Greenwood Asher & Associates invites nominations, applications, and expressions of interest for the 15th President of Dean College. Dean seeks a mission-driven and entrepreneurial leader who can advance innovation while honoring the College’s rich heritage, enduring values, and distinctive culture of community and family. The successful candidate will guide the College into its next era of academic excellence, relevance, and institutional strength in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing…
environment.
About the Institution
Dean College, located in Franklin, Massachusetts, is a private, residential New England college grounded in a culture and tradition that all students deserve the opportunity to discover and exceed their greatest aspirations. A personal and transformative community since 1865, Dean tirelessly inspires students to unimagined heights through personalized support and integrated delivery of academic, co-curricular and experiential learning.
Recognized as a Top Regional College by U.S. News and World Report for fifteen consecutive years and named a College of Distinction for ten consecutive years, Dean serves more than 1,000 full-time and part-time students, offering over 50 bachelor's and associate degree programs, along with certificate programs year-round.
Key Responsibilities
The President serves as the Chief Executive Officer and works in close partnership with the Board of Trustees and Senior Management Team to establish and advance the College’s strategic priorities. Dean seeks a President who will provide thoughtful and decisive leadership; build strong, authentic relationships with students, faculty, staff, alumni, families, and community partners; and serve as an enthusiastic friendraiser and fundraiser.
The Dean community will look to the President for collaborative, empowering, and visionary leadership – someone who can identify and pursue opportunities, inspire confidence, and position the institution for long-term success. The President will also foster a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose across campus while strengthening Dean’s connections within the local community and beyond.
Characteristics, Experience, and Personal Attributes
The ideal candidate should possess the following characteristics, experience, and personal attributes:
- Leadership experience in higher education (preferred), or other non-profit or for-profit organization
- A terminal degree or similar significant high-level experience in industry, government or military
- Record of success as a visionary executive, including the fiscal skills and acumen necessary to facilitate the allocation of financial and human resources effectively and efficiently among competing needs of the College
- Demonstrated success in generating revenue, fostering new business development, and leading ambitious fundraising efforts, while controlling costs
- Demonstrated leadership and experience developing strategic partnerships with employers, school districts, arts institutions, athletic organizations, and other economic-development partners
- Appreciation for the significance of learning support programs, as well as vibrant athletic and performing arts programs, to the overall enrollment, retention, image, and success of the College
- Proven success with enrollment and retention strategies during times of uncertain demographics and increased competition
- A track record of supporting institutional adaptability – particularly academic programming that keeps pace with demographic, economic, and technological change – to lead through demographic market disruption
- Experience strengthening student wellbeing, improving accessibility, and fostering a positive organizational culture
- Superior communication skills, especially the ability to be an advocate for Dean College to all audiences
- Integrity, honesty, enthusiasm, sense of humor, resilience, and a strong work ethic
- Willingness to be a presence on campus and develop rapport with existing and prospective members of the Dean Community; reside in the Dean College President’s House
Application and Nomination Process
Greenwood Asher & Associates is assisting Dean College in this search. Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made.
Applications should include:
- A letter of interest addressing relevant experience and leadership approach
- A current CV or résumé
Please submit full application packets here.
Nominations and inquiries may be directed to:
- Jim Johnsen, Vice President of Executive Search – jimjohnsen@greenwoodsearch.com
- Kyle Pybus-Jerome, Senior Executive Search Consultant – kylepybusjerome@greenwoodsearch.com
Dean College encourages applications from candidates who are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community. Dean College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, status as a parent, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other protected classifications.
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