Montclair State University invites nominations and applications for a visionary, collaborative, and unifying leader to serve as the next Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS). As New Jersey’s second largest and one of its most diverse institutions, Montclair is redefining what it means to be a university with a public purpose, creating transformational opportunities for students and partnering with communities to make a difference. Amid historic growth and unmatched momentum, this is an opportunity to shape the future of a university on the rise.
Montclair State University (Montclair) is a nationally recognized Research Doctoral University that empowers students, faculty, and researchers to exceed expectations and drive innovation. Montclair delivers the instructional and research resources of a large public university in a supportive, sophisticated, and diverse academic environment. Building on 118 years of distinguished history, Montclair today has 14 colleges and schools serving more than 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students with more than 300 doctoral, master’s, and baccalaureate degree programs. On July 1, 2023, Bloomfield College officially became part of Montclair State University as Bloomfield College of Montclair State University, providing an affordable, high-quality, and transformative liberal arts educational experience in a small, supportive setting with the resources of a doctoral research university.
Montclair ranks #9 among national universities for social mobility and #11 in graduation rate performance—the rate at which students outperform the anticipated graduation rate of those with similar backgrounds at other schools. Montclair is a designated R2 Doctoral Research Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), one of only two in New Jersey, the largest HSI in the state, and the largest HSI north of Florida and east of Chicago. Situated just 12 miles from New York City, on a beautiful 252-acre suburban campus, the University welcomes a diverse student population representing 42 U.S. states and territories and 75 countries. The University boasts a second campus located in downtown Bloomfield, just 7 miles from the Montclair campus. As an HSI, Montclair State University is a majority-minority-serving institution, with over 50% of the freshman class identifying as such. More than 40% of incoming freshmen are the first in their families to pursue higher education, and over 55% are Pell eligible. Montclair ranks in the top 13% of 4,500 postsecondary institutions in the U.S. for return on investment, and the University received the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement (CE) Classification.
As the chief academic and administrative officer of the University’s largest and most comprehensive academic unit, the Dean will provide strategic, intellectual, and operational leadership at a pivotal moment of institutional transformation. CHSS plays a central role in advancing Montclair’s academic mission, research profile, and national reputation for access, excellence, and social mobility. The College encompasses a wide range of disciplines foundational to a public research university and is currently transitioning to a new academic structure organized into four interdisciplinary schools. The next Dean will lead this evolution with clarity, integrity, and purpose, ensuring that the re-envisioned model strengthens disciplinary identity, fosters collaboration, and enhances the educational and scholarly experience for students and faculty.
The Dean will oversee all aspects of the College’s academic and administrative operations, including strategic planning, resource management, program development, faculty recruitment and support, and student success initiatives across undergraduate and graduate programs. A key responsibility will be cultivating a culture grounded in shared governance, transparency, and trust within a highly engaged and unionized faculty. As a member of the Provost’s senior leadership team, the Dean will advocate for the College within the University and serve as a visible ambassador to external partners, funders, and communities.
The ideal candidate will be a distinguished scholar and seasoned academic leader with the credibility and personal integrity to guide a complex and evolving college. They will bring a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; deep understanding of student success at scale—particularly within an HSI context; and experience navigating organizational change with steadiness and collaborative skill. The Dean will also possess the strategic acumen to elevate research and scholarship across the humanities and social sciences, expand external partnerships, and articulate a compelling case for the essential role of these fields in a modern public research university.
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. Professional references are not requested at this time.
WittKieffer is assisting Montclair State University in this search. For full consideration, candidate materials should be received by March 13, 2026.
Please direct all nominations and applications through the WittKieffer Candidate Portal using the buttons above.
Additional inquiries can be directed to:
Jen Meyers Pickard, Ph.D., Lauren Bruce-Stets, and Bronwen Bares Pelaez, Ph.D.
A pay range of $240,000 – $260,000 per year reflects what Montclair State University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level.
Additional information on Montclair State University employee benefits can be found at https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/benefits/.
Inclusion Statement
Montclair State University values access and educational excellence. We are committed to an environment of diverse perspectives which ensures that graduates will be civically engaged, committed to democracy, and prepared to thrive as global citizens. We foster a community that promotes varied experiences and voices. We seek applicants who will contribute diverse ideas and perspectives and who value an environment that promotes educational growth and advancement for all.
EEO/AA Statement
Montclair State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution with a strong commitment to diversity.
Additional information can be found on the website at
www.montclair.edu/human-resources/about-us/eo-aa-and-diversity/
Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 Policy
Montclair State is required by Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex or gender, and does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities. The requirement to not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities extends to admission and employment. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/job-seekers/