Provost and Dean

Provost and Dean

Washington College invites nominations and applications for the position of Provost and Dean of the College. The Provost and Dean serves as the second in command and fills in for the President in his absence. The College seeks an experienced academic leader and administrator with a strong record of progressive leadership who can build upon its academic and programmatic strengths, promote the distinctive quality of its liberal arts education, and equip students for citizen leadership and career success. 

Founded in 1782, Washington College is the tenth oldest and first college chartered after the creation of the new nation. Washington College is located in historic Chestertown on the Chester River and within the environmentally important Chesapeake Bay region. The College’s setting on Maryland’s Eastern Shore has become an extension of the campus, serving as a laboratory for students’ intellectual, social, and personal growth. Within a learning community of approximately 1,000 students, Washington College takes advantage of its size to provide a high-touch and personalized education that tests and expands each student’s talent and potential. It celebrates the interaction between students and professors – of exploring and guiding, and learning by doing.

Reporting directly to President Sosulski, the Provost and Dean of the College is the chief academic officer for the College and second in command among the College’s senior leadership. The Provost is responsible for implementing the academic strategic plan of the College in conjunction with the faculty and constructs and administers the budgets of all academic units, including the Centers of Excellence, academic departments, academic support services, and the library. The Provost oversees academic policy and priorities, leads the establishment of standards for the quality of the curriculum and instruction, and maintains educational excellence. In addition, the Provost also has oversight responsibility for the recruiting, hiring, evaluating, retaining, and performance of a top-quality faculty and academic administrators who excel in teaching, research, and service also is responsible for administering the College’s promotion and tenure process.

The next Provost and Dean will have the opportunity to provide strategic and visionary leadership for the entire community and, in particular, for the academic program at the heart of the College. Successful candidates will be well-positioned to maintain and enhance academic and co-curricular programs for the 21st Century; champion DEI efforts across campus; attain fiscal health and vitality; augment sustainability and environmental stewardship efforts; contribute to rebuilding community post-pandemic and supporting community wellbeing; and work to implement the Strategic Plan for Washington College.

Suitable candidates will demonstrate a creative, collaborative, and data-informed approach to leadership with a demonstrated track record of success. A personal and professional commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is essential. Candidates must possess a terminal degree in an appropriate discipline represented within the College; a strong record of academic and scholarly achievement to qualify for the rank of tenured full professor at Washington College; and experience in higher education administration and instruction necessary to lead the College in planning, developing, implementing, evaluating, assessing, and expanding the quality of Liberal Arts and Sciences undergraduate curriculum and programs. Preferably, the ideal candidate will be an innovative, intellectual, energetic, and collegial leader; able to articulate the value of a residential Liberal Arts education; committed to the shared governance model of decision-making; a relationship-builder who can establish and maintain connections across Washington College and in the greater Chestertown community; and a good listener, consensus builder, and clear, persuasive communicator. Experience with budgeting and financial management experience, a clear understanding of accreditation standards, and an ability to make timely and effective data-driven decisions are also desired.

For additional detail, please review the full position specification https://diversifiedsearchgroup.com/search/19422-washington-college-provost-and-dean

The review of applications will begin immediately. To apply, please submit a current curriculum vitae, a letter of interest describing interest in and qualifications for the position, and a list of five references. References will not be contacted without prior approval by the applicant. Background checks will be conducted on all finalists invited to campus. Candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Applications, nominations, and inquiries, which will be treated as confidential, should be directed to:

Steve Leo, Managing Director
Anne Koellhoffer, Managing Associate
Storbeck Search

WCProvostandDean@StorbeckSearch.com

Washington College values diversity within our students, faculty, and staff, and strives to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people. Washington College does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state and/or local laws. We particularly encourage members of historically underrepresented groups, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community to apply for this position. Please visit Washington College’s Title IX Compliance Website for more information.

Employment is contingent upon completion of a successful background check and establishment of identity and verification of employment eligibility as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. It is the policy of Washington College to provide reasonable accommodations. If you require any accommodations to participate in any part of the hiring process, please email HR hr@washcoll.edu