Dean of the College of Science and Technology

Job Description

The University of Southern Maine invites applications for the position of Dean of the College of Science and Technology. The Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the College, providing active, inspirational, and visionary leadership across its academic programs.

The Dean is responsible for advancing the College's academic mission and educational objectives while working collaboratively with department chairs, faculty, staff, students, University leadership, and external partners. The Dean provides leadership in teaching, research, scholarship, public service, student success, community engagement, and fiscal sustainability, while strengthening relationships with communities and organizations throughout Maine and beyond.

The Dean will lead a diverse and interdisciplinary College and foster collaboration across departments, programs, colleges, and schools. The Dean will also work closely with the University of Southern Maine Foundation to strengthen alumni relationships, support fundraising efforts, and pursue grant and other external funding opportunities.

What You'll Do:

• Provide strategic, academic, and operational leadership for the College of Science and Technology.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate short and long-term goals, objectives, academic programs, and curricula in alignment with the University's mission and strategic priorities.
• Work collaboratively with department chairs, faculty, staff, students, advisory councils, and community partners to advance the College.
• Serve as a member of the Provost's staff and collaborate with academic deans, directors, and other University leaders on academic and institutional priorities.
• Make recommendations regarding the hiring, promotion, retention, dismissal, and compensation of faculty and professional staff within the College.
• Prepare, manage, and oversee the College budget, ensuring effective and efficient use of resources.
• Encourage meaningful faculty and student participation in College planning, decision-making, and governance.
• Support faculty teaching, research, scholarship, professional development, and service, including purchasing and maintaining research-grade equipment and managing research laboratories.
• Promote interdisciplinary and interdepartmental collaboration across academic programs and disciplines.
• Support the recruitment and retention of students, faculty, and staff.
• Strengthen academic programs and support disciplinary accreditation activities as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with external communities, professional organizations, government agencies, industry partners, and other stakeholders.
• Expand public service and community engagement programs that serve the needs of the University and broader community.
• Work with the University of Southern Maine Foundation to strengthen alumni relations, increase fundraising, and pursue grant and other external funding opportunities.
• Represent the College and University in professional, community, and ceremonial activities.
• Support institutional research and use data and assessment to inform planning and decision-making.
• Provide leadership and supervision for professional and classified staff within the College.
• Promote a collaborative, respectful, and student-centered environment that supports academic excellence and innovation.

Leadership and Management

The Dean provides strategic, academic, administrative, and operational leadership for the College and works collaboratively with department chairs, faculty, staff, students, and University leadership to advance the College's mission and educational objectives. The Dean leads the development and implementation of short- and long-term goals, programs, and initiatives and fosters a culture of academic excellence, collaboration, innovation, and student success. The Dean provides leadership in faculty and staff units.

Must be eligible recruitment, retention, development, evaluation, and personnel planning, including making recommendations regarding the hiring, promotion, retention, dismissal, and compensation of faculty and professional staff. The Dean also promotes meaningful faculty and student participation in College planning, decision-making, and shared governance and provides leadership and supervision for professional and classified staff within the College.

Budget & Financial Responsibility

The Dean is responsible for the preparation, submission, management, and disbursement of the College budget and for ensuring that College resources are used efficiently and effectively to support academic priorities and the overall mission of the University. The Dean establishes financial priorities, monitors and manages College expenditures, and works collaboratively with University leadership to address financial and resource needs. The Dean also identifies opportunities to strengthen the College's financial sustainability through program development, grant support, fundraising, alumni engagement, and other external funding opportunities.

Pay and Benefits

This position will pay an annual salary of $185,000 with a comprehensive benefits package. USM offers generous paid time off, health, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability coverage, tuition benefits for employees and eligible dependents, and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution. See the Benefits Information Summary for details.

Work Schedule and Location

This is a full-time position with an office on the Portland campus and an expectation of work and service across USM's Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston/Auburn campuses. The position may require evening and weekend commitments as needed.

Candidates must reside within a 90-minute commutable distance from the USM campuses. This requirement is essential for the ability to participate in supporting and building upon the university culture of "student focused every day" and allows for regular participation in on-campus activities, meetings, and fulfills the responsibilities of the role effectively.

Required Qualifications:

• Must possess an earned doctorate or terminal degree in a discipline consistent with one of the College's academic for tenure at the rank of associate professor or professor in one of the College's academic units.
• Must possess demonstrated administrative experience in planning, program development, and budget management at the level of department chair, Interim Dean or equivalent.

How To Apply

To apply, click on the "Apply Now" button below or visit the USM Careers Page and submit the following:

• Cover letter
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Finalist candidates will be asked to provide a list of names and contact information for three references.

For full consideration, please submit all required materials by November 15, 2026.

We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.