Dean of Graduate Studies
(Administrator III)

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated hiring salary is $155,000 - $175,000 per year 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 Graduate Studies reports directly to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and provides leadership to the graduate mission of the University and of the Division of Graduate Studies. Specifically, the Dean is responsible for creating a climate for expanding the quality and currency of graduate programs and oversight of related policies and procedures. The Dean is responsible for fostering innovative curriculum development and assessment of graduate program reviews.

The Dean works in consultation with the Provost, the School/College Deans, other Academic Affairs leaders, and leaders of other divisions on campus. The Dean is a member of the Academic Affairs Leadership Team. The Dean provides direct supervision to the personnel of the Division of Graduate Studies.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of higher education issues and trends, including best practices in graduate education, curriculum development, and program assessment.
• Understanding of general concerns and processes of educational equity and the needs and expectations of diverse student and faculty perspectives.
• Knowledge of principles of institutional planning, budgeting, and resource allocation in a complex university setting.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective leadership, motivation and performance evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership in developing and advancing a vision for graduate education aligned with institutional priorities and workforce needs.
• Knowledge of computer office systems and ability to use a broad range of technology, systems, and software packages.
• Knowledge of graduate enrollment management practices, including recruitment, admissions, yield strategies, and retention of a diverse and highly qualified student population.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural, diverse, and complex university environment with staff, faculty, and administrators.
• Ability to develop policies to enhance graduate student success and promote academic excellence.
• Ability to analyze complex problems, devise innovative solutions, and perceive the implications and potential consequences of various situations.
• Skill in oral, written, and interpersonal communication.
• Skill in consultative decision-making, leadership, planning, and evaluation.
• Develop and implement short and long-term plans and initiatives to meet established goals and advance the vision of the university as set forth by the President.
• Ability to facilitate group participation, consensus building and foster employee development through coaching, counseling and training.
• Ability to develop and sustain external partnerships with industry, government, and community organizations to support graduate student research, internships, and career pathways.

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 full Professor in one of the colleges/schools within the Division of Academic Affairs. This includes substantial evidence of research and scholarly activities.
• A minimum of five years of progressive experience and leadership in college/school academic administration, equivalent to chair or associate dean, including the development of interdisciplinary programs.
  • Preferred Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities:
    • Demonstrated commitment to serving as a resource for graduate faculty and program leadership, offering guidance, coordination, and advocacy for graduate education initiatives.
    • Service as a Graduate Coordinator.

Department Summary

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

Deadline & Application Instructions

Applications received by June 21, 2026 will be given full consideration by the search committee.

• Applications received after that date will be forwarded at the request of the Hiring Manager and/or search committee.

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 22 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.

Fresno State is nationally recognized for providing a transformational education that has a ripple effect on the region's economic development and beyond. The university is fully accredited by the California Board of Education and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), housing 26 departmental programs, among the highest number within the CSU system. Fresno State is comprised of eight schools and colleges: College of Arts and Humanities; College of Health and Human Services; College of Science and Mathematics; College of Social Sciences; Craig School of Business; Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology; Kremen School of Education and Human Development; and Lyles College of Engineering. The university offers 74 undergraduate degrees, 51 master’s degrees, and three doctoral subject areas, alongside nine certificates of advanced study programs. Fresno State has recently developed innovative blended, accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs in several departments, reducing time and costs to students. Fresno State’s faculty is the eighth largest in the CSU system with a base of nearly 1,500 faculty, more than 1,000 staff, and over 275,000 living alumni. The Fresno State Library is the largest academic library between Los Angeles and San Francisco and is home to some of the most comprehensive collections in the CSU system. The campus is also home to University High School, one of the nation's top-ranked public charter schools.

With growing strength in research activities in recent years, Fresno State was identified as "Doctoral University - High Research Activity" or R2 status in the most recent Carnegie classification. Several collaborative faculty research projects that meaningfully engage students center around the complex challenges of food, water, energy, health, and the environment – of critical importance in the Central Valley with global impact. Fresno State is a core driver of upward social mobility throughout the Central Valley and beyond, a hub for the community, and a contributor to Fresno County's agronomic powerhouse, which produces nearly 25 percent of agricultural commodities across the United States valued at $8 billion dollars.

Fresno State is located at the northeast edge of Fresno, California, and just a few miles from Fresno’s downtown core. The institution spans a 388-acre main campus and over 1,011 acres of university farmland. The surrounding San Joaquin Valley is one of the richest agricultural areas in the world. Fresno is the fifth largest city in California, with a population of over 500,000. Located at the geographic center of the state, the Fresno metropolitan area has a population greater than one million people. Fresno is within an easy drive of national parks such as Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia, lake resorts, a two-hour drive to the coast, and a three- or four-hour drive to both Los Angeles and San Francisco. 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)