Dean of Bren School Environmental Management and Sciences

Position Overview

Position Title: Dean of the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management

Salary Range: The budgeted annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $250,000 - $400,000. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

Percent Time: 100

Anticipated Start: July 1, 2026 or later

Application Window Open Date: February 10, 2026 Next Review Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee. Final Date: Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time Applications will continue to be accepted until this date but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position Description

Interested applicants should apply via Isaacson Miller at https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/university-california-santa-barbara-bren-school-environmental-science-management/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. 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 worlds most pressing environmental challenges through stellar professional education, ground-breaking interdisciplinary collaboration, and problem-solving, and distinguished research excellence.

UCSB is a preeminent public research university and member of the American Association of Universities (AAU). Forbes Magazine ranked UCSB as the 8th public university in the country in its 2024-2025 Americas 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 4th 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 UCSBs two professional schools, Bren is home to 30 interdisciplinary faculty, nearly 30 staff, and approximately 220 graduate students across two professional masters 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.

Brens 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 Schools 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 Schools 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

Instructions to Apply

UC Santa Barbara has retained Isaacson Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this search. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Applications, including CVs and cover letters, should be submitted via the Isaacson Miller website: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/university-california-santa-barbara-bren-school-environmental-science-management/dean

Qualifications

Basic qualifications required at time of application:

A qualified candidate will possess a doctoral degree in a related field and a record of academic excellence that would qualify them for an appointment as a tenured, full Professor at the Bren School.

Preferred qualifications:

UCSB seeks an inspiring leader with an outstanding record of scholarship and strong management and leadership skills. The successful candidate will have many, if not all, of the following qualifications and characteristics:

• A distinguished teacher, scholar, and academic leader who brings a passion for academics, research, and teaching • An appreciation and understanding of the physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities, the interdisciplinary nature of environmental management and policy work, and a commitment to collaborating with other academic units • Significant administrative experience with a track record of success in a complex institution • Intellectual leadership with the wide-ranging interests required to understand, appreciate, and encourage the varied work within the School • An astute understanding of finances and the relationship between academic priorities and the budget and the ability to make thoughtful decisions around financial resources • An extensive track record in building sponsored research and supporting scholarly work with deep knowledge of the internal and external mechanisms required to sustain and expand a top-tier research program • A demonstrated commitment to student success and the University of Californias mission as a public university of promoting accessibility, excellence, and community • A demonstrated capacity for and interest in fundraising and generating new sources of revenue, including the ability to carry an inspiring message, cultivate key external constituencies, attract partners, raise funds, generate enthusiasm among alumni, and obtain commitments to support the School • A demonstrated track record of working with community partners at the state, national, and international levels to support academic training and high-impact research, including with groups that have traditionally been neglected in the environmental management field • Outstanding communication and listening skills with the ability to articulate a vision, inspire others, attract partners, and generate enthusiasm • Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence with the ability to connect with the members of the UCSB community and to work effectively across the campus and with external groups • A collaborative approach to leadership and a passion for advancing a unit in alignment with advancing the overall institution

Application Requirements

Document requirements:

• Curriculum Vitae • Cover Letter • Statement of Research (optional) • Statement of Teaching (optional) • Reference requirements

Isaacson Miller will be conducting the reference checks. Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF03052

About UC Santa Barbara

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. Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicants 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 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.

Job Location: Santa Barbara, CA