Saint Louis University Dean, Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business
Position Summary Saint Louis University (SLU), a Jesuit, Catholic, international, urban research university, seeks a visionary and collaborative leader to become Dean of the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business.
The next dean of the Chaifetz School of Business should combine respected scholarship and academic achievements with strategic leadership ability; outstanding interpersonal and communication skills; collaborative and creative energy; entrepreneurial ambition; passion for the field of business; and a vision for growth that will capitalize on the school’s strengths and shape its future and its contributions to the region, the nation and the world.
As an integral academic component of this Jesuit institution, the Chaifetz School of Business is committed to harnessing the power of business for good. Through its nationally ranked programs, students learn the importance of a triple bottom line, consider ethical implications of business decisions, and unite themselves with the local and world community as they use their skills to make a positive impact.
About the Chaifetz School of Business Since it was founded 1910 as one of the first business schools in the American West, Saint Louis University’s Chaifetz School of Business has embraced a uniquely Jesuit approach to business education, engaging students through hands-on experiential learning; educating them with an inclusive, global perspective; encouraging innovation; and helping to develop graduates to be leaders for and with others. Everything the school offers is rooted in its purpose: to be the business school “Where Mission Meets the Market.”
The school’s impact is best measured not only in growing enrollments, expanding programs, and deepening community engagement, but also in in the success of its people: world-class faculty whose impactful research and engaged teaching shape the future of business, dedicated staff, a successful and passionate alumni network, and talented students who continue to inspire the school’s offerings as they work to meet the demands of the market and the needs of the world.
Named for businessman, entrepreneur and SLU alumnus Richard A. Chaifetz, Ph.D., SLU’s Chaifetz School of Business has:
Seven academic departments: accounting, economics, finance, international business, management, marketing and operations
Four centers: Boeing Institute of International Business, Center for Supply Chain Excellence, Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship and Emerson Leadership Institute
More than 23 majors and minor programs and 19 graduate degrees
Accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
1,500 undergraduate and graduate students
44 tenure and tenure-track faculty, 17 non-tenure track faculty, and 31 staff
A student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 16:1
Annual operating budget of approximately $16 million, an endowment of approximately $48 million, and garners up to $3 million in philanthropic support annually.
More than 17,560 living alumni
Notable rankings from US News & World Report, Poets&Quants, The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Magazine
Geospatial Leadership The city of St. Louis has long been at the center of the nation’s geospatial enterprise, and more than 200 years later, Saint Louis University continues to expand that frontier through its Geospatial@SLU programs – and through its leadership of the Taylor Geospatial Institute, which opened in 2022. Led by SLU, The Institute is a consortium of eight research institutions that serves as the central hub for the world’s most comprehensive geospatial research community.
The Institute has partnered with the Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship, Chaifetz School of Business, and the School of Science and Engineering to create GEOLaunch, a student-driven geospatial and entrepreneurship incubator located within the Center for Entrepreneurship. In addition, multiple Chaifetz School of Business faculty members are currently conducting research in geospatial research and development, positioning our business school as a major player in this growing arena.
Role Summary Reporting to the provost, the dean is the chief academic and executive officer of the Chaifetz School of Business and serves as a member of the University’s academic leadership team. The new dean will be responsible for:
Promoting research and scholarship — in particular, guiding the Chaifetz School of Business toward a scholarly output consistent with a Carnegie 1 research university
Exhibiting leadership by building undergraduate and graduate programs of excellence on a foundation of innovative interdisciplinary education that supports all academic disciplines
Promoting and providing advocacy for the Chaifetz School of Business within the University and to regional, national, and international constituents, partners, and donors
Defining the school’s strategic priorities and collaborating with faculty in leading the school’s strategic planning efforts
Setting the tone and vision for the school in encouraging inclusive excellence, recognizing achievement, and supporting appointments and promotions based on merit
Ensuring all aspects of the academic program are coordinated with Chaifetz programs in Madrid in terms of curricular assessment
Managing the faculty and staff, fiscal resources, and physical facilities of the Chaifetz School of Business
Establishing partnerships to support faculty and student needs and creating educational and experiential opportunities for students
Qualifications and Experience
A strong record of distinguished and strategic leadership; In higher education, this would include successful leadership at the dean, chair, director or equivalent leadership level that involves leading an executive team, hiring and supporting faculty and staff, supporting research and building programs in undergraduate education, graduate and doctoral education, and online education.
An earned doctorate from an accredited institution or equivalent experience, and academic qualifications that merit appointment as a faculty member in an academic discipline represented within the Chaifetz School of Business
Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, fiscal management, resource allocation and program evaluation; aligning academic and budgetary priorities and allocating facilities, resources and budgets to meet current and future program needs.
A proven track record of successful fundraising in higher education or related field.
Demonstrated commitment to scholarship and research as the foundation for learning, teaching and practical application, a vision for the important role of the Chaifetz School of Business within a research-intensive university, and experience with strategies to increase production of high-quality scholarship and an understanding of how to support faculty in their research efforts.
Demonstrated ability to lead a school that sits within a racially, culturally and economically diverse urban environment, a commitment to diversity among faculty, staff and students, and an understanding of how to advance a culture that promotes inclusion and welcomes and encourages dialogue across lines of difference.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a broad range of constituents, including senior leadership, faculty, students, staff, alumni, donors and external partners, and bring them together around a common goal.
Demonstrated ability to create and nurture an environment that recognizes excellence, that values faculty and staff contributions, supports faculty and staff development, encourages innovation, and promotes a positive atmosphere of achievement and service.
Experience with accreditation by the AACSB is preferred.
Above all, the dean must be an advocate for the Chaifetz School and demonstrate a deep resonance with the University’s Catholic, Jesuit mission, values and commitment to service.
About the University Founded in 1818, SLU is the oldest university west of the Mississippi River and the second-oldest Jesuit university in the nation. In recent years, the University has experienced significant growth in its academic programs, as well as in its grant-funded research, donor support and student outcomes.
Inspired by the Jesuit tradition of spirituality, quality education and critical thinking, Saint Louis University values academic excellence, life-changing research, compassionate health care and a strong commitment to faith and service. SLU faculty and students work on issues of racial justice; social justice; economic opportunity; the social determinants of health; and child and adult education to the benefit of the local St. Louis community, the region and the world.
Compensation This is a full-time position that will be performed on site in Missouri. The final offer package will include a competitive base salary and administrative stipend commensurate with experience. SLU provides a comprehensive Employee Benefits package, including Medical, Dental, and Visionbenefits, annuity and retirement plans, long-term disability, and Tuition Remission for employees, spouse, and children.
Application Process Screening will begin in November and continue until an appointment is made. Applications (including CV, a cover letter addressing interest, leadership philosophy, and commitment to diversity; as well as the names of five references) should be submitted using DSG’s candidate portal. For best consideration, please apply by Jan. 2, 2024.
Kim M. Morrisson, Ph.D., and Andrew C. Wheeler, Managing Directors Nancy Helfman, Vice President & Senior Search Associate The Diversified Search Group
Saint Louis University is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer committed to providing fair treatment of all in the SLU community on the basis of merit.
