[5] In 1982 he graduated with a master's in medieval and modern art from Johns Hopkins University and subsequently, in 1985, obtained an MBA from the Yale School of Management.

He left in 1989, to obtain his PhD degree and afterwards started working at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where he served as history of art professor and department head from 1992 to 2001 and as dean of faculty from 2001 to 2002.

"[16] During the first years of his tenure, Weiss navigated budget issues, and was “widely considered a stabilizing force who has led the Met through a period of financial struggle and low morale.”[17] Then leading through a time of COVID, economic uncertainty, and societal unrest, the Met under Weiss was a leader on several high profile topics (including Sackler philanthropic funding,[18] progress on diversity and inclusion within museums,[19] and the return of museum visitors and financial stability[20]).

[22] After the Met made progress on balancing the budget, Weiss announced moving ahead with major renovation of galleries covering art from Africa, Oceania and the Americas.

[33] Attendance increased over ensuing months, and the museum added a sixth day to the schedule in September 2021[34] and has since offered jobs back to all of the security staff that had been laid off.

[38] On October 12, 2017, Weiss voiced, on behalf of the museum: "President Trump's decision to withdraw from UNESCO undermines the historic role of the United States as a leader in this effort and weakens our position as a strong advocate for cultural preservation.

"[39] Weiss has also taken positions on Saudi funding in the wake of the assassination of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi,[40] and the desecration of the US Capitol building in 2021.

[5] In 2018, Weiss received an honorary degree from Ithaca College,[46] the Leadership and Society Award from the Yale School of Management,[47] and the Centennial Medal from the Foreign Policy Association.

It is the highest form of recognition given by the university to a GW graduate, honoring living alumni who have made an impact on the world through their work and service.

In January 2022 City and State[53] New York honored Dan Weiss with a lifetime achievement recognition in their "50 Over 50" list, which "extols the accomplishments and experience of 50 individuals who are over the age of 50."