Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Fordham University invites inquiries, nominations and applications for the position of provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, the chief academic officer of the University.

The new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs (the provost) will be an innovative leader who will provide a vision for all aspects of academic life in the University, including enriching academic programs and faculties, and enhancing teaching, research and the student experience. The provost leads in efforts to realize the University’s promise, building upon the questioning and questing character of Jesuit, Catholic higher education. The new provost will work with the other members of the leadership team of the University to help achieve the University’s strategic goals and its vision of excellence, including enhancing Fordham’s role as a community and world leader. Further, the provost will achieve this vision through strengthening administrative processes and support systems, guiding faculty development, fostering partnerships, setting budget policy and overseeing all aspects of the University’s academic areas.

The new provost must be a seasoned administrator with demonstrated leadership experience; a deep knowledge of and ability to promote the Jesuit mission; a clear sense of the diverse challenges of a university with undergraduate, graduate and professional schools; and the skills required to promote individual and mutual strength among schools. Extraordinary communications skills are essential for success, as is the ability to work collaboratively throughout the institution to foster a culture of collegiality and innovation.The ideal candidate will bring experience in international education and demonstrated leadership in improving diversity, inclusion and equity. In addition to experience comparable to that of a provost, dean, associate vice president or vice president, the provost will have an earned doctorate or terminal professional degree and a record of scholarly achievement that would merit appointment in one of the faculties of the University. A detailed description of the position is available at www.wittkieffer.com.

The provost reports directly to the president, is first among equals among the vice presidents, and leads the institution in the president’s absence. As chief academic officer, the provost leads the deans of arts and sciences, including the deans of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Fordham College at Rose Hill, Fordham College at Lincoln Center and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. The provost also leads the deans of the Gabelli School of Business (undergraduate and graduate programs), the Fordham School of Professional and Continuing Studies, the Graduate School of Education, the School of Law, the Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education and the Graduate School of Social Service. Other University leaders reporting to the provost include the associate vice president for academic affairs; the University librarian; the associate vice presidents for faculty personnel, continuing education and professional development, financial planning and analysis, research (chief research officer), diversity (chief diversity officer, a co-report to the president); assistant vice president and chief of staff for academic affairs; assistant vice president for academic program planning, development, and approval; directors of institutional research, the University press, WFUV-FM, St. Edmund Campion Institute for the Advancement of Intellectual Excellence and Prestigious Fellowships, online learning and international initiatives; and the University assessment officer.

Fordham University was founded as a Catholic institution in 1841 and was entrusted to the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) in 1846. More than 16,500 students are taught by a fulltime faculty of approximately 800 on campuses in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Westchester County in New York. The University has a campus in London and supports programs in China and South Africa. The University has an annual operating budget of approximately $580 million and an endowment of $780 million.

Inquiries, nominations and applications are invited. Interested individuals should provide a letter describing their interest in and qualification for the position, a curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of five references. This search will be conducted with full confidentiality of all candidates; references will not be contacted without the prior knowledge and approval of the candidate.

Materials should be submitted electronically to Fordham's consultants, Jean Dowdall, Robin Mamlet, Sheila Murphy and Phil Tang, at FordhamProvost@wittkieffer.com. For fullest consideration, candidates are urged to submit their materials as early as possible and by no later than October 29, 2018. Compensation for this position is highly competitive.

Fordham University is committed to excellence through diversity and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds. Fordham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer; veterans, people with disabilities, women, and people of color and other protected categories are encouraged to apply.

Fordham University is an independent Catholic University in the Jesuit tradition.