Description:

Academic Affairs
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Department Summary:
For more than 150 years, Drake University Law School has prepared students for lives of service and success in the law. The School was founded in Des Moines in 1865, which makes it one of the 25 oldest law schools in the country. Founded by Iowa Supreme Court justices, the Law School's mission was to teach law in proximity to the courts so students could witness the law in action. Long before most other law schools, Drake was seeking and admitting Black law students. Learn more about the Law School's history here. (https://www.drake.edu/law/about)

Job Summary:
The Dean of the Law School reports directly to the Provost, Dr. Joe Valenzano, and is a key member of the Provost Council and the University's senior leadership team. The Dean plays an important role in the overall success and continuous evolution of our institution.

Required Qualifications:
The Dean must hold a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited institution and be qualified for appointment as a tenured full professor. The successful candidate will demonstrate:

A proven record of collaborative leadership and effective problem-solving across diverse constituencies.
Significant experience leading complex, large-scale initiatives, navigating competing priorities, and managing high-performing teams.
A demonstrated commitment to advancing a justice system that promotes equal access and addresses bias, discrimination, and racism in the law, consistent with Drake Law School's Mission and Vision.
The ability to cultivate and sustain relationships with community, corporate, governmental, and philanthropic partners to secure external funding and strategic support.
Significant leadership experience including fiscal management and oversight.

For the full job prospectus please click here: Dean Prospectus (https://www.drake.edu/about/offices/hr/docs/law-school-dean-searchprofile.pdf)

Special Instructions to Applicants:
All applicants must apply through our online application system.

We welcome all applications, nominations, and inquiries. In addition to completing Drake's online application, candidates will be asked to include a letter of interest, CV/resume, and a statement that articulates the candidate's demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

For full consideration, please complete your application by October 30, 2026. The position will remain posted until filled.

Have Questions?
For questions about the position, please contact alanah.mitchell@drake.edu. For questions about the application process, please e-mail drakehr@drake.edu.

Salary is competitive with peer schools and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our digital benefits guide: Benefits Overview | Drake University. (https://www.drake.edu/about/offices/hr/benefits)

One of our very popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. You can learn about both the tuition waiver policy and tuition exchange programs here: Benefits Overview | Drake University. (https://www.drake.edu/about/offices/hr/benefits)

For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant's references, education, and, if applicable, experience.