"Dean, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (AA26139)"

Job Description

The Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences will provide innovative, equity-minded and creative leadership to fulfill the vision of the college to prepare students to thrive in a diverse, evolving workplace and society that is increasingly connected to the global economy. The Dean serves as the chief administrative and executive officer for the college and reports directly to the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Dean will oversee academic programs and maintain external accreditations; provide academic and administrative planning and budgeting; interpret administer collective bargaining agreements; implement college and university policies; recruit, develop and evaluate faculty and staff; maintain positive student relations; fundraise and procure grants; maintain and develop external connections, advisory boards, collaboration and partnership; provide oversight for procurement and maintenance of college technology and facilities; promote, develop and encourage equity-minded and racially just programming and supports; and mentor department chairpersons. The Dean also oversees the Chelsey Center on Aging, Earth Systems Laboratory, Kessel Peace Institute, Scholars Serving Time, Mankato Mapping Project, Criminal Justice Career Academy, Center for Economic Education, and the Good Thunder Reading Series.

Minimum Qualifications

• Earned Ph.D. or other terminal degree in a discipline appropriate to the College (Conferred on an official transcript at the time of application).
• Combination of higher education administrative experience (with increasing levels of responsibility, at the level of department chair or higher).
• Faculty experience (commensurate with tenure and promotion to the rank of professor), with a track record of successful experience and accomplishments in teaching excellence and innovation and research/scholarly/creative endeavors.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering and advancing racial/social justice and equity in curriculum, communities, and engagements.
• Demonstrated experience and ability in faculty and staff supervision and management.
• Demonstrated ability to promote student learning through innovative curriculum design and pedagogical practices focused on high impact student experiences.
• Demonstrated abilities and experiences managing department, unit, and/or collegiate budgets and knowledge of fiscal landscape including challenges and opportunities in higher education.
• Demonstrated commitment to leading and supporting academic program quality, including experience with program accreditation, at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships and to develop public and private partnerships, with a variety of external stakeholders and constituencies to generate resources and support for the college.
• Exceptional oral and written communication and presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse working and learning environment.
• Professional Licensure/Certification: As appropriate to the position holder’s discipline
• Knowledge of current and emerging student populations and trends in liberal arts and social sciences disciplines.
• Record of identifying and securing grants, contracts, and/or gifts from state or federal agencies, foundations, private donors, and other funding sources.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead in a collective bargaining and/or shared governance environment.
• Experience overseeing and/or delivering services of public interest, including arts and cultural events via revenue generating centers and institutes.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, develop, and/or lead a cross-functional team.
• Ability to engage in professional leadership and service, as a senior academic administrator, at the state, regional, national, and international levels to advance strategic directions

Other Requirements

This position has been designated as weather and emergency essential... [abbreviated for brevity, full details in original]. Telework: Case by Case/Situational Telework: Up to 10% of the time.

Salary

Commensurate with experience and qualifications. Position: At Will (Range 12).

Application Procedures

A complete online application will include the following attachments. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the search committee.
- Cover Letter
- Non-Photo Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Contact Information for three (3) references
- Unofficial Transcript(s) of your highest completed degree
- A brief (no more than one-page) diversity statement defining diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and describing your views and actions toward advancing DEI including dimensions of social justice and racial equity related to race, gender, ability and culture. How would your views and prior actions regarding diversity, equity and inclusion align with Minnesota State University, Mankato’s goals?

Applications received on or before January 2, 2026 will receive priority consideration. Review of applications will continue until position is filled.