Open Searches

San Francisco State University (SFSU) invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean of the College of Ethnic Studies. The new Dean must be an innovative, strategic, and collegial academic leader who understands the core values of SFSU, is a passionate advocate for equity and social justice, and is committed to student success. The new Dean must be grounded in Ethnic Studies, scholarly work, pedagogical innovations, community service, commitment to students/learning/ empowerment of our communities. Ideally, the new Dean will take office by July 1, 2023.

The College of Ethnic Studies was established in Fall 1969 through the efforts of dedicated students, faculty, and community members. The five departments of Africana Studies, American Indian Studies, Asian American Studies, Latina/Latino Studies, and Race and Resistance Studies offer over 250 courses each semester to meet the needs of close to 9000 students.

For fifty years, the College of Ethnic Studies–the first in the nation–has served as the “beating heart” of the SFSU campus and flagship Ethnic Studies institution in the country. The College of Ethnic Studies supports students to complete their general education; pursue a personal interest in ethnic studies; teach subjects in elementary, secondary, community and college level institutions; or critically inform their creative, professional, and vocational skills in community centers, performance, business, social welfare, law, and medicine. The College was founded with an ethos to bring the Community to the University, and the University to the Community. In recent years the program has expanded to include areas such as educational support for the formerly incarcerated, online degrees to help Californians complete a BA in Ethnic Studies, and innovative wraparound programs such as Metro College Success.

Located in one of the world’s most vibrant and beautiful cities, San Francisco State University is a recognized leader in addressing issues both global and close to home. Home to the nation’s first College of Ethnic Studies, San Francisco State has a longstanding commitment to inclusiveness and social justice as expressed every day through university programs, initiatives and services. Nearly 30,000 students enroll at the University each year, and its more than 253,000 graduates have contributed to the economic, cultural, and civic fabric of San Francisco and beyond. Through them — and more than 1,700 world-class faculty members — SF State proudly embraces its legacy of academic excellence, community engagement and commitment to social justice. The campuses of San Francisco State University on the San Francisco Peninsula and North Bay are located within the occupied territories of the Ramaytush Ohlone and the Coastal Miwok (who, along with the Southern Pomo, are organized as the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria).

For qualifications and more information about the Dean of the College of Ethnic Studies position, go to https://academicsearch.org/open-searches-public/ and scroll down to San Francisco State University. The anticipated salary range is $190,000 to $230,000 annually.

The search for San Francisco State University’s next Dean of the College of Ethnic Studies is being assisted by Academic Search.  Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest can be submitted in confidence to: SFSUDEANCOES@academicsearch.org.

Nominators and prospective candidates may arrange a confidential conversation about this opportunity with one of the senior consultants: Dr. Cynthia M. Patterson at Cynthia.Patterson@academicsearch.org or Dr. Maria Thompson at Maria.Thompson@academicsearch.org.

Priority consideration will be given to materials received by February 27, 2023.  To apply a candidate should submit: 1. a letter of intent addressing how the candidate’s experiences match the position requirements; 2. a current CV/resume; 3. A statement detailing the core values and pedagogies that define the field of Ethnic Studies; and 4. contact information for at least five professional references, including email addresses and a brief note of the candidate’s working relationship with each. References will not be contacted without the prior knowledge and approval of the candidate and at a later stage in the search.  See the full profile before submitting an application.

San Francisco State is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status.