Dean of Research and Graduate Studies

  • Cal State University (CSU) Fresno
  • Fresno, California
  • May 29, 2024
Education and Training

Job Description

Dean of Research and Graduate Studies
(Administrator IV)

Compensation and Benefits

The Anticipated Hiring Salary is $170,000 - $200,000 and is competitive and negotiable depending on the strength of qualifications. This is a CSU Management Personnel Plan (MPP) position.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here .

Job Summary

The Dean of Research and Graduate Studies reports directly to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and provides leadership to the research and graduate education mission of the University. Specifically, the Dean is responsible for supporting faculty and student driven research endeavors, enabling a climate for obtaining external research funding, expanding the quality and development of graduate programs, providing support for graduate students, and overseeing the policies and procedures related to these areas. The Dean works in consultation with the research faculty, Provost, the School/College Deans, and leaders from Academic Affairs and divisions on campus to develop strategies conducive to research development at Fresno State. Units supervised include the Division of Graduate Studies, the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, McNair Program, the Institutional Review Board, and other research compliance boards. The Dean is a member of the Academic Affairs Leadership Team. The Dean provides direct supervision to the personnel of both the Division of Graduate Studies and Research and Sponsored Programs.

Key Qualifications
  • Knowledge of:
    • Higher education issues and trends, curriculum and program development practices, the general concerns and processes of educational equity and the needs and expectations of diverse student and faculty perspectives with particular knowledge of these in a graduate education setting.
    • Grant mechanisms, institutional review and compliance procedures, and pre- and post-award procedures•
    • Intellectual property rights and processes.
  • Ability to:
    • Work effectively in a multicultural, diverse, and complex university environment with staff, faculty, and administrators.
    • Develop policies to enhance graduate student success and promote academic excellence.
    • Analyze complex problems, devise innovative solutions, and perceive the implications and potential consequences of various situations.
    • Build, grow, and maintain productive relationships with faculty, students, post-award units/offices, and grant agencies to promote and facilitate faculty/student research endeavors.
  • Skill in:
    • Oral, written, and interpersonal communication.
    • Consultative decision-making.
    • Leadership, planning, and evaluation.


To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.

Education and Experience
  • Must have an earned doctorate and the appropriate academic credentials to qualify for appointment as a tenured Professor in one of the colleges/schools within the Division of Academic Affairs. This includes substantial evidence of research and scholarly activities.
  • Significant and successful academic administrative experience and proven leadership ability, including the development of interdisciplinary programs and research.
  • Program planning, direction, and coordination.
  • Success in obtaining external funding as appropriate to his/her academic field and serving as the Principal Investigator for external grants.
  • Experience in staff evaluation and supervision.
  • Experience in mentoring and working with graduate students.
  • Experience in administration and budgeting.


Department Summary

We value all Fresno State graduate students and we pride ourselves in fostering excellence and promoting success.

Deadline & Application Instructions

All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile.

WittKieffer is assisting California State University, Fresno in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by September 3, 2024.

Nominations, inquiries, and application materials can be directed to:

Jen Meyers Pickard, Ph.D., and Kim Migoya at FresnoState-DeanResearch@wittkieffer.com

Please click “Apply Now” to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) their most recent resumé/vitae, 2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.

Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.

Equal Employment Opportunity Information

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy , it is strongly recommended that all employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications. Questions may be sent to hr@csufresno.edu .

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

This position may be a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This will require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within six (6) months of assuming office and every two (2) years thereafter.

Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.

Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. (e.g. H1-B Visas)

Advertised: May 28 2024 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

Closing Date/Time:

Job Address

Fresno, California 93740 United States View Map