Dean of the Business School

Job Title

Dean of the Business School

Job Summary

Worcester Polytechnic Institute invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the Business School. This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary leader to advance business education and research at a premier technological university known for its distinctive project‑based learning model, where students tackle real‑world challenges through hands‑on projects that connect academic disciplines to societal needs and professional practice. The Dean will join WPI following the university’s recent achievement of Carnegie R1 research university status and recognition by U.S. News & World Report as No. 18 nationally for best return on investment. The Dean will shape the future of WPI’s Business School while contributing to WPI’s continued rise in international prominence.

Responsibilities

• Academic Leadership – Continue the growth trajectory of enrollment, oversee curriculum development, academic program review, and the accreditation process. Recruit, evaluate, and support faculty in teaching, research, outreach, and professional development. Promote scholarly excellence by leveraging interdisciplinary collaboration within and beyond WPI. Foster a culture of student professionalism, innovation, and success. Provide leadership and oversight for faculty development, resource allocation, and program quality. Champion recruitment, retention, advancement, and well‑being to foster a strong, inclusive academic community. Strengthen and expand the school’s research enterprise.
• Administrative Management – Provide strategic and operational oversight of the school, including substantial budgetary responsibility, resource planning, and external representation. Develop and manage the budget, resources, and staffing for the Business School. Manage a budget of over $7M and lead the Dean’s Office, comprising four direct reports: Department Head, Assistant Dean, Business Programs, and Operations Manager. Lead strategic planning initiatives aligned with institutional goals and ensure compliance with university policies and relevant external regulations. Ensure decision‑making processes reflect fairness, transparency, and ethical stewardship of resources.
• Student Success & Engagement – Support student recruitment, retention, advising, and graduation initiatives. Foster supportive learning environments and co‑curricular programming. Address student concerns and uphold academic integrity standards while modeling the professionalism expected of a polytechnic business school. Advance interdisciplinary teaching and scholarship that prepares graduates to address complex global challenges, particularly at the intersection of business, technology, analytics, and societal impact. Champion academic program innovation by working collaboratively with faculty to develop new and responsive programs. Advance the school’s role in WPI’s distinctive project‑based learning model.
• External Relations & Advancement – Build and sustain strategic partnerships with industry leaders, international institutions, alumni, and community organizations to enhance research opportunities, enrich student experiences, and elevate the school’s national and global profile. Lead fundraising efforts and secure external grants and sponsorships. Represent the school in university‑wide committees and public forums.
• University‑Wide Leadership – Serve as an engaged member of the Provost’s Council and the President’s leadership team, contributing to university‑wide initiatives while advocating for the school’s mission and strategic priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctoral degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field with a record of scholarship and academic leadership appropriate for appointment as a tenured professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
• Minimum of five years of leadership and administrative experience, including experience in higher education.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, change management, team building, and budget management, including oversight of complex financial and human resources.
• Effective leadership and team building across various constituent groups, with the ability to inspire and motivate faculty, staff, and students toward shared goals.
• Demonstrated success in teaching, research, and service, or equivalent experience in a complex organization.
• Understanding of and commitment to the evolving nature of a new R1 university.
• Track record of successful donor stewardship and fundraising.
• Ability to attract and retain talented faculty, staff, students, donors, and partners.
• Demonstrated financial acumen and experience managing large budgets and resource allocation.
• Commitment to the highest standards of integrity, ethical conduct, and professional responsibility in all leadership, academic, and administrative activities.
• Strategic thinking and long‑term planning capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse internal and external communities, and a professional presence appropriate for senior institutional leadership.
• Willingness to engage with all members of the WPI community, including maintaining a strong presence on campus for school and university‑wide programs and events.
• Innovation‑oriented mindset, with the ability to take thoughtful, calculated risks, coupled with an unwavering commitment to the highest standards of personal and professional integrity.
• Data‑informed decision‑making and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated engagement with the business community, providing practical insight into contemporary market dynamics, organizational challenges, and workforce needs.
• Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and drive institutional change.
• Ability to build partnerships across academic, industry, and community sectors.
• Record of promoting ethical decision‑making and professional conduct within complex academic or organizational environments.

Compensation

Compensation: $275,000–$350,000 per year. Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range. FLSA STATUS: United States of America (Exempt).

EEO Statement

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem‑solving, innovation, high performance, and change making.

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