Dean of Arizona Arts
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ - United States
The University of Arizona (U of A) seeks an inspiring, forward-thinking, and strategic leader to serve as the next Dean of Arizona Arts. This is a rare and extraordinary opportunity for an intrepid leader to shape the future of one of the nation’s most dynamic and influential programs that integrates academic, presenting and engagement units. At a pivotal moment of change and renewal, the next Dean will build upon a rich artistic legacy, expand its impact, and champion the transformative power of the arts in education, research, and society.
Arizona Arts is a cornerstone of the U of A’s cultural and academic landscape. The division contains the College of Fine Arts (CFA) and three internationally recognized presenting and research institutions: Arizona Arts Live, the Center for Creative Photography, and the University of Arizona Museum of Art. The College of Fine Arts comprises the School of Art, the School of Dance, the School of Music, and the School of Theatre, Film & Television. Its outstanding, nationally ranked programs serve a student body of over 1,600 undergraduate and graduate students, supported by 167 faculty and 91 dedicated staff members. Alongside its academic programs, the 55 staff in our world-renowned presenting and research institutions steward important collections, commission original performances, and originate exhibitions which not only advance the academic mission of the university but also welcome over 300,000 visitors to campus every year. Together, the academic, presenting and engagement units serve the U of A’s land-grant mission as a catalyst for the vibrant arts and culture community in southern Arizona and beyond. The Dean will oversee approximately a $40 million budget, providing strategic leadership and financial stewardship to ensure the division’s continued growth and impact.
As the chief academic and administrative officer of Arizona Arts, the Dean reports directly to the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. The successful candidate will serve as the public face of the division, forging partnerships with arts organizations, cultural institutions, and donors to elevate Arizona Arts’ national and international profile. The next Dean must be committed to fostering intra-institutional and cross-disciplinary collaborations, expanding fundraising and revenue-generating efforts, and advocating for the arts at the institutional, regional, national and international levels. In collaboration with academic and presenting units, they will be instrumental in executing a long-term vision for Arizona Arts and stewarding the growing and expansive assets of the entire division.
The portfolio of responsibilities encompasses: representing all units of the division as a unified voice within the university; fostering a positive work and learning environment within the division; strengthening recruitment, development, and retention of administrators, faculty, and staff; ensuring that students receive an unparalleled education that prepares them for dynamic and evolving creative careers; working with the U of A foundation to cultivate philanthropic support; maximizing opportunity based on the unique location of the institution; championing the ability of the arts across campus to be impactful as applied to the pressing research and grand challenges of our time.
The University of Arizona, a Carnegie R1 institution and a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), is recognized as one of the nation’s top public research universities. With an enrollment of more than 56,000 students, U of A has a deep commitment to serving students, families, and communities in Tucson and beyond. Located in the culturally rich city of Tucson, the university fosters a supportive environment where the arts flourish alongside cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary exploration. Arizona Arts plays a central role in this ecosystem and ensures that the university remains a leader in artistic expression and creative thought.
This is an opportunity to make a profound and lasting impact—not only on Arizona Arts but on the university and the broader arts community. The next Dean will be a champion for faculty and students, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where creativity thrives. They will reinvigorate campus energy by elevating live performances, exhibitions, and artistic experiences, ensuring that the arts remain a visible and integral part of university life. With a strong understanding of financial strategy, they will advocate for resources that empower Arizona Arts to expand its reach and influence.
The ideal candidate will bring an integrated vision for the future of the arts, a track record of innovative leadership, and a passion for nurturing artistic and scholarly talent. The Dean will be an effective communicator, and a constant advocate dedicated to advancing the division’s reputation on a national and international scale. This is a defining leadership opportunity for someone who believes in the power of the arts to transform lives and shape culture.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as two separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile.
WittKieffer is assisting the University of Arizona in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by April 1, 2025. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2025.
Applications, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to: