Dean of the School of Civic Leadership

The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) invites nominations and applications for the inaugural Dean of the School of Civic Leadership. The inaugural dean will provide strategic direction in developing a new interdisciplinary school for scholarship, research, and teaching that address our society’s need for civically minded leaders who are knowledgeable about America’s founding principles, constitutional history, and economic system. Building on UT Austin’s existing strengths, the School of Civic Leadership will offer a focused program of study that equips students with knowledge and aptitudes necessary to lead in a free and pluralistic society. Reporting to the University’s executive vice president and provost, the dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the school and will set an ambitious course as it develops its trajectory of innovation and impact.

The Role

The dean oversees all areas of the school’s formation and mission development. The dean is responsible for academic and scholarly leadership and serves as the school’s primary representative and liaison to the General Faculty, alumni, local government stakeholders, industry, and other partners. Overseeing an initial annual budget of more than $6 million, the dean is responsible for developing the school’s programs and academic credentials in accordance with University procedures, building its faculty and staff, recruiting its first class of students, and securing additional sources of revenue and philanthropic support for the school’s research and teaching activities. Specifically, the dean is charged with establishing a culture of excellence and innovation; forging a strong community of scholarship, creativity, collaboration, and learning; and creating the vision, operations, and services of the school.

To ensure the school’s academic distinction and excellence, the inaugural dean will address the following key opportunities and challenges:

• Articulate and execute a compelling vision for the development of the School of Civic Leadership
• Build a faculty of distinction that works within the school and across colleges and schools
• Establish a community of staff to support the work of the school
• Serve as the key spokesperson for the work and values of the school across the University and beyond
• Foster collaboration within the school and across campus
• Develop the academic credentials of the new school
• Establish the operational infrastructure of the new school, including its financial and HR systems, development and fund raising, communications, student advising, and other operations
• Shape and help recruit the inaugural class of undergraduates to the school

Qualifications

The inaugural Dean of the School of Civic Leadership will present a notable record of achievement in research, education, leadership, and administration and should have a distinguished reputation based on scholarship, research, and/or creative accomplishments that merit appointment at the rank of professor with tenure at the University. The successful candidate will have demonstrated leadership experience, vision, superb management abilities, excellent communication and negotiation skills, and an outstanding record of achievement related to supporting students and faculty.

• A terminal graduate degree in a discipline related to civic leadership, an outstanding record of academic and/or professional achievement, and scholarly and creative impact commensurate with appointment as a full professor with tenure
• A strong record of providing leadership to and effective management of a complex organization
• Intellectual depth and strategic abilities
• Capacity to translate ideas into actions with meaningful impact,
• Demonstrated success in establishing a vision and executing a foundational strategic plan and experience with the alignment of resources with strategic goals
• A strong commitment to realizing the potential contributions of the School of Civic Leadership to strengthen strategic engagement with local, national, and international communities and with partners in industry and government
• Demonstrated administrative capability and the ability to delegate, prioritize, and make timely, transparent, and effective decisions
• A strong record of promoting civility and promoting a sense of belonging within multidisciplinary units of study and research
• A record of success in recruiting and developing high-performing staff and in supporting the unique needs of a broad community of scholars
• Demonstrated fundraising experience and success
• Financial acumen and a record of fiduciary transparency and accountability
• Exceptional communication and relationship skills and the ability to be an effective spokesperson and strong advocate for the school

Applications, Inquiries, and Nominations

The University of Texas at Austin is conducting an international search for this leadership position with the support of as its executive search firm. Partner Melody Rose, Julia Bradley. and Robin Mamlet are supporting the provost’s consultative search committee, which is chaired by Jeremi Suri. Interested applicants are required to send a letter of interest and current curriculum vitae to UTADeanSCL@wittkieffer.com. Nominations, recommendations, expressions of interest, and inquiries should go to the same addresses.

Review of applications will begin in October 2023. Nominations and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. It is anticipated that the dean will be appointed with a start date in spring or summer 2024. UT policy requires that a background check be conducted on the selected candidate. All possible discretion will be exercised to maintain the privacy of applicants through the search committee phase of the process.

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities and admissions.

Faculty Members

Graduate Students

Undergraduate Student

Staff Member

Dean's Council Representative

External Representatives

Ex-Officio from the Provost’s Office