Cranbrook Academy of Art
39221 Woodward Ave
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304
Applications and nominations are invited for the position of Dean at Cranbrook Academy of Art. The Academy is ranked nationally as one of the top ten programs in graduate art education in the country. We are seeking a creative leader to build on the Academy’s more than 75 years of excellence and innovation in art and design. Cranbrook is not simply a graduate program; it is a community of artists and designers, living and working together on a campus that was designed specifically for that purpose.
The Dean assists the Director of the Academy of Art with formulating, implementing, and evaluating the academic policies and programs of the Academy. The Dean oversees the academic and programmatic activities of the Artists-in-Residence and their departments, as well as the Registrar, Financial Aid, Admissions and Student Services staff and processes. Cranbrook Artists-in-Residence are the leaders of their own departments. They are given the autonomy to determine the department’s pedagogy and the responsibility for its success. At Cranbrook, artists-in-residence are not typical faculty members. They are full-time artists and designers who live on campus, and whose personal studios are located within their departments. Artists-in-Residence mentor 15 graduate students in a collegial environment in ten departments: 2D Design, Architecture, 3D Design, Ceramics, Fiber, Metalsmithing, Painting, Photography, Print Media and Sculpture.
The Dean, assisted by the Academic Programs Coordinator, develops and manages the Critical Studies, Humanities, and Professional Practices programs, along with other Academic program areas that may be developed; works with faculty and students to improve/enhance the Visiting Artists and Critics program; and promotes academic and professional enrichment opportunities for faculty and students such as residencies, fellowships, workshops, exhibitions, external collaborations, lecturing and teaching opportunities. The Dean oversees recruitment, enrollment and the student award process, and with the Director of the Academy, reviews the Artists-in-Residence annually.
This position requires a person who thinks strategically, is well organized and interacts well with people both inside and outside the Academy. This is a senior management position and involves the supervision of other members of the staff.
Candidates for this position must have a broad understanding of art and culture as it relates to graduate school education and/or high level leadership experience in non-curricular programs. Knowledge of contemporary art, design and architecture and its historical precedence is required.
Qualifications include: PhD or MFA terminal degree in field; substantial experience with graduate level program management; administrative experience with a strong record of service; excellent interpersonal, communication and leadership skills; and the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse set of constituencies.
Position commences July 1, 2016
Applicants will be required to submit:
– Cranbrook Educational Community application
– Cover letter
– Curriculum vitae
– A statement of philosophy of graduate education in an Art and Design setting
Applications received by February 8, 2016 will be given priority consideration. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Materials should be sent to [email protected]
For more information about the Academy and our programs, please visit our website.
Cranbrook Academy of Art Statement of Non-Discrimination:
Cranbrook is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse work environment. Cranbrook Academy of Art does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by local, state or federal law in its programs and activities.
