Job Summary/Basic Function::

SUNY Potsdam invites applications for the position of Dean of The Crane School of Music; the preferred start date is July, 2026.

Founded in 1886, SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music has a long legacy of excellence in music education and performance. The Crane School of Music offers rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong emphasis on performance and practice, featuring over 300 recitals, lectures, and concerts presented by faculty, students, and guests each year. The Crane School of Music is SUNY's only All-Steinway institution, and was named one of the first Yamaha Institutions of Excellence in the country. Crane is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

The Crane School of Music offers undergraduate and graduate programs in music education, along with highly-regarded baccalaureate degrees in vocal/instrumental performance, music business, and music theory, history and composition-all with a strong emphasis on performance and practice, in a tightknit atmosphere.

Our ideal candidate will have a record of extensive academic achievement and effective administrative leadership, including building community across and within programs, departments and schools and developing highly successful academic programs for a diverse range of students.

Required Qualifications::

An earned doctorate in one of the School's academic disciplines or a closely related field
A record of post-secondary administrative experience at a Department Chair level or higher
Record of teaching, service, and scholarly and creative activity appropriate to rank of Professor
Successful experience managing a complex budget
Experience with external accreditation
Successful experience supervising staff and academic faculty
Demonstrated excellence in communication and conflict resolution
Commitment to shared governance within a university setting
Experience with and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Experience evaluating faculty in the tenure and promotion process

We are seeking candidates who possess communication and interpersonal skills sufficient to work effectively with an increasingly diverse array of students and colleagues and who have demonstrated a commitment to creating, fostering and sustaining an inclusive environment in and out of the classroom.

Preferred Qualifications::

Experience with curricular program development, including graduate programming as well as varied formats including online, distance, and/or hybrid programs
Experience working within a unionized campus
Successful record of fundraising and donor relations
Successful record of external funding, including grants and contracts
Experience collaborating with state, for-profit and non-profit agencies
Experience with specialized professional accreditation, notably NASM

We are, especially, seeking candidates who have engaged in professional development activities to enhance knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion and have worked collaboratively across various departments in fostering success of underrepresented groups and a supportive and inclusive environment for all.

Job Requirements & Essential Functions of the Job::
The Dean supervises all of the School's faculty members, professional and administrative staff; serves as a primary liaison with other academic units on campus; serves on the President's Council, the Provost's Cabinet, and other college committees.

The Dean also works with a wide variety of external constituents including Crane alumni, music businesses, other collegiate music programs, and the public school music teachers of the State of New York.

The Dean reports directly to the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.

This is a Grade NSMP2 Management/Confidential position.

The specific duties of the Dean of The Crane School of Music include:

Developing academic policy and maintaining academic quality within the School;
Recruiting and retaining diverse and highly competent faculty and staff members;
Coordinating curricular development with the School's faculty in conjunction with other academic programs on campus;
Developing and maintaining the School's budget in a manner that is transparent and reflective of the School's academic priorities;
Evaluating the School's personnel according to policy and contracted timelines, including making recommendations for renewal and permanent appointment;
Overseeing outreach efforts including the Crane Candlelight concerts through public television, and activities with the NYS School Music Association;
Enhancing existing donor relations and providing leadership in initiating new resource development;
Facilitating the development and implementation of enrollment management strategies of the institution;
Advancing the institution's goals as they relate to access, diversity, equity, and inclusion;
Maintaining partnerships with community colleges and other agencies within the region, and developing new partnerships in support of student success and academic quality;
Maintaining appropriate external accreditation of all relevant programs within the School;
Serving the College on various committees, reflective of the candidate's position and expertise;
Promoting the interests of the School both internally and externally.

Among more specific responsibilities are:

Developing and implementing strategic plans for the School based on the assessment of student learning outcomes, effectiveness of curricula, and efficient use of resources;
Developing new academic programs, particularly in the area of graduate education;
Communicating with stakeholders, both internal and external to the College;
Managing a complex budget consisting of centrally allocated funds, fee accounts, endowments, and grants and contracts;
Working with Human Resources and labor management, as appropriate, in resolving issues related to personnel;
Managing meetings and communication within the School;
Maintaining strong relations with student organizations and fostering formal and informal engagement with students;
Facilitating the active involvement of external Advisory Boards for all relevant programs within the School;
Working with the Alumni Office to maintain positive and productive relations with the School's alumni.

Special Instructions to Applicants::
Please submit a letter of interest addressing how the candidate's experiences align with the responsibilities of the position, a current CV, and list of five professional references with contact information (email and phone) and relationship to applicant. Screening of applications will begin immediately; to ensure full consideration, please submit application by November 20, 2025.

Local Title: Dean, The Crane School of Music

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