Dean of Divinity School (University of Chicago)

Description The University of Chicago Divinity School invites applications for the position of Dean. The Divinity School uniquely combines one of the nation’s largest, strongest, and longest-standing programs in the academic study of religion with a vibrant, multireligious program in ministry and religious leadership. The successful candidate will be an accomplished scholar who possesses a deep understanding of the field of religious studies. They will also be a collaborative, forward-looking, and engaged leader who is able to advance the school’s mission at a time when informed scholarship and thoughtful public discourse on religion are crucial. Reporting to the Provost, the Dean provides organizational leadership and strategic direction while representing the school to the central administration, other academic units of the University, the Board of Trustees, the Divinity School Council, students, University alumni, the wider academic community, and diverse public constituencies nationally and internationally. The Dean oversees faculty recruitment, tenure and promotion, and diversification; manages staff performance and career development; supports and promotes faculty in their scholarly endeavors; leads fund-raising initiatives and student recruitment efforts; actively conducts alumni relations; supervises capital projects; manages the institutional budget; and spearheads public engagement through the school’s Martin Marty Center for the Public Understanding of Religion. As one of twelve academic deans at the University of Chicago, the Dean works together with deans, department chairs, directors of campus centers and institutes, and officers of the University. Internally, the Dean oversees four graduate programs: the doctoral program, which comprises eleven areas of study; three Masters programs (AMRS, MA, MDiv); and a lively and fast-growing BA program in the College. The Divinity School has a full-time enrollment of approximately 240 graduate students (half of them pursuing the PhD), a faculty of more than 30 members, and a staff of 15; it has an annual budget of $20 million and an endowment of approximately $165 million. Qualifications Candidates for the Deanship must hold a PhD or equivalent in a field relevant to religious studies and show promise for effective leadership, management, and scholarly contribution. In addition, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following preferred qualifications: A nuanced understanding of the mission, values, and goals of the intellectual enterprise in higher education and a generous interpretation of how to partner enthusiastically and creatively with faculty, staff, and students in pursuit of the same; A deep understanding of current issues and trends facing the future of religious studies, both nationally and globally; An inclusive, proactive, collaborative, self-reflective, and open-minded approach to leadership; A strong and visible personal and professional commitment to diversity and inclusion, and experience applying these values in academic contexts; A willingness and inclination to attract additional friends and resources to the Divinity School through effective grant-writing and cultivation of relationships, specifically with individuals, foundations, and organizations; A passion for thinking creatively, collectively, and flexibly about the future of the Divinity School and the ability to inspire such thinking in its faculty and staff; Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both one-on-one and with larger groups; The ability to view issues from an institution-wide perspective, foster teamwork across academic units, and stimulate collaboration in the University; Proven experience managing budgets and allocating resources strategically; Willingness to engage in the life of the University as a collegial and approachable representative of the Divinity School; and An appreciation for the University of Chicago’s commitment to rigorous inquiry. Application Instructions The University of Chicago has retained Korn Ferry to support this recruitment. Paul Hsun-Ling Chou, Co-Managing Director and Senior Client Partner, and Greg Cary, Senior Associate, are leading the search. Inquiries, applications, and nominations must be sent by email to uchicago-divinity@kornferry.com. Applicants are asked to submit a CV and cover letter addressed to the Divinity Deanship Advisory Committee. Please note all job seekers wishing to be considered for the position must also submit their materials through the University’s Interfolio site (https://apply.interfolio.com/106089). Review of applications will begin July 15th, 2022, and will continue until the position is filled. The University of Chicago is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge. For help signing up, accessing your account, or submitting your application please check out Interfolio's help and support section or get in touch via email at help@interfolio.com or phone at (877) 997-8807. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Adminoxy

Description

The University of Chicago Divinity School invites applications for the position of Dean. The Divinity School uniquely combines one of the nation’s largest, strongest, and longest-standing programs in the academic study of religion with a vibrant, multireligious program in ministry and religious leadership. The successful candidate will be an accomplished scholar who possesses a deep understanding of the field of religious studies. They will also be a collaborative, forward-looking, and engaged leader who is able to advance the school’s mission at a time when informed scholarship and thoughtful public discourse on religion are crucial.

Reporting to the Provost, the Dean provides organizational leadership and strategic direction while representing the school to the central administration, other academic units of the University, the Board of Trustees, the Divinity School Council, students, University alumni, the wider academic community, and diverse public constituencies nationally and internationally. The Dean oversees faculty recruitment, tenure and promotion, and diversification; manages staff performance and career development; supports and promotes faculty in their scholarly endeavors; leads fund-raising initiatives and student recruitment efforts; actively conducts alumni relations; supervises capital projects; manages the institutional budget; and spearheads public engagement through the school’s Martin Marty Center for the Public Understanding of Religion. As one of twelve academic deans at the University of Chicago, the Dean works together with deans, department chairs, directors of campus centers and institutes, and officers of the University. Internally, the Dean oversees four graduate programs: the doctoral program, which comprises eleven areas of study; three Masters programs (AMRS, MA, MDiv); and a lively and fast-growing BA program in the College. The Divinity School has a full-time enrollment of approximately 240 graduate students (half of them pursuing the PhD), a faculty of more than 30 members, and a staff of 15; it has an annual budget of $20 million and an endowment of approximately $165 million.

Qualifications

Candidates for the Deanship must hold a PhD or equivalent in a field relevant to religious studies and show promise for effective leadership, management, and scholarly contribution. In addition, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following preferred qualifications:

A nuanced understanding of the mission, values, and goals of the intellectual enterprise in higher education and a generous interpretation of how to partner enthusiastically and creatively with faculty, staff, and students in pursuit of the same;
A deep understanding of current issues and trends facing the future of religious studies, both nationally and globally;
An inclusive, proactive, collaborative, self-reflective, and open-minded approach to leadership;
A strong and visible personal and professional commitment to diversity and inclusion, and experience applying these values in academic contexts;
A willingness and inclination to attract additional friends and resources to the Divinity School through effective grant-writing and cultivation of relationships, specifically with individuals, foundations, and organizations;
A passion for thinking creatively, collectively, and flexibly about the future of the Divinity School and the ability to inspire such thinking in its faculty and staff;
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both one-on-one and with larger groups;
The ability to view issues from an institution-wide perspective, foster teamwork across academic units, and stimulate collaboration in the University;
Proven experience managing budgets and allocating resources strategically;
Willingness to engage in the life of the University as a collegial and approachable representative of the Divinity School; and
An appreciation for the University of Chicago’s commitment to rigorous inquiry.

Application Instructions

The University of Chicago has retained Korn Ferry to support this recruitment. Paul Hsun-Ling Chou, Co-Managing Director and Senior Client Partner, and Greg Cary, Senior Associate, are leading the search. Inquiries, applications, and nominations must be sent by email to uchicago-divinity@kornferry.com. Applicants are asked to submit a CV and cover letter addressed to the Divinity Deanship Advisory Committee. Please note all job seekers wishing to be considered for the position must also submit their materials through the University’s Interfolio site (https://apply.interfolio.com/106089).

Review of applications will begin July 15th, 2022, and will continue until the position is filled.

The University of Chicago is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.

For help signing up, accessing your account, or submitting your application please check out Interfolio's help and support section or get in touch via email at help@interfolio.com or phone at (877) 997-8807.

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Adminoxy

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