University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Winston-Salem, NC
THE SEARCH
The University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA or the University), a nationally recognized public arts conservatory, seeks a strategic, courageous, people-centric, institution-builder to serve as the next Dean of the School of Drama (or the SoD). Currently ranked #3 in the 2023 Hollywood Reporter’s list of the “Top 25 Schools of Drama in the World,” the SoD emphasizes a classical training model with a focus on diverse and inclusive paradigms in its training process in an effort to meet the demand for actors to be technically skilled and, at the same time, creatively inspired. This vital combination of talent and skill is developed and refined by highly qualified professional faculty and through close personal attention to their students’ growth. Other distinguishing aspects of the School of Drama include recruitment of a very diverse student body; a heavy performance-based curriculum; a repertoire that expresses a wide range of representative voices; a program that focuses on whole student wellness; and student graduates who are industry-ready. In fact, for years the SoD has had great success in post-graduation employment, and as an institution, it continuously produces some of the most versatile and successful actors in theater, film, and television nationally and internationally.
Reporting to the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, this Dean will bring a track record of strong management, artistic excellence, vision, and innovation. In this role, they will build on the strong reputation of the School of Drama, and they will articulate an organizational vision for the future that prioritizes training, innovation, inclusion, diversity, collaboration, rigor, and cohesiveness. This visionary will work closely with faculty, staff, and administrators to deliver exceptional education and support services to students and will also ensure that the SoD continues to serve as a leader on campus around equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB) efforts.
In addition to being a critical champion for the School of Drama, this Dean will work to foster additional collaborative opportunities across the other UNCSA conservatories, and especially with the School of Filmmaking and the School of Design and Production.
Concurrently, this leader will also serve as a strong ambassador for UNCSA writ-large, and the Dean and the University will work together to increase and diversify the SoD’s financial resources, including as a proactive partner in fundraising and the development of philanthropic priorities and relationships. Lastly, they will be expected to develop partnerships and collaborations across UNCSA and the Winston-Salem community, and throughout the artistic and creative industries nationally and internationally.
In accordance with UNC System guidelines, the salary range for this position is $160K-$165K.
UNCSA has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this recruitment. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs/resumes with letters of interest should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website for the search linked here.
Rebecca Swartz (she/her), Partner
Angelo Alexander (they/them), Senior Associate
Rachel Banderob (she/her), Senior Search Coordinator
The University of North Carolina School of the Arts strives to cultivate an environment that is diverse, inclusive, and free from discrimination. UNCSA is committed to prohibiting employment discrimination based on race, religion, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation, National Guard or Veteran status, genetic information, or a disability.
UNCSA also is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for faculty, staff, students, and visitors, and publishes an annual security and fire safety report.