Description
Dean, Baskin School of Engineering
The University of California, Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz), one of the nation’s leading public research universities, seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as the Dean of the Baskin School of Engineering. The University seeks candidates with a strong record in academic leadership, research and scholarship, and external partnerships who can lead a research and educational enterprise while serving as a highly effective external advocate for the School. The next Dean will have a distinguished background in research, scholarship, and teaching, and experience with the complexities and opportunities of top-tier research universities.
A global research university, UC Santa Cruz is part of the world’s most celebrated system of public higher education and stands among the leading institutions of higher learning. A member of the prestigious 10-campus University of California System, UC Santa Cruz has earned worldwide distinction through its commitment to high-impact research and creative scholarship, innovative teaching of undergraduate and graduate students, and engaged public service that benefits our communities and the world. Since its founding in 1965, UC Santa Cruz has been on an unprecedented trajectory. From being the first in the world to assemble the DNA sequence of the human genome and make it publicly available, to marking a new era of time-domain astronomy by being the first to observe a gravity-wave generating collision of two neutron stars, UC Santa Cruz researchers and experts have been at the forefront of major achievements that create new paradigms and drive change around the world.
The Jack Baskin School of Engineering is recognized for its forward-looking approach to engineering education and research. Founded in 1997 during the rise of the internet era, the school was designed to address emerging technological challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration and socially responsible innovation. Baskin Engineering offers undergraduate, Master’s, and doctoral programs in seven academic departments, including Applied Mathematics, Biomolecular Engineering, Computational Media, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Statistics, Technology and Information Management. There are also collaborative programs with other UCSC divisions, including the Humanizing Technology Certificate and the Materials Science and Engineering graduate program. The Baskin School’s close ties to Silicon Valley and emphasis on real-world impact create an environment where students and researchers develop solutions spanning climate resilience, genomics, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, agriculture, and sustainable technology.
Following ten years of successful leadership and growth from Alexander Wolf, the Baskin School of Engineering is ready for the next phase of its exciting evolution. The Dean of the Baskin School of Engineering is the chief academic and administrative officer of one of UC Santa Cruz's most prominent and strategically significant academic units. Reporting to the campus Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor, the Dean provides vision, leadership, and operational stewardship across all dimensions of the school's academic, research, and administrative enterprise. This role is for an accomplished scholar-leader with a strong record of research and teaching, demonstrated experience in academic administration, and the external presence to represent Baskin Engineering compellingly to industry partners, philanthropic supporters, government agencies, and the broader academic community. The Dean will be expected to advance the school's research profile, strengthen its graduate and undergraduate programs, recruit and retain exceptional faculty, and deepen the school's connections to Silicon Valley and the global technology industry. The successful candidate will bring experience navigating the complexities of a major public research university, a genuine commitment to inclusivity in engineering education, and the collaborative instincts required to lead a diverse faculty community while working effectively across a complex institutional environment.
The successful candidate will be a nationally recognized, self-assured, entrepreneurial leader prepared to advance the University’s academic vision and its initiatives and priorities. The Dean will possess a strong record of scholarly activity and research and be willing to support the School’s faculty in developing their own research portfolios. Candidates will be expected to broaden participation among members of underrepresented groups; demonstrate, through research, teaching, and/or public engagement, a commitment to and support for diversity in the learning experience; and provide leadership in developing initiatives designed to meet the needs of diverse learners and intellectual interests. In addition, the ideal candidate will be an independent thinker dedicated to collaborative governance, possess a leadership style that values diversity and inclusion, be a sophisticated administrator capable of building strong working relationships, be committed to the search for new knowledge, and be able to imagine new possibilities for the School of Engineering.
Minimum Qualifications
- Demonstrated academic administrative leadership (e.g., Department Chair, Institute or Center Director);
- National or international distinction as a scholar, researcher, and educator with a record necessary for a position as a full professor in the School of Engineering
- Experience fostering interdisciplinary research and education, including the development of new programs;
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with administrators, faculty, students, and staff in an environment of shared governance;
- Appreciation for the mission and responsibilities of a public R1 university serving a multi-ethnic state and a demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion;
- Demonstrated success in fundraising and securing external support;
- Ability to cultivate and develop positive relations with internal and external constituents, including alumni, members of the community, businesses, and donors, locally and beyond.
Additional information on the University and the Search can be found at https://www.dsgco.com/search/23375-ucscbaskindean/.
PROCESS OF EXPRESSING INTEREST
The anticipated salary range for the role is currently $425,000-$475,000, commensurate with experience. UC Santa Cruz also offers a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package. The expected start date for the Dean is July 1, 2027.
The application process will be open through November 25 2026, or until the position is filled. A complete application will include a detailed cover letter expressing your interest in and qualifications for the position, as well as a current CV.
For best consideration, interested candidates can apply using the following Talent Profile link:
https://talent-profile.dsgco.com/search/v2/23375
Please send all nominations to:
Tom Fitch, Managing Director
Jim Sirianni, Global Managing Partner and Practice Leader, Education
Brian Bustin, Managing Associate
DSG Storbeck
UCSCBaskinDean@dsgco.com
As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace
“Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees. Inquiries regarding the University’s equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to: UCSC Equal Employment Opportunity webpage (https://equity.ucsc.edu/eeoaa/equal-employment-opportunity/index.html).
