Dean, School of Communication and Journalism

Job Description

Stony Brook University invites applications and nominations for the position of dean of the School of Communication and Journalism (SoCJ). This is an extraordinary opportunity for a forward-thinking leader to guide a vibrant and growing school into its next era of innovation and influence. The dean will shape the future of communication and journalism education at Stony Brook, champion academic excellence, and strengthen the School’s reputation nationally and globally.

As the flagship of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, ranked the top public university in the state of New York for the last four years, and a member of the Association of American Universities, Stony Brook is one of America’s most dynamic public research universities. With nearly 27,000 students representing all 50 states and more than 100 countries, the University offers world-class education through 130+ graduate and professional programs and 60 undergraduate majors. Renowned for its research excellence, strength in innovation and entrepreneurship, and commitment to student success and affordability, Stony Brook consistently ranks among the top institutions in the nation. Situated on Long Island’s North Shore, and in close proximity to New York City, the University provides unparalleled access to cultural, professional, and research opportunities.

The School of Journalism was founded in 2006 and became the School of Communication and Journalism in 2021. The School builds on a strong foundation of innovation and integrity to prepare students for impactful careers in media and communication and has placed graduates in some of the top media outlets in the country. The School offers undergraduate programs in Communication, Mass Communication, and Journalism, as well as graduate degrees in Journalism and Science Communication. With more than 30 faculty members and over 300 students, SoCJ emphasizes experiential learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and cutting-edge research. Signature initiatives include the Marie Colvin Center for International Reporting and the Center for News Literacy, which advance the School’s mission to promote truth, clarity, and public engagement; key collaborations extend across the University, including with Stony Brook’s AI Innovation Institute, the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, and The New York Climate Exchange. Together, these efforts position SoCJ as a leader in shaping the future of communication and journalism in an era defined by rapid technological change and challenges posed by misinformation.

The next dean will lead a young, energetic school poised for growth and transformation. Key priorities include establishing a unified vision, strengthening undergraduate and graduate curriculum, linking research with practice, and leveraging Stony Brook’s new responsibility-based budget model to support strategic growth within the School. The dean will champion faculty recruitment and retention, foster innovation in teaching and scholarship, and strengthen external partnerships to enhance student success and elevate the School’s profile and reach. This role also offers significant opportunities to expand philanthropic support and industry engagement, leveraging Stony Brook’s access to New York City and its global reputation.

Stony Brook seeks a strategic, collaborative leader with a terminal degree in a relevant discipline and credentials meriting appointment as a tenured professor in the School. Candidates with exceptional leadership experience outside of academia will also be considered if they demonstrate a deep commitment to higher education and an understanding of the future of communication and journalism education. The ideal candidate will demonstrate visionary leadership and the ability to galvanize stakeholders around a shared identity and mission. They will bring a commitment to innovation in curriculum, research, and experiential learning. The new dean will lead with integrity, authenticity, resilience, and a passion for advancing student success.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile available at https://apptrkr.com/6847532.

WittKieffer is assisting Stony Brook University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by March 23, 2026.

Applications, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to Robin Mamlet, Lauren Bruce-Stets, and Sarah Seavey at StonyBrook-SoCJDean@wittkieffer.com.

Stony Brook University is committed to excellence in diversity and the creation of an inclusive learning and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.

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