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The University Dean serves as CUNY's chief strategic leader for innovation and entrepreneurship and is responsible for advancing University-wide commercialization, technology transfer ...

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$19K

$76.5K

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How much do university dean jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,501 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

University Dean of Innovation

Manhattan, NY • On-site

City University of New York
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees
Learn more about City University of New Yorkexternal

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Establish and direct the University-wide innovation and entrepreneurship strategy.

  • Own performance management for the innovation ecosystem by defining and monitoring KPIs and advising on resource allocation.

  • Develop, recommend, and implement policies, frameworks, and standards related to innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization.

City University of New York rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

University Dean of Innovation

POSITION DETAILS

The City University of New York (CUNY) is seeking a University Dean of Innovation for the Office of Research (OR). The University Dean serves as CUNY's chief strategic leader for innovation and entrepreneurship and is responsible for advancing University-wide commercialization, technology transfer, entrepreneurship, and industry engagement priorities across all 26 colleges and schools. The incumbent is accountable for integrating innovation initiatives across the University to achieve measurable institutional outcomes.

The University Dean provides executive oversight of the OR's Innovation and Entrepreneurship division, which consists of the Industrial & Applied Research (IAR) and Technology Commercialization Office (TCO) teams. The incumbent will align TCO, IAR, and college-based innovation hubs, accelerators, incubators, and bootcamps to deliver scalable, high-impact programs and services. In this capacity, the University Dean establishes strategic priorities, promotes system-wide collaboration, and drives innovation initiatives that support the University's academic, research, and economic development goals.

In a single integrated system of 26 colleges and schools, the CUNY Office of Research is responsible for leading University initiatives that build research capacity across CUNY. Research, scholarly, and creative pursuits are supported through three OR divisions: Research Development and Programs, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Research Integrity and Compliance. Collectively, these divisions foster collaborative and transdisciplinary research, support startup formation, technology commercialization, and industry engagement, and ensure adherence to the standards governing research ethics and sponsored program administration.

Reporting directly to the Associate Vice Chancellor and University Vice Provost for Research, the University Dean plays a central role in the OR by serving as the University's senior advisor on innovation and entrepreneurship. The incumbent partners with Chancellery leadership, college leadership, external stakeholders, and industry to expand commercialization opportunities, strengthen innovation infrastructure, and accelerate the translation of CUNY discoveries into economic and societal impact for New York City, New York State, and beyond.

Key responsibilities include, but will not be limited to the following:

  • Establish and direct the University-wide innovation and entrepreneurship strategy — setting priorities, aligning initiatives with the Office of Research Strategic Plan and Chancellor's priorities, and deploying resources to achieve measurable outcomes.

  • Own performance management for the innovation ecosystem: define and monitor KPIs, hold organizational units accountable for goals and milestones, and advise University leadership on resource allocation and institutional investment.

  • Develop, recommend, and implement University-wide policies, frameworks, and operating standards governing innovation, entrepreneurship, technology commercialization, and industry engagement.

  • Partner with individual staff to leverage their talents and realize both individual and team objectives.

  • Scale faculty engagement with commercialization pipelines; broaden and accelerate faculty invention disclosures, licenses, patents, royalties, and private equity investments.

  • Establish faculty mentorship initiatives that elevate and retain diverse, next-generation entrepreneurship talent.

  • Partner with OR and University communications teams to shape and strengthen the CUNY innovation brand and messaging.

  • Serve as CUNY's public-facing ambassador for innovation and entrepreneurship at national and international higher education and industry convenings

  • Serve as a thought partner with the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research, broader Chancellery, college leaderships, and Board of Trustees to fully articulate the role of innovation and entrepreneurship at CUNY and its complement to the University’s education and career missions.

  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research.

NOTE:

Until further notice, this position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum:

This position is in CUNY's Executive Compensation Plan. All executive positions require a minimum of a bachelor's degree and eight years' related experience.

Preferred:

  • Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi-unit or university-wide strategic initiatives involving diverse internal and external stakeholders.

  • Demonstrated track record of highly successful, senior-level leadership and management experience, particularly in guiding and mentoring business startup and/or technology transfer.

  • History of teaming with higher education leadership to craft and influence research vision, policy, and strategic messaging for decision-makers both within and beyond the institution.

  • Significant experience in catalyzing faculty entrepreneurship and discovery commercialization through the innovation lifecycle.

  • Strong command of higher education intersects with startups and industry, with an emphasis on novel partnerships, training pathways, and technology transfer.

  • Robust knowledge of relevant federal, State, and City government agencies and funding priorities.

  • Ability to link public investment to academic innovation ecosystems.

  • Poise, stature, and relationship acumen to serve as an ambassador of CUNY research identity and excellence both within and beyond the University.

  • Exemplary organizational and project management skills to develop objectives, set and adapt to changing priorities, manage competing demands/changes, and meet deadlines.

  • Proactive, flexible and collaborative work style with strong interpersonal communication, presentation and negotiation skills to forge successful relationships with diverse faculty, staff, and external partners.

  • Detail oriented and precise with strong research, writing, and analytical skills, plus ability to thrive in a demanding, multi-faceted, and time-sensitive office.

  • Commitment to public service, service excellence, inclusion, equity, ethics, and integrity to manage highly sensitive information and material discretely.

CUNY TITLE

University Dean

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range is $180,000 - $210,000 , commensurate with credentials, education, and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

CLOSING DATE

September 24, 2026.

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Executive

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

Job ID:

32686

Location:

Central Office

Job Type:

Full-Time

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