Dean, School of Theatre, Film and Animation

Company: Point Park University
Location: Pittsburgh
Posted on: February 24, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description POSITION : Dean, School of Theatre, Film and Animation at Point Park University REPORTS TO : Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Qualifications Education: Terminal degree in a relevant field. Experience: Minimum of 15 years of academic experience within a private higher education institution. Academic leadership experience at the departmental level or above. Prior experience as an academic dean under a conservatory model strongly preferred. Demonstrated excellence in teaching, scholarship and academic service. Proven record of managing personnel within a collective bargaining context. Demonstrated experience with fiscal planning and budget management/analytics. Strong connection to industries relevant to the majors offered within the school. Established track record of fundraising and/or work to support fundraising and grant making efforts. Skills : Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and collaboration across all levels of the organization. Ability to manage multiple initiatives and priorities simultaneously. Has a keen eye for recruiting and retaining talented faculty, staff and students. Outstanding presentation and public speaking talent. Key Attributes Disposition to listen, unite and lead the School's diverse students, faculty and staff. Intellectual curiosity about the disciplines represented in the School and about high-impact learning practices. Demonstrated commitment to fostering inclusive excellence in curriculum design and pedagogy; in scholarship and creative endeavor; in service and community engagement; and in student outcomes. Demonstrated commitment to shared governance and collaboration across disciplines. Position Overview: Point Park University is seeking an accomplished and strategic academic leaders to serve as the Dean of the School of Theatre, Film and Animation. The Dean of School of Theatre, Film and Animation is a member of the Provost's leadership team and Dean's Council and serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the School. The Dean serves as the intellectual leader of the School, fostering a sense of community across departments and an environment in which teaching, scholarship and creative work, and service can flourish. The Dean is responsible for the quality and stewardship of academic programs; for managing the School's organizational structure and human and fiscal resources; and for championing opportunities for School students, faculty, and staff, both internally and externally. Working in collaboration with other Deans and senior administrators, the Dean supports and promotes the mission and values of the University. Primary Responsibilities: Develop and advance a forward-looking strategic plan and vision for the School. Ensure inclusive excellence in teaching across disciplines. Recruit, retain, and graduate students in collaboration with Admissions, Student Affairs, and other University partners. Oversee the academic progress of students within the School. Investigate, adjudicate, and resolve student academic problems and complaints. Recruit, hire, and retain excellent teacher-scholars, department chairs, and staff. Ensure clear and fair assessment of chairs, faculty, and staff. Support faculty, chair, and program development and innovation in a manner consistent with the University mission and values. Develop and oversee the School curriculum to meet the needs of students and the University. Regularly review, assess, and improve programs within the School. Manage human and financial resources to achieve the goals of the School and the University. Advocate on behalf of the School's students, faculty, and staff internally and externally. Develop relationships leading to co-ops, internships, and other partnerships with entities throughout the region. Collaborate with other Deans and University administrators to explore and support interdisciplinary partnerships. Represent the School at the University, among alumni, in the community, and at national and international meetings. Develop and enhance fundraising relationships with individuals, corporations, and foundations. Advise the Provost and other senior leadership on University policies and procedures. Working Conditions Office-based position with regular attendance at on-campus and community events. Occasional travel for university business and professional development. Application Process Interested and qualified candidates should submit a resume/CV, cover letter, and three professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority consideration given to submissions received by February 15th. The University is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its community. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. About Point Park University: Founded in 1933, Point Park is a dynamic, private, urban university with a strong focus on experiential learning. Its vibrant city campus is located in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. More than 3,400 full- and part-time students are enrolled in over 100 undergraduate, master's, doctoral and certificate programs in six schools. Students represent 51 states/territories and 40 countries. The Point Park Pioneers compete in the NCAA Division II, Mountain East Conference. Job Posted by ApplicantPro

Keywords: Point Park University, Penn Hills , Dean, School of Theatre, Film and Animation, Administration, Clerical , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania