Dean

The National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), the world’s first and largest technological college for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) students and one of the nine colleges of Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), seeks an inspiring, visionary, and student-centered leader to serve as its next dean. As the only institution of its kind embedded within a major research university, NTID plays a defining role in shaping educational pathways and advancing equity for DHH learners. 

This is an exceptional opportunity for a dynamic academic leader who can champion NTID’s distinctive strengths while guiding the institute through an evolving landscape in higher education, technology, and student support. The dean will be a steward of NTID’s academic enterprise, fostering collaboration across RIT’s colleges and supporting faculty and staff in pursuing teaching, scholarship, and innovation that advance NTID’s mission. The dean will join RIT and NTID at a pivotal moment as the institute refines its strategic priorities, deepens its research enterprise, and reimagines pathways that prepare DHH learners for a changing world.

Success in this role will require a seasoned academic administrator with a record of scholarly achievement and a deep commitment to inclusive pedagogy and student success. They will bring a steady hand to complex academic planning and a forward-looking mindset to questions of program evolution, resource stewardship, and institutional direction. Equally important is a leadership style grounded in empathy, integrity, and curiosity that creates a campus climate where people feel supported. Effective communication skills for this role will include advanced proficiency in American Sign Language and familiarity with Deaf culture and the challenges facing DHH students and graduates.

To assist in this important search, RIT and NTID have engaged Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, in partnership with Innivee Strategies, a Deaf-owned and led national executive search firm.

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the search process is complete. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the link below.

Isaacson, Miller
Pam Pezzoli, Partner
Annah Wells, Senior Associate
Melissa Barravecchio, Senior Search Coordinator

Innivee Strategies
Shane Feldman, CEO
Melissa Elmira Yingst, Consultant