Dean, Graduate School and Office of Global Engagement

Posting Details
Position Information
Posting Number S26362P
Posting Date 05/13/2026
Closing Date 07/14/2026
Title Dean, Graduate School and Office of Global Engagement
Working Title Dean, Graduate School and Office of Global Engagement
Salary Range $135,000 Annual
Employee Class Administrator
Department Graduate & Professional Studies
Full-time/ Part-time Full-time
Specialization Hours Per Week 40
Standard Work Week Monday-Friday, Occasional Weekends
Benefits This position is eligible for health, dental, life insurance and other benefits through Chicago State University.
Job Summary Chicago State University (CSU), is the oldest public university in the Chicago metropolitan area. Chicago State University is Illinois' only four-year U.S. Department of Education-designated Predominantly Black Institution (PBI). CSU serves over 1,500 undergraduate students and nearly 900 graduate students. The university is a nationally accredited university with five colleges in Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Health Sciences and Pharmacy and proudly supports a diverse and non-traditional student population that hails from 28 countries and 36 states. This senior academic leader will provide strategic oversight for all graduate programs and global initiatives, fostering academic excellence, student success, and global citizenship. The Dean will advance CSU's mission of access, equity, and excellence by expanding graduate education and global partnerships that support student achievement, faculty development, and institutional distinction.
Job Description Key Responsibilities
Strategic, Innovative Leadership & Administration
In partnership with the Provost, Academic Deans, department chairs, faculty, and institutional stakeholders, provide visionary, entrepreneurial, and data-informed leadership for graduate education and global engagement that advances the mission, strategic priorities, and national profile of Chicago State University.
Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan for graduate education and global engagement that positions CSU as a leader in innovative, workforce-aligned, equity-centered, and globally connected graduate programming.
Lead the transformation and modernization of graduate education through the development of high-demand, future-focused academic offerings, including interdisciplinary degrees, stackable credentials, certificates, accelerated pathways, online and hybrid modalities, and collaborative programs that respond to emerging workforce and societal needs.
Serve as the University's chief advocate for graduate education and global engagement, cultivating a culture of academic excellence, innovation, collaboration, accountability, and student-centered service across all graduate and international initiatives.
Collaborate closely with academic deans, department chairs, faculty leaders, and shared governance bodies to ensure the academic quality, rigor, relevance, competitiveness, and sustainability of graduate programs.
Lead university-wide efforts to strengthen graduate enrollment management, student persistence, retention, completion, and post-graduate success through evidence-based strategies, predictive analytics, and student support initiatives designed to improve retention and completion rates by 3-5% annually.
Provide leadership for the review, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of policies, procedures, standards, and operational practices related to graduate education and global engagement, ensuring alignment with accreditation standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices in higher education.
Foster a collaborative and high-performing organizational culture within the Graduate School and Office of Global Engagement that emphasizes innovation, transparency, responsiveness, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
Supervise and mentor professional and administrative staff, establishing clear expectations, measurable outcomes, professional development opportunities, and a culture of accountability and service excellence.
Utilize institutional data, market intelligence, labor market trends, and benchmarking analyses to guide strategic decision-making, program growth, resource allocation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Represent the University at local, state, national, and international meetings, conferences, and professional organizations related to graduate education, research, innovation, and global engagement.
Graduate Programs
Partner with colleges, departments, faculty, and external stakeholders to design and launch innovative, interdisciplinary, and market-responsive graduate degree programs that align with evolving workforce demands, community needs, research priorities, and student interests.
Lead institutional efforts to significantly expand CSU's graduate portfolio, including increasing the number of research doctoral programs from one to four within five years, while ensuring academic quality, financial sustainability, and strategic alignment with the University's mission and strengths.
Advance graduate education initiatives that strengthen CSU's role as a regional, national, and global contributor to workforce development, research innovation, public impact, and social mobility.
Support academic units in graduate program development, program review, assessment, accreditation, and continuous improvement processes, ensuring compliance with institutional, state, federal, and specialized accreditation expectations.
Collaborate with faculty and academic leadership to promote interdisciplinary teaching, scholarship, applied research, community-engaged research, and cross-college graduate initiatives.
Develop strategies to increase graduate student recruitment, enrollment, persistence, degree completion, and career placement, with particular attention to historically underserved and underrepresented student populations.
Expand opportunities for graduate assistantships, fellowships, internships, research funding, external grants, and professional development experiences that enhance graduate student success and scholarly productivity.
Strengthen graduate student support systems by enhancing academic advising, mentoring, career development, research support, writing assistance, wellness resources, and co-curricular engagement opportunities.
Establish and cultivate partnerships with business, industry, healthcare systems, governmental agencies, community organizations, national laboratories, and educational institutions to create pipelines, internships, applied learning opportunities, and collaborative research initiatives for graduate students and faculty.
Promote innovation in graduate education through the integration of emerging technologies, digital learning strategies, experiential learning, entrepreneurial initiatives, and industry-informed curriculum design.
Collaborate with Enrollment Management and Marketing to develop targeted recruitment strategies, branding initiatives, and outreach efforts that increase the visibility, competitiveness, and attractiveness of CSU's graduate programs regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Global Engagement
Provide visionary leadership for the University's global engagement strategy by expanding international partnerships, global learning opportunities, intercultural initiatives, and international collaborations that support CSU's academic mission and strategic priorities.
Advance the University's global presence and reputation by identifying, developing, and sustaining mutually beneficial partnerships with international universities, governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, industry partners, and research institutions.
Lead efforts to expand international student recruitment, enrollment, retention, persistence, and success through innovative outreach, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive student support services.
Promote and expand study abroad, faculty-led international experiences, global internships, virtual exchange programs, collaborative online international learning opportunities, and international research initiatives for students and faculty.
