Gonzaga University seeks a visionary, dynamic, and strategic leader to serve as Dean of the School of Law. Reporting to the Provost and serving as the chief administrative and academic officer of the School, the Dean will build upon established and successful programs. The Dean will bring an inclusive and collaborative leadership style that inspires faculty, students, and staff to build a shared vision for the future, working within the School to educate students who graduate ready to deploy exceptional technical and creative skills.
Gonzaga seeks a Dean who will work to invest in its people, and promote an ethos of professionalism, service, and care. The Dean will navigate the rapidly changing landscape of higher education broadly, and of legal education specifically, while fostering a strong foundation of collaboration and shared governance processes for innovatively addressing Gonzaga’s opportunities and challenges. The Dean will provide visionary and operational leadership, in alignment with the University’s strategic direction, setting priorities for the School and guiding it toward its goals of enhancing and promoting professional practice, research, community-engaged work, and excellence in legal education with a diverse population of students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders. In collaboration with President Passerini, Interim Provost Bertagnolli, and other leaders to support Gonzaga University’s mission, the Dean will work closely with School leadership and the faculty to advance interdisciplinary and University-wide opportunities and external collaborations.
The Dean is the Law School’s chief advocate and steward, promoting its achievement and spearheading its fiscal development and fundraising activities. In compliance with the University governance and management structure, the Dean also manages the strategic direction of the Gonzaga Law Foundation Board, a 501c3 organization. Since its inception, the Foundation has raised millions of dollars in private commitments to support scholarships, programs and initiatives for Gonzaga University School of Law. The Dean is also the School’s public voice, promoting innovative ideas and solidifying partnerships within Gonzaga, locally, nationally, and internationally as a recognized leader. The successful candidate will be a collegial, nationally recognized, and entrepreneurial leader prepared to advance the mission of the School and to support and sustain several existing areas of innovation, including new programs currently in development and ideation.
The Dean provides academic, intellectual, and administrative leadership for the School and works collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external partners to advance the School’s mission of educating professional students in a supportive, innovative, and inclusive learning environment. The Dean fosters excellence in teaching, scholarship, service, and professional practice; supports the success and development of faculty and staff; and promotes meaningful engagement with the communities and professions the School serves. Bringing organizational management leadership experience, the successful candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, build bridges to the greater university, legal, and professional communities, and partner with donors and philanthropic entities to effectively fundraise and advance the career aspirations of students. The next Dean must also possess a commitment to, and track record of, outcomes fostering an equitable and inclusive environment.
NOMINATIONS AND APPLICATIONS
Gonzaga University has retained the services of Dr. Josh Ward at the executive search firm Korn Ferry. To apply for the position, candidates should submit an up-to-date and detailed curriculum vitae, as well as a brief (2-4 pages) letter of interest describing why you are interested in becoming the next Dean of the School of Law at Gonzaga University, why you would be successful based on your professional and/or lived experience, and why now is a good time for you to consider this opportunity. For priority consideration, please submit all application materials by November 13, 2026. For a copy of the full-length position description, or to submit your curriculum vitae and letter of interest (as separate PDFs), please contact:
Josh Ward, PhD
Senior Client Partner
Higher Education and Academic Medicine
Korn Ferry
(405) 640-3994
[email protected]
EEO Statement: Gonzaga University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university. The University does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, or any other non-merit factor in employment, educational programs, or activities which it operates. All University policies, practices, and procedures are consistent with Gonzaga’s Catholic, Jesuit identity and mission statement and comply with federal and state regulations, including Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Required Compensation Disclosure: The salary range for this position is $350,000 to $400,000. Appointment at or near the top of the salary range will be reserved for candidates with exceptional qualifications and demonstrated leadership excellence. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, geographic location, etc. This role may be eligible for additional compensation based on merit and/or achievement of specific goals. In addition to salary, Gonzaga University offers benefits such as comprehensive benefits package, tuition waiver and 403b contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements).
