Columbia, South Carolina
Washington, D.C.
Posted: 23-Dec-25
Location: Denver, Colorado
Internal Number: JR104884
Department
VPAA OfficeEstablished in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorados extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for todays college students.
Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.
At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values:Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world-class scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.
About the School of Education
The School of Education at MSU Denver prepares people who will Teach, Lead, and Transform. MSU Denvers School of Education develops excellent teachers and educational leaders who engage in reflective practice and scholarly activity, and who are ethical decision makers and agents of social change. We provide an intellectually rigorous, culturally relevant curriculum that fosters pedagogicalexpertise, cultivates critical thinking, and promotes imagination.
We acknowledge the present and historical systems of oppression and marginalization that permeate all levels of society and believe these structures of power and privilege need to be deeply understood by all members of our SOE community. We are committed to actively dismantling these systems and barriers within our SOE, and value lived experience that supports this work.
Position Summary
The Dean of the School of Education (SOE) provides academic and strategic leadership, fostering an inclusive, and forward-thinking vision for educator preparation and development. The Dean promotes an environment where faculty design and deliver innovative, evidence-based curricula that prepare educators to meet the evolving needs of diverse learners across the P-20 (pre-school through age 20) spectrum.
The Dean ensures high academic and professional standards, supports theSchoolsgrowth, and engages in strategic planning aligned with MSU Denvers mission and values. This role includes oversight of academic programs, licensure and accreditation processes, budget and personnel management, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.To grow the School of Education, the Dean actively engages in fundraising activities to support the mission of the College.
The Dean champions student success through a commitment to recruiting diverse faculty and staff, supporting inclusive curricula, and fostering an environment of belonging. The successful candidate must work collaboratively with other senior leaders to achieve the Universitys strategic goals. The successful candidate will prioritize strategies and resource allocation that enhance student retention, degree completion, licensure outcomes, and career readiness.
The DeanrepresentstheSchoolto a wide range of constituents, including university leadership, school districts, accrediting bodies, community organizations, and policymakers. Through bold outreach, strategic partnerships, persuasive advocacy, and impactful fundraising, the Dean elevates theSchoolsvisibility and secures the resources needed to drive innovation and expand programs and centers.
Responsibilities
Academic Leadership and Student Success
Provide visionary leadership for the SOE by managing strategic planning and aligning theSchoolsgoals with institutional priorities,anticipatingfuture trends in educator preparation, and advancing student success.
Ensure educator preparation programs are innovative, evidence-based, and aligned with state and national standards, reflecting current research, policy developments, and the evolving needs of P"20 education systems to support student achievement.
Promote interdisciplinary collaboration across the University and with external partners by engaging colleges, departments, and community stakeholders to enhance program relevance, impact, and opportunities for student success.
Maintain compliance with accreditation and licensure requirements, includingColoradoDepartment of Education standards, ensuring all programs meet or exceed expectations for quality, rigor, accountability, and positive student outcomes.
Administrative Management
Oversee the Schools departments, centers, and programs, including personnel, budget, and resource allocation to ensure efficient operations andequitablesupport strategic goals.
Collaborate with the Provost and senior leadership to align theSchoolsgoals with institutional priorities, contribute to university-wide initiatives and lead efforts to recruit andretaina diverse, high-quality faculty and staff through inclusive hiring and professional development.
Community and External Engagement
Represent the School to local, state, and national education organizations and policy bodies, enhancing visibility through outreach, partnerships, and community engagement, including participation in public forums, advisory boards, and collaborative initiatives.
Engage in advocacy and policy work that advances the mission of the School and University bymonitoringlegislative developments andadvisingsenior leadership on strategic responses.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Lead efforts to create a welcoming and supportive culture by promoting access, diversity, equity, and inclusion for students, faculty, staff, and the community.
Demonstrate a commitment to serving historically underserved and linguistically diverse populations by supporting culturally responsive pedagogy and inclusive curriculum development.
Professional Developmentof Department Chairs, Faculty, and Staff
Encourage and support the professional development and mentorship of faculty and staff, as well as provide support for faculty in teaching, scholarlyactivity ,and service.
Promote a culture of learning and academic excellence by fostering collaboration, collegiality, career advancement, continuous improvement, innovation, and shared governance.
Fundraising and Development
Collaborate with University Advancement to cultivate donor relationships and secure external funding byidentifyingpriorities and effectively communicating theSchoolsimpacttopotential supporters.
Pursue grants and philanthropic support to strengthen programs, scholarships, and research initiatives, working with faculty and staff to develop competitive proposals and steward donor relationships.
Strategic Planning and Governance
Collaborative, forward-thinking leadership in campus-wide strategic planning and governance to shape MSU Denvers future with innovative, solutions-oriented approaches and a commitment to constructive progress.
Support MSU Denvers designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority Serving Institution (MSI) collaboratively to ensure that theSchoolspractices align with these designations and support student success.
Required Qualifications
Earned terminal degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) from an accredited institution in a field that would qualify the candidate to be tenured within one of the colleges three departments
Previousexperience in a leadership position at a higher education institution. Roles may include, but are not limited to, Dean, Associate Dean, Department Chair, or similar administrator positions
Experience in P-20 educational settings
At least three years of experience managing budgets and personnel
Experience in educator preparation, licensure, and accreditation processes
Strong communicationskills and a record of service to the field of education
Preferred Qualifications
Previousexperience in work that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and participation within the academic community
Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant writing, or donor cultivation
Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans aligned with institutional goals
Knowledge of current education policy and best practices in P-20 education
Commitment to inclusive pedagogy, active learning, and community-engaged scholarship
Salary for Announcement
Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $200,000 - $230,000.
MSU Denver offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package.
Application Process
Candidates must complete an application online through MSU Denver's career site, https://www.msudenver.edu/careers/.
Applications should include the following three documents:
Current curriculum vitae
A detailed cover letter describing your relevant experience and interest in the position. The cover letter should include clearly labeled sections for the required qualifications and preferred qualifications, addressing how you meet each qualification (if applicable) outlined.
A list of five professional references, including names, titles, organizations, phone numbers, and email addresses, noting your relationship with each reference.
References will not be contacted until later in the search process and only with the candidates permission.
Deadline
Priority will be given to applications received through Friday, January 30, 2026; applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Nominations
Although nominations are not required to be considered for this position, leaders who know of outstanding candidates are welcome to submit confidential nominations by sending an email to Dr. Catherine Kleier, Associate Vice President for Faculty Affairs. Nominations should use the subject line "Dean of SOE Nominations" and include the nominees full name, position, institution/organization, and contact information. Dr. Kleier will notify individuals of their nomination, provide details about the position, and encourage them to apply.
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Posting Representative
Araceli CortezPosting Representative Email
acortez7@msudenver.eduBenefits
The Universitys benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as accessto a long-term disability (LTD) plan.Visit MSU Denversbenefits websiteto learn more.
For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator attotalrewards@msudenver.edu.
Background Checks
Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.
Diversity Statement
Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.
We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.