Jordan College of Fine Arts

Jordan College of Fine Arts Dean Search 

Job Description

With the completion of a $154 million fundraising campaign and implementation of a new strategic plan, Butler University, which combines liberal arts and professional studies in a thriving urban setting, is poised to strengthen its position as a leading masters comprehensive university.  We invite nominations and applications for the position of Dean, Jordan College of Fine Arts.  The Dean reports directly to the Provost, is the principal academic and administrative officer of the College, and is responsible for academic and artistic programs, financial planning, and the daily operations of the College in consultation with its faculty and staff.   Combining conservatory-style programs with a curriculum rich in the liberal arts, the Jordan College of Fine Arts is the home of nationally and internationally recognized undergraduate programs in music, dance, theatre, media arts, visual arts, and arts administration, and graduate programs in music.  The Dept of Dance, School of Music, and Dept of Theatre are accredited institutional members of their respective national associations, NASD, NASM, and NAST.  The college is vitally connected to the Indianapolis community through its faculty scholars and artists, student performances and internships, and the varied programs at Clowes Memorial Hall.

 Specific responsibilities of the position include: Show

  • Leading the College in successful pursuit of its mission by actively collaborating with faculty, students, staff, and key external constituents.
  • Maintaining a collegial atmosphere which values and rewards teaching, creative excellence, and innovation.
  • Working with University Advancement to develop relationships and solicit funds with current and prospective donors, including include alumni, friends, parents, corporations and foundations.
  • Working with University Relations to promote and market the College to its internal and external constituencies.
  • Managing the budget of the College and ensuring sufficient resources are available to maintain and further develop excellent programs.
  • Working effectively with the university's senior leadership team and being an advocate for both the College and the overall good of the institution.
  • Fostering collaboration among departments within the College, between the College and University, and with arts and educational organizations in Indianapolis.
  • Being engaged in the artistic life of the College and actively supporting creative and scholarly endeavors among faculty, students, and staff.

 The ideal candidate will have the following characteristics: Show

  • A record of creative accomplishment, the capacity to provide artistic leadership, and a passion for the place of the arts in the community.
  • The potential for success and/or experience in fundraising and securing external support for the College and its programs.
  • An open and engaging personality, an inclusive problem solving style combined with excellent communication skills, and a sense of humor.
  • A creative thinker within the framework of a strategic plan, in fulfillment of the College mission.
  • A commitment to service leadership, a high level of integrity and fairness in dealing with others, and the ability to build on Butler's culture and values.

 Expected credentials are: Show

  • A terminal degree or equivalent professional and leadership experience in any of the fields in the College.
  • Scholarly and creative achievements commensurate with appointment as a full professor at Butler University.
  • Significant administrative experience, including responsibility for budgeting, program/curriculum development, and personnel/facilities management.
  • Demonstrated commitment to the value of diversity in the faculty, staff, and student body.

 Applications: Show

Applications are due by November 30, 2009, but will be accepted until the position is filled.  Review of applications will begin December  1, 2009, and will continue until a selection is made.  Candidates should submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of at least four references who may be invited to contribute letters and commentary.  No further reference checks will be made without the approval of the applicant. 

Applications, nominations, and inquiries should be submitted electronically to Dean Chuck Williams, Butler College of Business, and Chair, JCFA Dean's Search Committee, at jcfasearch@butler.edu.  Please send all materials in .pdf format.

Butler University is committed to cultural diversity among its administrators, faculty, staff, and students.  We are an equal opportunity educational institution and employer and actively encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

Butler University

Butler University, founded in 1855 by attorney and abolitionist Ovid Butler, is home to about 3800 undergraduate and 500 graduate students in five Colleges and more than 60 academic majors.  The campus occupies 290 acres in a vibrant and diverse neighborhood near the White River on the northwest side of Indianapolis. The University emphasizes a liberal arts-based education with the goal of teaching clear and effective communication, appreciation of beauty, and a commitment to lifelong learning, community service and global awareness. 

Arts and culture thrive in Indianapolis with hundreds of arts organizations including the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Civic Theatre, Eiteljorg Museum, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Indianapolis Children's Museum, and many others.  Butler University houses the Clowes Memorial Hall professional performance facility which is home to resident companies such as the Indianapolis Opera, Dance Kaleidoscope, Indianapolis Children's Choir, Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, and the American Pianists Association.  In addition to JCFA student performances, other organizations such as Broadway Across America - Indianapolis, Music For All (Bands of America) and Butler's Visiting Writers Series, Diversity Lecture Series, and Religion Seminars use the Clowes Hall facility.

Clowes Memorial Hall

Whether it's modern dance, international music, opera or musicals, Clowes Memorial Hall proudly maintains the wants and wishes of when it was built in 1963.  Along with Clowes Presents and the Education program, Clowes also is the home of resident companies such as the Indianapolis Opera, JCFA's Music at Butler and the Butler Ballet. Other great organizations such as Broadway in Indianapolis, Music For All (Bands of America) and Butler's Visiting Writers Series, Diversity Lecture Series and Religion Seminars all use our facility.

Indianapolis

Butler is located on the north side of Indianapolis, just five miles from downtown in a residential neighborhood. The Hoosier capital is the 13th largest city in the United States.  To learn more about Indianapolis follow the links below.