Open Searches

St. John Fisher University invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. The School is one of the University’s largest and is largely responsible for the Core Curriculum, teaching every undergraduate who enters the University. As chief academic and administrative officer of the School, the Dean reports to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, serves on the Provost’s Council of Deans, leads the School’s six interdisciplinary divisions and their faculty and staff, oversees its budget and academic programs, and represents Arts and Sciences across the University and to the wider community.

Located on a 164-acre campus in Pittsford, New York, about seven miles from downtown Rochester, St. John Fisher University was founded in 1948 by the Basilian Fathers and the Diocese of Rochester and remains rooted in tradition of goodness, discipline, and knowledge. In fall 2026, Fisher enrolled more than 3,700 students, including nearly 2,600 undergraduate and 1,100 graduate students, in more than 40 majors across five Schools. The University’s Fisher Forward campaign, the largest in its history, closed in 2025 having raised just over $139 million, and the endowment has grown from $75 million in 2015 to more than $161 million.

Under the leadership of Gerard J. Rooney, Ph.D., President and Kevin Railey, Ph.D., Provost, the next Dean will build on a strong foundation of expanded majors and minors, advocate for its faculty and the liberal arts, build trust through transparent communication, steward resources wisely, and articulate a fresh vision for Fisher’s future.

Qualification requirements include:

• An earned doctorate or other terminal degree in a discipline represented in the School of Arts and Sciences, with a record of teaching and scholarship meriting appointment as a tenured full professor;
• Progressively responsible academic leadership experience, such as service as a department chair, division leader, associate dean, or dean; experience leading a large, multidisciplinary school or college preferred;
• A demonstrated commitment to the liberal arts and sciences and to the mission of a liberal arts institution committed to its Basilian heritage.

The complete profile may be found at https://www.academicsearch.org/SJFisherDeanSAS

St. John Fisher University is being assisted by Academic Search. Prospective candidates or nominators may schedule a confidential conversation with Dr. Dan DiBiasio, the Senior Consultant leading the search, by emailing SJFisherDeanSAS@academicsearch.org.

To apply, candidates should submit the following as separate PDF documents to the link below:

1. a cover letter addressed to the search committee that describes specifically how the candidate meets the required qualifications listed in the search profile;
2. a current curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé showing relevant administrative responsibilities and accomplishments; and
3. a list of five professional references, including contact information. References will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission.

For full consideration, application materials must be submitted by December 10, 2026, via the following link: https://www.academicsearch.org/SJFisherDeanSASApply. The position will remain open until filled. The compensation range is $166,000-$194,000.

St. John Fisher University provides Equal Employment Opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law. The University does not discriminate against applicants or employees in hiring, promotion, termination, or the terms and conditions of employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sex, perceived sex, gender identity, gender expression, the status of being transgender, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, marital status, military status, veteran status, predisposing genetic characteristics or genetic information, arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other characteristic protected by law.