Associate Dean, School of Music, Theatre & Dance, Associate or Full Professor

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number:


Recruitment Type:
Open to All Applicants

Position Title:
Associate Dean, School of Music, Theatre & Dance, Associate or Full Professor

Position Type:
Faculty

Benefits Status:
Benefits Eligible

FLSA:
Exempt

Hiring Range:
$96,000 to $122,667 per year (12 month base) + benefits package.

Location

Tacoma, WA 98447

Department:
Music Department

Posting Date:
09/25/2026

Closing Date
Review of application materials will begin October 26, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

Work Schedule:

Full time, Associate Dean position available July 1, 2027. 12-month contract (June-May); 67% administrative release and 33% teaching.

General Description:

The School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) of the College of Professional Studies at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA, seeks a dynamic associate dean to lead the unit with a vision to sustain and advance a widely acclaimed program of artistic and academic excellence. Rank of Associate or Full Professor. Teaching responsibilities based upon expertise and needs.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Provide academic and artistic leadership of a vibrant and multifaceted School of Music, Theatre & Dance-overseeing all policy, personnel, and budgetary matters.
• Sustain and advance the SMTD through active student recruitment and faculty development.
• Foster a collaborative leadership environment and be responsible for: academic planning; assessment and enhancement of the program and curriculum; faculty evaluation; coordination of teaching assignments and schedules; facilities use; budgeting and allocation of resources; student advisement; annual scholarship process; oversight of a robust international and national ensemble touring schedule; and accreditation.
• Work collegially within a university-wide faculty governance structure.
• Foster support for College-wide and university goals.
• Advocate effectively for the SMTD within and outside the university-regionally and the national music community.
• Encourage collaborative interdisciplinary programming-within the School, College, and across the university.
• Teach a 33% load (equivalent of two courses) based upon expertise and the needs of the school.
• Supervise office personnel.
• Work closely with the Dean of the College of Professional Studies to develop additional resources for the SMTD.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated excellence as a teacher/scholar/artist with a specialty in a field taught within the school.
• Demonstrated excellence as an administrator with a distinguished record of continuing research/creative activity.
• Superior interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies for use in the classroom and in research in order to manage and sustain school initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Terminal degree in music, theatre or dance (Ph.D, DMA, or MFA) and a record of excellence in teaching and artistic or scholarly activity.
• Academic leadership experience at the level of chair, associate dean, or dean and/or a demonstrable track record of increasing leadership responsibilities.
• An understanding of all disciplines housed in the school is essential.
• Applicant must be legally eligible to work in the United States on hire date AND legally authorized to work in the United States for Pacific Lutheran University without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

At least three years of demonstrable administrative experience including a history of resource management, recruiting, promotion of university music, theatre or dance programs, program development, community outreach, strategic planning, experience with national accreditation agencies, and success in fundraising.

Work Conditions:

Physical Requirements:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applicants should submit:

1. Letter of application that specifically addresses your interest in, and qualifications for, the job responsibilities listed above.
2. Curriculum Vitae.
3. Statement describing leadership vision, particularly for a School of Music, Theatre & Dance housed within a comprehensive liberal arts university.
4. Names, email addresses and telephone numbers of five references.

Additional materials may be required at a later date.

Nominations are also accepted. For nominations, questions, or more information, please contact Cameron Bennett, Dean, College of Professional Studies, at cbennett@plu.edu.