"Dean Of The School Of Education"

Dean Of The School Of Education

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Department
VPAA Office

About the University

Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado's extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today's college students.

Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.

At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values: Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong.

About the School of Education

The School of Education at MSU Denver prepares people who will "Teach, Lead, and Transform." MSU Denver's School of Education develops excellent teachers and educational leaders who engage in reflective practice and scholarly activity, and who are ethical decision makers and agents of social change. We provide an intellectually rigorous, culturally relevant curriculum that fosters pedagogical expertise, cultivates critical thinking, and promotes imagination.

Position Summary

The Dean of the School of Education (SOE) provides academic and strategic leadership, fostering an inclusive, and forward-thinking vision for educator preparation and development. The Dean promotes an environment where faculty design and deliver innovative, evidence-based curricula that prepare educators to meet the evolving needs of diverse learners across the P-20 (pre-school through age 20) spectrum.

The Dean ensures high academic and professional standards, supports the School's growth, and engages in strategic planning aligned with MSU Denver's mission and values. This role includes oversight of academic programs, licensure and accreditation processes, budget and personnel management, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. To grow the School of Education, the Dean actively engages in fundraising activities to support the mission of the College.

Required Qualifications

• Earned terminal degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) from an accredited institution in a field that would qualify the candidate to be tenured within one of the college's three departments
• Previous experience in a leadership position at a higher education institution. Roles may include, but are not limited to, Dean, Associate Dean, Department Chair, or similar administrator positions
• Experience in P-20 educational settings
• At least three years of experience managing budgets and personnel
• Experience in educator preparation, licensure, and accreditation processes
• Strong communication skills and a record of service to the field of education

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in work that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and participation within the academic community
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant writing, or donor cultivation
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans aligned with institutional goals
• Knowledge of current education policy and best practices in P-20 education
• Commitment to inclusive pedagogy, active learning, and community-engaged scholarship

Salary for Announcement

The salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $200,000 - $230,000.

Application Process

Candidates must complete an application online through MSU Denver's career site, https://www.msudenver.edu/careers/.

Applications should include the following three documents:

• Current curriculum vitae
• A detailed cover letter describing your relevant experience and interest in the position. The cover letter should include clearly labeled sections for the required qualifications and preferred qualifications, addressing how you meet each qualification (if applicable) outlined.
• A list of five professional references, including names, titles, organizations, phone numbers, and email addresses, noting your relationship with each reference.

Priority will be given to applications received through Wednesday, January 21, 2026; applications will be accepted until the position is filled.