Shenandoah Conservatory Dean

Shenandoah Conservatory seeks an exceptional and visionary arts leader to be its next dean.

The incoming dean will be an innovative and inclusive leader, further elevating the success and national profile of the Conservatory’s people and programs. Besides being a forward-thinking advocate for excellence in the arts and transformative education, they will be a champion for Shenandoah Conservatory’s uniquely innovative, inclusive, and collaborative community.

Honoring tradition while driving innovation, the dean will inspire both internal and external constituencies, including faculty, students, staff, and donors. The incoming dean will lead significant fundraising initiatives, purposefully manage and strengthen financial operations, and play a pivotal role in our current campaign for a new arts building, ensuring Shenandoah Conservatory’s continued success and growth. They will provide strategic leadership in financial management and personnel support, and their passion for the arts will be matched by an awareness of industry trends and career-readiness issues, helping faculty ensure our graduates are well-prepared for professional success.

The dean reports to the provost and serves on the University and Academic Cabinets. As the Conservatory’s chief academic and operating officer, the incoming dean oversees all academic, administrative, and operational activities. Key oversight responsibilities include leading a dedicated senior leadership team, which comprises Associate and Assistant Deans, Division Chairs and Program Directors, the Executive Director of Performances and Engagement, the Senior Coordinator for Conservatory Recruitment, the Arts Academy Executive Director, and the Producing Artistic Director of Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre. The dean also nurtures 125 faculty and staff across 27 academic programs, oversees budget officers across 57 budgets, and works directly with the Shenandoah Conservatory Student Council, ensuring the voices and needs of students are heard and supported. The dean collaborates closely with the University president and Office of Advancement on fundraising and the comprehensive campaign, works directly with the Conservatory Advisory Board and the Dean’s Circle, the Conservatory’s core donor group, and maintains a strategic relationship with the University’s Recruitment and Admissions office.

Key Candidate Qualities:

Shenandoah University invites applications from arts leaders, both from within and outside of academia, who can demonstrate expertise and/or potential for success in the following:

1. Administrative Expertise:
   Exceptional at developing leaders, navigating personnel matters with diplomacy, and managing complex budgets and operations with financial expertise.
2. Artistic Vision:
   A deep connection to artistic excellence in music, theater, or dance. Balances respect for tradition with a forward-looking, innovative approach that prepares graduates for successful careers.
3. Collaborative Leadership:
   An inspiring communicator who consistently reveals integrity, kindness, tenacity, and a sense of humor. Champions shared governance, empowers leadership among faculty, staff, and students, and fosters collaboration across disciplines.
4. Commitment to Academic Excellence:
   A passionate advocate for academic excellence, promoting inclusive, high-achieving communities. Through inspiring vision and a deep investment in the success of others, drives faculty leadership, student achievement, program reputation, and recruitment growth.
5. Diversity and Inclusion:
   A committed advocate for diversity and inclusion, fostering a culture of respect, fairness, and opportunity for all. Supports efforts to address historical inequities while ensuring every community member feels valued and connected to a shared sense of belonging.
6. Fundraising and Community Engagement:
   Skilled at fostering a culture of philanthropy, cultivating strong donor relationships, helping to define fundraising strategies, and securing major gifts to support the Conservatory’s vision and growth.
7. Strategic and Entrepreneurial Orientation:
   Visionary and innovative, with a deep understanding of industry trends in the performing arts. Skilled at leading strategic planning, and able to propel a shared vision that further drives growth and innovation for the Conservatory.

Other Requirements:

• Educational Credentials:
  The dean is expected to hold an earned terminal degree or possess equivalent professional experience in the performing arts. Candidates with relevant scholarly and teaching achievements may be appointed as a full professor.
• Leadership Background & Fit with Higher Education:
  We warmly welcome candidates with a proven record of transformational leadership in either academia or arts organizations. Regardless of background, the ideal candidate will be motivated to lead a diverse and dynamic academic community, understanding the vital importance of shared governance and bringing a driving passion for educational excellence.
• Authorization to Work in the USA:
  Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Shenandoah University

Founded in 1875, Shenandoah University is a private, nationally recognized institution with a main campus in Winchester, Virginia. Known for its innovative and interdisciplinary programs, Shenandoah enrolls approximately 4,000 students in over 200 areas of study across six schools: the College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Business, the Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing, the School of Health Professions, the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy, and Shenandoah Conservatory. The university prides itself on fostering a close-knit, inclusive community committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Shenandoah University has earned national recognition as a college of distinction, celebrated for its individualized and engaging education, student success, and satisfaction. Its student-centered programs include first-year seminars, service-learning, diversity and global learning initiatives, interdisciplinary collaborations, capstone projects, study abroad opportunities, and internships.  The university also boasts a vibrant campus life, a supportive community, and a strategic location near Washington, DC, offering unique professional opportunities and rich cultural experiences.

To Apply

Applicants should submit the following materials by clicking here:

• A current and detailed curriculum vitae
• A cover letter (1-2 pages) clarifying how their qualifications relate to the seven qualities outlined above. Shenandoah University is committed to enriching its educational experience and culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff. All candidates are strongly encouraged to include a statement in their cover letter addressing ways in which they may be able to contribute to that commitment.
• Contact information for a minimum of 3 professional references

The review of applications will begin on November 1, 2024 and continue until a qualified candidate is selected with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2025.  

Additional inquiries about the position should be directed to the Search Committee co-Chairs, Dr. Timothy Roberts or Dr. Karen Abraham, using the contact information below.  

Dr. Roberts – troberts3@su.edu

Dr. Abraham – kabraham@su.edu 

For more information about Shenandoah Conservatory and the dean position, please review the prospectus linked here.  

Shenandoah University values the unique and diverse perspectives of individuals and communities locally and globally and seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical, or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.