Dean

The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) invites nominations and applications for an innovative and visionary leader to serve as Dean of the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management (“Bren”). Reporting to the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, the Dean will be the chief academic and administrative officer of the Bren School, guiding a dynamic community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to solving the world’s most pressing environmental challenges through stellar professional education, ground-breaking interdisciplinary collaboration and problem-solving, and distinguished research excellence.

UC Santa Barbara is a preeminent public research university and member of the American Association of Universities (AAU). Forbes Magazine ranked UC Santa Barbara as the #8 public university in the country in its 2024-2025 America’s Top Colleges list. Its 1,107 faculty members include eight Nobel Laureates, 56 American Academy of Arts and Sciences members, Guggenheim Fellows, MacArthur and Pulitzer Prize winners, and more than 30 members of the National Academy of Sciences. UCSB additionally ranks #4 among public universities in the highest percentage of faculty who are elected members of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE). The campus enrolls about 25,000 students and, with only five colleges and professional schools and 12 national centers and institutes, offers the benefits of a premier research university with a focus on and appreciation for a high-quality learning experience. In 2015, UCSB was designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution, the first AAU institution to receive this designation, and is also an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. UCSB is also known for its natural beauty as the campus sits on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and is bordered by the Santa Ynez Mountains.

Founded in 1994, the Bren School is recognized for its mission-driven and interdisciplinary approach to environmental problem-solving, blending science, policy, economics, and management to deliver actionable solutions and train the next generation of environmental innovators. Its programs prepare students to lead across various sectors, including government, industry, and nonprofit, while advancing cutting-edge research on areas such as climate change, biodiversity, energy and water resources, environmental data science, law, and economics. One of UCSB’s two professional schools, Bren is home to 30 interdisciplinary faculty, nearly 30 staff, and approximately 220 graduate students across two professional master’s programs and a research-based Ph.D. program.  Many faculty have connections with departments and programs in the College of Letters and Science, the College of Engineering, and the College of Creative Studies, as well as prominent centers and institutes.

The next Dean will join a school with a strong sense of purpose, collaborative culture, and timely mission. Bren’s faculty are among the most accomplished in their fields, and its graduates are shaping environmental solutions worldwide. The Dean will be expected to bring strategic vision, entrepreneurial energy, and a deep commitment to the School’s mission, ensuring that Bren continues to thrive as a global leader in interdisciplinary environmental education and research. With new leadership at UCSB and a rapidly evolving landscape for environmental research and graduate education, the next Dean will have the opportunity to develop and implement a bold vision for the School’s future. Building on a strong foundation, the Dean will address several key challenges and opportunities:

• Define and execute a vision that celebrates and amplifies the mission of the Bren School
• Elevate and advocate for the School within and beyond the University
• Shape academic offerings to drive student engagement and enrollment
• Catalyze interdisciplinary research, collaborations, and partnerships both on and off campus that address the most pressing environmental problems
• Foster and sustain a collegial community and collaborative organizational culture
• Ensure the Bren School has the resources to fully achieve its aspirations

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

Julie Filizetti is leading this search with Jaime Morgen and Gabrielle Nayar.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, dishonesty or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, students and third parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.