University of San Francisco (USF), a diverse, urban, Jesuit Catholic university with a global mission, invites nominations and applications for the role of dean of the School of Management. Since 1855, the University of San Francisco has been dedicated to providing a daring and dynamic education grounded in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. As San Francisco's first university, USF combines academic excellence, social responsibility, and a commitment to educating the whole person. The University is…
distinguished by its location in one of the world's leading centers of innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, and social impact, providing extraordinary opportunities for students and faculty to engage with ideas, industries, and communities shaping the future. A complete leadership profile can be found here .
The next dean of the School of Management will join USF at a pivotal moment for both higher education and the future of business education. Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, shifting workforce demands, evolving student expectations, and heightened competition are transforming the landscape. At the same time, the School is uniquely positioned to capitalize on a powerful combination of strengths: its location in the heart of San Francisco, its commitment to Jesuit values and social impact, and its growing role in advancing the University's ambitious vision for interdisciplinary and experiential learning. Further underscoring the School's strength and momentum, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) recently reaffirmed its accreditation for a six-year term following a rigorous peer-review process.
The dean will provide visionary, strategic, and collaborative leadership for a School with a proud 100-year history and significant opportunity. Working closely with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and university leadership, the dean will strengthen and differentiate the School's value proposition in an increasingly competitive marketplace by leveraging the distinctive advantages of a Jesuit business education in San Francisco, ensuring that academic programs remain innovative and aligned with evolving workforce needs, and expanding pathways to meaningful careers. Building on the School's many strengths, the dean will enhance the visibility and reputation of its academic offerings, support sustainable enrollment growth, and position the School as a destination for students seeking both professional success and purpose-driven leadership. The successful candidate will advance a model of business education that combines exceptional career outcomes and return on investment with the broader formation of ethical, globally minded leaders committed to service, innovation, and positive social change.
A primary expectation for the next dean will be cultivating relationships with businesses, nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurs, civic leaders, alums, donors, and community partners to expand experiential learning opportunities, strengthen career pathways, advance fundraising efforts, and enhance the School's reputation and visibility, particularly in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. The dean will also play a critical role in advancing USF's institutional priorities and ensuring the School is a leading contributor to the University's future. Through these efforts, the dean will position the School as a catalyst for innovation, career readiness, and community engagement across the University and broader San Francisco region.
The ideal candidate will be a visionary and externally engaged leader who possesses the ability to move seamlessly between strategy and execution. An earned doctorate or terminal degree and a tenured appointment in a discipline appropriate to the School is desired. There is also an openness to nontraditional candidates who bring an alternative combination of credentials and who, through previous experience and commitment to excellence in the study, teaching, and practice of management and business, would gain the credibility of faculty, staff, students, and external audiences. Experience navigating complex organizations, engaging diverse constituencies, managing resources transparently, and building partnerships will be essential. They will bring a profound commitment to the Jesuit Catholic mission and core values, a deep understanding of social justice ideas and practices, and an eagerness to reflect those ideals in their work.
Overall, the next dean will possess the vision, energy, intellectual credibility, and relationship-building skills necessary to elevate the School's profile and programs, strengthen its ties to the Bay Area business ecosystem, inspire confidence across the community, and position the School as a leading force in shaping the future of business education.
WittKieffer is assisting the University of San Francisco in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by January 8, 2027. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal. All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile.
Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Alejandra Gillette-Teran and Natalie Song at USF-SOMDean@WittKieffer.com.
The University of San Francisco expects to pay in the range of $380,000-$400,000 base salary plus housing assistance and professional development support.