Develop strategies to internationalize the curriculum and integrate global perspectives, intercultural competencies, and culturally responsive practices throughout graduate education and related academic initiatives.
Identify and pursue external funding opportunities, grants, sponsorships, and philanthropic partnerships that support global engagement, international research collaborations, and international student initiatives.
Serve as the University's primary liaison to international organizations, embassies, governmental entities, educational agencies, and global partner institutions.
Ensure institutional compliance with all federal, state, and regulatory requirements related to international education, immigration, SEVIS reporting, visa sponsorship, and international student services.
Collaborate with campus stakeholders to create a welcoming, inclusive, and culturally affirming environment that supports international students, visiting scholars, and globally engaged faculty.
Institutional Collaboration & Strategic Initiatives
Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Provost and senior academic leadership team in advancing institutional priorities related to graduate education, research growth, innovation, enrollment, student success, and global engagement.
Collaborate with the Office of Sponsored Programs, faculty researchers, and academic leaders to increase externally funded research, graduate assistantships, international grants, and strategic funding opportunities aligned with graduate and global initiatives.
Lead and support institution-wide strategic initiatives that strengthen CSU's academic profile, research capacity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and national competitiveness.
Serve on University committees, councils, and task forces, contributing expertise and leadership to institutional planning, policy development, accreditation efforts, and strategic decision-making processes.
Advocate for the resources, technologies, staffing, infrastructure, and institutional investments necessary to support excellence and growth in graduate education and global engagement.
Champion equity-centered, culturally responsive, and globally informed practices that advance inclusive excellence and prepare graduate students to lead in diverse, interconnected, and rapidly evolving professional environments.
Collaborate with institutional leaders to strengthen CSU's reputation as an anchor institution committed to academic innovation, community impact, workforce development, and transformative educational opportunity on the South Side of Chicago and beyond.
Minimum Qualifications Earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited institution in a discipline aligned with the University's academic mission.
Record of progressively responsible and successful leadership experience in higher education, including significant administrative experience related to graduate education, research administration, international education, academic affairs, or closely related areas.
Demonstrated success in developing and implementing innovative academic programs, interdisciplinary initiatives, and strategic enrollment growth efforts that enhance student success, academic quality, and institutional competitiveness.
Evidence of successful collaboration with faculty, deans, department chairs, shared governance bodies, and external stakeholders to advance institutional priorities and foster a culture of collegiality, innovation, and accountability.
Demonstrated knowledge of graduate education trends, workforce-aligned program development, online and hybrid learning modalities, student success strategies, and emerging issues impacting higher education nationally and globally.
Experience leading or supporting accreditation, program review, assessment, policy development, and continuous improvement initiatives within an academic environment.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and culturally responsive practices, particularly in serving historically underserved and underrepresented student populations.
Strong understanding of international education, global engagement practices, and compliance requirements related to international students, partnerships, and exchange initiatives.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and strategic planning skills, with the ability to build consensus, inspire collaboration, and cultivate productive relationships across diverse constituencies.
Record of scholarly achievement and professional accomplishment sufficient to merit appointment as a tenured Associate Professor or Full Professor at Chicago State University.
Preferred Qualifications Experience working in an urban, public university environment, particularly at institutions serving historically underrepresented, first-generation, adult, and Pell-eligible student populations.
Demonstrated success in securing external funding, grants, philanthropic support, or sponsored research related to graduate education, research initiatives, workforce development, or global engagement.
Proven record of leading transformative initiatives that increase graduate enrollment, retention, persistence, completion, and post-graduate career outcomes.
Experience establishing and sustaining international partnerships, faculty exchanges, collaborative research initiatives, study abroad programs, and international recruitment strategies.
Demonstrated success in launching innovative, interdisciplinary, workforce-responsive graduate programs, including doctoral programs, accelerated pathways, certificates, or stackable credentials.
Familiarity with graduate admissions, enrollment management, financial aid, student support services, and student success technologies designed to improve the graduate student experience.
Experience utilizing data analytics, market research, and strategic planning processes to inform decision-making, resource allocation, and program growth.
Demonstrated commitment to community engagement, applied research, and partnerships that advance regional economic development, workforce readiness, and social mobility.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Eligibility for appointment with tenure at the rank of Associate Professor or Full Professor consistent with University and departmental standards.
Commitment to maintaining an active presence within the academic community through teaching, scholarship, mentorship, and/or professional engagement, including a willingness to teach one or more graduate courses annually as appropriate.
Comprehensive understanding of graduate education administration, program assessment, accreditation standards, strategic planning, enrollment management, and institutional effectiveness practices.
Demonstrated ability to think strategically and lead organizational transformation in a dynamic and evolving higher education environment.
Strong financial, operational, and administrative management skills, including experience with budgeting, resource development, and organizational planning.
Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated record of collegial, collaborative, and transparent leadership that builds trust and shared ownership among faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
Ability to foster innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial thinking while advancing institutional goals and maintaining academic excellence.
Strong understanding of culturally responsive leadership practices and the ability to advance inclusive excellence, global awareness, and student-centered decision-making.
Demonstrated ability to build strategic partnerships with educational institutions, governmental agencies, business and industry leaders, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders.
Outstanding written, verbal, presentation, and relationship-building skills, including the ability to effectively represent the University to internal and external audiences locally, nationally, and internationally.
Additional Applicant Information Interested applicants should submit the following materials for full consideration:
A letter of interest that addresses the candidate's qualifications, leadership philosophy, and vision for advancing graduate education, research, innovation, and global engagement at Chicago State University.
Current curriculum vitae.
Contact information for at least three professional references.
Optional supplemental materials demonstrating leadership accomplishments, strategic initiatives, scholarly achievements, or program development successes.
Physical Requirement/ Demands Work Environment