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East Carolina University (ECU) is consistently ranked among the nation’s top public universities for its commitment to research, innovation, social mobility, and public service. Classified as a R1 institution by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education, ECU is among the top 5% of research universities in the United States, an elite designation reflecting the highest levels of research activity, funding, and doctoral output.

Founded in 1907, ECU is a public, four-year university located in Greenville, N.C., which is widely regarded as the cultural, educational, economic, and medical hub of eastern North Carolina. Through education, research, healthcare, community engagement, athletics, cultural enrichment, and service, ECU enhances the quality of life for its students, the state and communities around the world. It is a great place to work, teach, and learn.

ECU’s commitment to impactful scholarship is further demonstrated through its repeated Carnegie Community Engagement Classification (2010, 2015, 2024), as well as its 2024 designation as a Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose institution. These distinctions recognize the university’s leadership in translating research into meaningful community partnerships and measurable societal benefits.

The university supports its workforce through a wide range of professional development opportunities designed to foster career growth and skill advancement. Eligible employees also benefit from a comprehensive benefits package that promotes a healthy work-life balance.

Academic Affairs, led by the Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, comprises the university’s colleges, schools and libraries, along with other academic support and administrative units. Academic Affairs works collaboratively to strengthen ECU’s culture of academic excellence in line with our mission to be a national model for student success, public service and regional transformation.

The mission of Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences is to provide high-quality undergraduate and graduate education in the liberal arts and sciences.

Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences’ vision is to be an engine of access, knowledge, and opportunity for all learners through transformative education, innovative research and creative activities, and meaningful community engagement.

The Dean of Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the college and will integrate the mission of the College with that of the University and provide inspiration for advances in teaching, research, and service.

As the chief executive officer of the College, the Dean works with faculty and staff representing the College’s departments, programs, and centers, oversees strategic planning, advancement, and budget development, and guides resource allocation, teaching, research, service, outreach, and administration. The Dean supports shared governance and promotes a varied and collegial environment.

Reporting to the Provost/Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, the Dean is responsible for overseeing the largest academic unit at East Carolina University. The Dean provides strategic, collaborative leadership promoting the importance of a liberal arts education throughout the University.

Key Responsibilities include:
Leadership and Administration – Provides strategic direction, manages key leadership recruitment and evaluations, and acts as the primary liaison with university leadership to ensure policy compliance (55%)

Research, Enrollment, and Strategic Planning – Drives institutional growth by fostering research collaboration, developing strategies to address enrollment and retention trends, and advocating for liberal arts academic priorities (30%)

Resource Development and External Relations – Leads external relationship building through high personal involvement in donor and alumni cultivation to acquire vital resources for the college (15%)

Experience administering Ph.D. programs is preferred.

East Carolina University has retained the UNC System Office executive search team to support this recruitment. Confidential inquiries and nominations should be directed to Executive Search Team at executivesearch@northcarolina.edu. To apply, please visit ECU Dean, Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences | Job Details to submit a cover letter and CV/resume. Review of applications will begin immediately and the position remains open until filled.

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must complete a candidate profile online via the PeopleAdmin system and submit the required documents, as requested. Additionally, applicants that possess the preferred education and experience must also possess the minimum education/experience, if applicable.

Unless otherwise identified in the applicable job posting and consistent with University policy, the University will principally employ individuals who reside in the State of North Carolina to the greatest extent practicable. As such, most positions at East Carolina University require employees to live and work in North Carolina (or live within a reasonable daily commuting distance from their duty station) after hire. Candidates should be prepared to relocate within a reasonable, agreed-upon time after an offer of employment has been made and accepted to meet this requirement.

East Carolina University is committed to workforce success and cultivating a culture of care for our employees. ECU prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment based on race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status or disability.

Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at (252) 737-1018 (Voice/TTY) or ADA-Coordinator@ecu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. ECU participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity at (252) 328-9847 or toll free at 1-866-489-1740 or send an email to employment@ecu.edu. Our office is available to provide assistance Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 EST.