Division of Fine Art
Application deadline: January 20,2013
Rhode Island School of Design, located in Providence, Rhode Island, invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean of Fine Arts. This position begins on July 1, 2013.
RISD seeks an innovative and distinguished educator with significant administrative experience to join the academic leadership team and lead ten departments in the Division of Fine Arts: Ceramics, Film/Animation/Video, Glass, Illustration, Jewelry and Metalsmithing, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture and Textiles. RISD’s next Dean of Fine Arts should be able to articulate and collaboratively shape a compelling vision for the future of the fine arts disciplines within a preeminent school of art and design, and the evolving role of these disciplines within the global context.
Central to the role of a dean at RISD is a strong commitment to excellence and innovation in teaching by mentoring faculty and encouraging their continuous development. Deans support ongoing academic program and curricular development and the creation of exceptional learning opportunities for students, stimulate new avenues of critical thought and research within and among the disciplines, and coordinate programs and initiatives between all academic departments. In addition, they promote technological advancement and help to ensure that academic programs are assessed and adhere to regional, national and professional standards.
The Dean of Fine Arts has responsibility for the curriculum, divisional finances and budgets, management and evaluation of faculty and staff, and the use and maintenance of space and equipment. Because many of the departments in the division offer graduate degrees, the Dean of Fine Arts works closely with the Dean of Graduate Studies.
Deans act as a liaison between Academic Affairs and other administrative offices at RISD, help create successful educational partnerships within the college and with external agencies and partners, and strengthen relations with donors, sponsors, and alumni/ae. Deans monitor the implementation of the college’s strategic plan, particularly initiatives related to teaching and pedagogy, research and critical making.
Reporting to the Provost, the Dean of Fine Arts is a member of the President’s Cabinet and the Academic Affairs Council, comprised of the deans and senior academic leadership responsible for the formulation, coordination and implementation of school-wide policies and initiatives.
Desirable qualifications for this position include an MFA/PHD or terminal degree in Fine Arts or a related field, or the equivalent combination of experience and educational attainment; significant exhibition or publication record with a national and international profile; experience with graduate/undergraduate-level teaching and academic program management; administrative experience with a strong record of service; supervisory and budget management experience; excellent interpersonal and communication skills; and the ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with a diverse set of constituencies.
Applications will be accepted online at www.risd.edu/jobs. Materials should include:
1) a cover letter
2) a curriculum vitae
3) a statement of philosophy of the role of education in contemporary fine arts practice and development
Review of applications begins immediately, and all completed applications received by January 20,2013 will be assured full consideration.
Founded in 1877, RISD is one of the preeminent colleges of art and design in the world. The School has a long and venerable history and a deep and abiding belief in the value of immersive art and design education with a strong liberal arts component. RISD’s approximately 1972 undergraduate and 424 graduate students are enrolled in diverse programs organized in five academic divisions: Architecture + Design, Fine Arts, Foundation Studies, Graduate Studies, and Liberal Arts. RISD’s rigorous education encourages creative experimentation and intellectual risk-taking, challenging students to question their approach to making through critical thinking.
RISD is an Equal Opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.
