writing, and professional development programming. The Assistant Dean partners with faculty and Graduate School Staff to promote student success and contributes to the continuous improvement of Graduate School programs, policies, and academic initiatives.
This position is ideally suited for an accomplished biomedical scientist who is passionate about mentoring trainees and is excited to leverage prior experience as an independent investigator to shape graduate education. The Assistant Dean serves as a bridge between the research enterprise and graduate education, ensuring that students develop the scientific, professional, and leadership skills necessary for successful careers in biomedical research.
Responsibilities:
  • Provide individualized guidance and mentorship to doctoral students as they progress through key academic milestones including lab selection, formation of the thesis advisory committee, comprehensive examination, and dissertation defense.

  • Serve as Graduate School Staff Liaison to the Comprehensive Exam and Dissertation Organizing Committee by coordinating committee activities, supporting policy development and implementation, preparing materials for committee review, and communicating recommendations to Graduate School leadership.

  • Develop, direct, and teach graduate-level courses or other programming focused on scientific writing, fellowship and grant preparation, and other areas aligned with the candidate's expertise and Graduate School needs.

  • Identify and promote external fellowship opportunities and provide individualized guidance to students through proposal development in collaboration with the Office of Sponsored Research and student dissertation advisor.

  • Support accreditation efforts, particularly regarding student academic milestones.

  • Contribute to the development and implementation of Graduate School academic policies and resources, including the academic catalog, student handbook, and recruitment materials.

  • Represent the Graduate School within the institute and in external professional and academic communities.

  • Responsibly steward VAI and Graduate School resources.

  • Perform other tasks at the request of the Dean that support the mission of the Graduate School.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Ph.D. or terminal degree and postdoctoral experience in a biological/biomedical science discipline.

  • Experience mentoring graduate students and/or postdoctoral fellows.

  • Experience in writing or mentoring fellowship or grant applications.

  • Teaching experience in higher education, preferably at the graduate level.

  • Strong analytical reasoning skills, oral and written communication skills, and project management skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 4-6 years of independent faculty experience leading a biological/biomedical science lab.

  • Leadership experience in graduate education (e.g., Graduate Program Director, Director of Graduate Studies, Assistant Dean, or equivalent).

  • Experience mentoring graduate students through dissertation research and major academic milestones.

  • Demonstrated interest in learner-centered graduate education, curriculum development, and professional development.

  • Experience collaborating across research, education, and administrative units.

  • A record of innovation or continuous improvement in graduate education, mentoring, or trainee development.

Compensation and Benefits
All full-time employees of Van Andel Institute are eligible for benefits, effective Day One! The salary you can expect in this role is based on your experience and skills.
How to apply:
We would love to have a conversation with you! The first step in this conversation is your application.
In your application, please provide the following in a single combined PDF file:
  • cover letter highlighting key qualifications,
  • current curriculum vitae with complete publication list,
  • names and contact information of 3 references.

Applications received by September 1, 2026, can be assured of full consideration. Interviews will take place in September and October with an expected decision in October/November. If you have any difficulty uploading your application or any questions, please email Natalie Hartford at Natalie.Hartford@vai.org
About Van Andel Institute
Established in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1996 by the Van Andel family, VAI is now home to nearly 500 scientists, educators and support staff, who work with national and international collaborators to foster discovery. The Institute's scientists study the origins of cancer, Parkinson's and other diseases and translate their findings into breakthrough prevention and treatment strategies. Our educators develop inquiry-based approaches for K-12 education to help students and teachers prepare the next generation of problem-solvers, while our Graduate School offers a rigorous, research-intensive Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology.
VAI is committed to excellence through broad participation and diverse perspectives. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences who share our passion for innovation and collaboration.
Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer.
As Van Andel Institute is a drug free employer, all prospective new employees undergo a urinalysis/drug test as part of our pre-employment process. This is a 7-panel drug screen and it includes testing for Marijuana, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Opiates, PCP, Barbiturates, and Benzodiazepines.
About Grand Rapids, MI
Van Andel Institute is in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan in the center of the Medical Mile. A remarkable combination of a cosmopolitan atmosphere and small-town warmth, Grand Rapids is known for its philanthropic and sustainability-driven community. It's fun affordable and family-friendly.
Located on the banks of the Grand River, Grand Rapids offers all the big-city excitement you'd expect from a million-resident metropolis, featuring hundreds of restaurants and nightspots, theaters, museums, sports and concerts. The safe and clean downtown is surrounded by an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas. The downtown area is safe and clean with an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas.

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