Dean, Conservatory for the Performing Arts at Stephens College

Columbia, Missouri, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

10 Mar, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

10 Dec, 25

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Leadership, Collaboration, Communication, Organizational Skills, Faculty Supervision, Academic Administration, Production Management, Student Advising, Budget Management, Recruitment, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Professional Development, Networking, Creative Practice

Industry

Description

Description The Dean of the Conservatory for the Performing Arts provides visionary, strategic, and collaborative leadership for one of Stephens College’s signature academic divisions. The Dean oversees all Conservatory programs—including theatre, dance, musical theatre, acting, technical theatre, filmmaking, and related performing arts disciplines—and leads faculty, staff, and students in advancing artistic excellence, academic rigor, and national visibility. This senior academic leader reports to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and serves as a member of the Academic Leadership Team. Primary Responsibilities Academic Leadership Oversee all Conservatory academic programs, including curriculum, scheduling, assessment, and program review. Ensure alignment with institutional policies, accreditation requirements, and learning outcomes. Support development of new courses, certificates, or programs that reflect industry needs. Faculty and Staff Management Supervise, evaluate, and support full-time and adjunct faculty and Conservatory staff. Oversee faculty workload, hiring recommendations, onboarding, and professional development. Foster a culture of respect, collaboration, professionalism, and student-centered learning. Production and Operations Oversight Provide leadership for the annual production season, ensuring educational quality, safety, and fiscal responsibility. Work closely with production leadership and technical staff to manage calendars, facilities, equipment, and resources. Support guest artists, partnerships, and special projects that enhance training experiences. Student Success Promote a learning environment that emphasizes discipline, wellness, inclusivity, and professional readiness. Support student advising, mentoring, and pathways to internships, showcases, and career opportunities. Maintain visibility at performances, rehearsals, and Conservatory events. Budget and Resource Management Develop and manage academic and production budgets in collaboration with Finance and Academic Affairs. Allocate resources responsibly and transparently. Assist in fundraising, grants, donor engagement, and Conservatory visibility efforts. Recruitment and External Relations Partner with Admissions and Marketing to support recruitment, auditions, outreach, and yield activities. Represent the Conservatory to alumni, industry partners, schools, and professional organizations. Build relationships that strengthen employment, transfer, and networking opportunities for students. Institutional Participation Serve on committees, contribute to institutional planning, and collaborate with other academic units. Uphold College policies, strategic priorities, and compliance expectations. Communicate regularly with the Vice President for Academic Affairs and senior leadership. Requirements Required Qualifications Master’s degree in a performing arts discipline or related field (terminal degree preferred). Demonstrated leadership experience in higher education or professional performing arts. Experience with faculty supervision, academic/program administration, or production management. Evidence of teaching or professional creative practice. Preferred Qualifications Experience with recruitment, enrollment growth, or student retention in arts programs. Experience managing complex production schedules, budgets, or facilities. Professional network within theatre, dance, musical theatre, or related performing arts fields. Key Competencies Strong communication and organizational skills. Ability to lead collaboratively and make informed, timely decisions. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student development. Professionalism, discretion, and high ethical standards. ***A professional CV/resume, cover letter, and three references are required to be uploaded when applying for this position.*** Founded in 1833, Stephens College is the second-oldest women's college in the United States, dedicated to providing innovative, experiential, and career-focused education across various disciplines. Located in Columbia, Missouri, Stephens College continues to be a leader in women's education, fostering a community where students are empowered to lead, innovate, and excel. The college also provides flexible, co-educational master’s degrees and certificates for working professionals, and is home to the co-educational Conservatory for the Performing Arts at Stephens College. Ranked (over and over again) as one of the best college towns in America, Columbia, Missouri, is home to 36,000+ college students and 118,000 residents. Columbia — conveniently located approximately 100 miles from both Kansas City and St. Louis — has it all: big-time college sports, film, music and arts festivals, a high-energy arts community, amazing recreation, and a great downtown with lots of places to eat, shop, snack and check out the latest bands. The Columbia community offers outstanding health care options, as well as excellent educational opportunities for every level of student (including our own Children’s School). Stephens offers an attractive benefits package that includes health insurance, an Employee Assistance Program, Supplemental Retirement Annuity, Faculty/Staff Grants, tuition waivers and tuition paid undergraduate classes for dependents. Be a part of this amazing community of innovative thinkers, doers and dreamers. Stephens is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will recruit and employ qualified personnel without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or status as a veteran.

Responsibilities

The Dean oversees all academic programs within the Conservatory, ensuring alignment with institutional policies and advancing artistic excellence. They also manage faculty and staff, oversee production operations, and promote student success.