Job Description

Associate Dean, School of Drama

College of Performing Arts at The New School

The School of Drama at The New Schoolâ™s College of Performing Arts is seeking a highly qualified Associate Dean to join its leadership team. The Associate Dean is an academic and administrative leader at the School of Drama, and a key contributor to the delivery of innovative and relevant curricula that prepare students for lives in and beyond the dramatic arts. They are also a core member of the leadership team at the College of Performing Arts, representing the College in a variety of contexts within and beyond the walls of the university. The Associate Dean, working closely with the School of Drama leadership team, will support and develop pioneering courses, programmatic offerings, and performance opportunities that will build on the School of Dramaâ™s values of artistic excellence, relevance, creativity, and authenticity.

The School of Drama sits alongside Mannes School of Music and the School of Jazz and Contemporary Music to constitute The New Schoolâ™s College of Performing Arts. As a unified college, these three schools seek to develop artist-citizens who engage the world around them, in and through the arts, in traditional, emergent, and new forms of practice and expression. The successful candidate will be passionate about The New Schoolâ™s commitment to justice and multidisciplinary education, and will be a strong leader and collaborator who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced, and highly team-oriented environment. They will be nimble and adaptable, will approach their work with professionalism and positivity, and demonstrate great empathy and honesty. The Associate Dean, School of Drama is part of a leadership team that works and makes decisions together in order to develop a long-term vision for the College while ensuring that all programs are aligned with College and university-wide values.

The Associate Dean, School of Drama reports directly to the Dean of the School of Drama.

The New School is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and particularly seeks applications from members of underrepresented groups, as well as candidates who share this commitment.  

RESPONSIBILITIES
The Associate Dean will contribute to the School of Drama in the areas of faculty development, curricula, and pedagogy. They will, among other responsibilities:

• Teach at least one course per semester in their area of specialization. The position may be eligible for a secondary concurrent faculty appointment as Assistant/Associate Professor of Theater, with rank commensurate based on prior experience. This secondary faculty appointment is strictly contingent upon continuing employment as Associate Dean, School of Drama. Preference will be given to candidates with experience developing courses or initiatives that advance equity, inclusion, and social justice, civic engagement, race and identity in the performing arts, professional development and internship opportunities, and entrepreneurship.

• Coordinate activities with the Dean to propel our forward-thinking theater-based curricula in our BFA in Dramatic Arts and MFA in Contemporary Theatre and Performance programs;

• Work with the Dean and Assistant Director of Academic Affairs at the School of Drama on faculty hiring, and development; 

• Work with the Vice Dean of Curriculum and Learning on curricular development and assessment, faculty observations, and academic planning for the School of Drama (e.g., new courses, course assignments, programs, and changes to degree requirements);

• Work with the Assistant Director of Academic Affairs to ensure accurate course scheduling, classroom and studio assignments, and general organizational and administrative efficiency;

• Work with the School of Drama academic leadership team to ensure students complete degree requirements in a timely manner;

• Liaise with the Producer of Theatre and Opera to fully realize the integration of pedagogy, performance, and production;

• Cultivate new initiatives, partnerships, and programs that prioritize inter- and trans-disciplinary collaboration across the schools at the College, The New School, and the local, national and international professional theater community;

• Remain current through self-directed professional development, ongoing professional relationships with colleagues, and attending training and/or courses;

• Work to maintain an atmosphere of collegiality between faculty, staff, and students at the School of Drama, the College of Performing Arts, and The New School.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• An advanced degree in theater or a dramatic arts-related field is required; a terminal degree in theater or a dramatic arts-related field is preferred.

• At least three years of experience and effectiveness as a faculty member in a dramatic-arts related field; administrative leadership in higher education (i.e. Dean, Department Chair, Program Director, Area Coordinator) is preferred.

• Demonstrate an ability or potential ability to engage in meaningful service and administrative work.

• Significant professional and/or scholarly contributions with evidence of forward-thinking and inclusive practices in a dramatic-arts related field.

• Demonstrated pedagogical expertise and success within nationally or internationally recognized undergraduate and graduate-level theater programs.

• Superlative leadership skills with the desire to work as part of a highly motivated team. Effective problem-solving and communication skills are essential.

• A visionary, creative, and collaborative approach within the work environment;

• Experienced or able to learn and develop fluency in The New Schoolâ™s suite of applications including Google Suite, Microsoft Office, WorkDay, Tableau, Banner, and 25Live.

• Demonstrated commitment to Equity, Inclusion, Social Justice, and the transformative power of the arts and education.

WORK MODE

Hybrid/Split - Hybrid work mode where employees have regularly scheduled, consistent percentage of time in the Universityâ™s place(s) of business (e.g., 4x/week) and also work some of the time off campus. #LI-HYBRID
 

SALARY

$114,000 - $124,000 annually

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

• To apply, submit an application including your resume and cover letter. Applicants who have not been selected will be notified at the conclusion of the search process.

• Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Priority will be given to applicants who submit their application on or before March 17th, 2025. The targeted start date for this position is June 01, 2025, subject to change based on the availability of the selected candidate.

We look forward to receiving your application!

About The New School

The New School, a leading university in downtown New York City, offers degree and nondegree academic programs in design, the social sciences, the liberal arts, management, the arts, and media. Students benefit from small classes, superior resources, and renowned faculty members who practice what they teach. Continuing education courses and public programs place the university at the center of New York’s cultural and intellectual life.

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