Bess Family Dean, Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) seeks an accomplished, visionary, and collaborative leader to serve as the next Bess Family Dean of the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a world-class college at one of the nation’s most innovative and interdisciplinary research universities. Building on the remarkable success achieved under outgoing Dean Richard Scheines, the next Dean will shape a bold strategic vision for both the humanities and social sciences, advance faculty excellence, foster a culture of inclusion and shared governance, strengthen the College’s financial foundation, and advocate for the humanities and social sciences within Carnegie Mellon and to the global community. The ideal candidate will engage in noteworthy scholarship and bring honed academic leadership skills and an ability to champion the humanities and social sciences in a STEM-rich environment, inspire collaboration across disciplines, and lead with integrity, curiosity, and a deep commitment to academic freedom and innovation.

 A member of the Association of American Universities and ranked #20 on US News and World Report’s Best Colleges rankings, CMU is a global, research-intensive university with more than 16,600 students, 6,700 faculty and staff, and over 130,000 active alumni. Since its founding in 1900, the University has been a birthplace of innovation, receiving #1 ratings from US News and World Report in the areas of Analytics, Management Information Systems, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, and more.

 CMU’s forward and upward trajectory is unquestionable, and Dietrich College lies at the center of the University’s identity at the intersection of technology and humanity. The next Dean of the Dietrich College will lead a community that embraces the momentum that comes from the heart of Carnegie Mellon’s mission: advancing human understanding, creativity, and social insight in a world shaped by technology. Building on a powerful legacy of innovation, this is a moment to define the future of the humanities and social sciences: how they inform discovery, guide innovation, and strengthen our shared humanity.

 The Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences comprises varied groups of students, faculty, staff, and alumni, all united by a common goal: confronting and solving society’s most complex problems. Faculty are leading scholars and researchers in their fields. Additionally, experiential learning is a key component of the Dietrich approach, and students regularly engage in internships, research, study abroad, and community service to gain hands-on experience and transform theory into practice.

 The College’s 267 faculty, 202 staff, 1112 undergraduates, and 371 graduate students conduct research and engage in creative work across traditional boundaries, pursuing the thrill of discovery while operating through the following academic units: English; History; Information Systems; Political Science and International Relations (CMIST); Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics; Neuroscience Institute; Philosophy; Psychology; Social and Decision Sciences; and Statistics & Data Science.

 Reporting directly to and closely collaborating with the Provost, as well as a supportive and cohesive group of eight fellow academic deans, the Dean will lead and advance all strategic, programmatic, financial, and operational elements that support the College’s work. Indeed, interdisciplinary collaboration is a must at CMU, and the Deans embrace cross-college collaboration. With a drive towards purposeful innovation and an unwavering commitment to excellence and societal impact, the dean will also partner closely with 11 assistant and associate deans, as well as nine heads and one director.

 The next Dean will have the opportunity to lead a college whose scholarship and teaching shape how knowledge, technology, and human understanding come together to address the most complex questions of our time.

 Please see the full position description by clicking above. 

This is a full-time position that will be performed on site in Pennsylvania. Salary is commensurate with experience with a generous benefits package.

 DSG Storbeck has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Matthew Bunting and Anne Koellhoffer. Please submit a compelling cover letter (two- to four-pages) and resume by filling out our Talent Profile. All inquiries are strictly confidential. Nominations can be sent to [email protected].

Matthew Bunting, Managing DirectorAnne Koellhoffer, Managing AssociateDSG | Storbeck

Carnegie Mellon University is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or related condition, family status, marital status, parental status, religion, ancestry, veteran status, or genetic information. Furthermore, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate and is required not to discriminate in violation of federal, state, or local laws or executive orders.