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$19K

$76.5K

$128.5K

How much do university dean jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for university dean in the United States is $76,501.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main responsibilities of a university dean?

A University Dean is a senior academic administrator who oversees a specific college, faculty, or school within a university. Their main responsibilities include managing academic programs, budgeting, faculty recruitment and development, and ensuring the quality of education. Deans also represent their division in university leadership meetings, work on strategic planning, and often engage in fundraising or alumni relations. They play a vital role in shaping academic policies and maintaining standards within their unit.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a university dean?

To thrive as a University Dean, you need advanced academic credentials (often a doctorate), significant leadership experience in higher education, and a track record of scholarship or research. Familiarity with university management systems, budgeting tools, and accreditation processes is essential. Outstanding interpersonal skills, strategic vision, and the ability to build consensus help a Dean effectively lead diverse faculty, staff, and student populations. These competencies ensure the Dean can advance the institution's mission, foster academic excellence, and navigate complex administrative challenges.

How does a university dean typically balance administrative duties with academic leadership responsibilities?

A University Dean often juggles multiple priorities, including overseeing academic programs, managing faculty affairs, and ensuring the strategic growth of their college or department. Balancing administrative tasks—such as budgeting, compliance, and policy implementation—with academic leadership, like curriculum development and faculty mentorship, requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Deans frequently collaborate with other campus leaders, faculty, and external stakeholders to foster a positive academic environment while meeting institutional goals. Navigating these diverse responsibilities effectively is key to success and job satisfaction in the role.

What is the difference between University Dean vs Department Chair?

AspectUniversity DeanDepartment Chair
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (Master's or Doctorate) in relevant fields, along with significant academic experience.Usually holds a faculty position with a terminal degree; often requires experience in teaching and research.
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple departments or schools within a university, focusing on strategic leadership and administration.Manages a specific academic department, focusing on faculty, curriculum, and departmental operations.
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by universities and higher education institutions in leadership roles.Found within universities, colleges, and academic institutions, often within the faculty structure.

In summary, a University Dean holds a broader leadership role overseeing multiple departments or schools, while a Department Chair manages a specific academic department. Both roles require advanced credentials and experience but differ in scope and responsibilities.

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University Dean jobs near you
Infographic showing various University Dean job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,501 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

Auburn University - - Dean, College of Agriculture

Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU)

Auburn, AL • On-site

$180 - $250/hr

Other

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Home > Auburn University – – Dean, College of Agriculture

Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

Job Postings enable you to post your own job and find other job listings offered by APLU members. This service is free for APLU members. For more information, email info@aplu.org.

Auburn University seeks a dynamic and collaborative leader to serve as the next Dean of the College of Agriculture and Director of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station.

Guided by Auburn’s 10-year strategic plan and the College’s newly launched 2026 framework, the next Dean will refine and advance a bold vision that strengthens the College’s impact across Alabama, nationally, and globally. This leader will capitalize on a strong foundation to accelerate strategic priorities and position the College as a leader in agricultural innovation, education, and outreach.

The Dean will oversee a complex and geographically distributed enterprise, requiring a leadership style that fosters alignment, builds trust across stakeholders, and supports a culture of excellence. The Dean will be expected to prioritize faculty and staff development; ensure sustained enrollment and an exceptional student experience; and align academic offerings with workforce needs. The Dean will champion research excellence, building on recent success averaging more than $58 million annually in sponsored funding and leveraging new investments in research facilities.

The role also emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and external engagement. The Dean will expand partnerships across Auburn University while serving as a prominent ambassador to industry leaders, producers, policymakers, and partner institutions. Strengthening these relationships will be critical to securing resources, advancing innovation, and ensuring responsiveness to evolving agricultural challenges and opportunities.

The ideal candidate will bring a distinguished academic background, proven leadership in complex organizations, and a commitment to shared governance, student success, and faculty advancement.

With more than 160 faculty, 285 staff, and over 1,400 students, the College of Agriculture plays a central role in Auburn’s land-grant mission, offering the next Dean a significant opportunity to drive meaningful and lasting impact.

Applications can be submitted through the WittKieffer Candidate Portal at https://apptrkr.com/7299516. Applicants should submit, as separate documents, a CV or résumé and a letter of interest that addresses the themes outlined in this profile. For full consideration, candidate materials should be received by AUGUST 10, 2026.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to the WittKieffer consultants supporting this search:

Ryan Crawford, rcrawford@wittkieffer.com

Jessica Herrington, jherrington@wittkieffer.com

Jess Cummings, jcummings@wittkieffer.com

Auburn University is an EEO/Vet/Disability Employer and committed to building an inclusive and diverse community.

The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU)

1220 L Street NW
Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20005

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