Vice President for Strategic Initiatives

The University of Minnesota (the University or U-M), one of the most prestigious public research universities in the nation, seeks an experienced and highly collaborative leader to serve as the inaugural Vice President for Strategic Initiatives (VPSI). This is an exceptional opportunity to join U-M at a pivotal moment in its history and help shape its next chapter while leading strategic planning efforts across the system. With the excitement of a new president, the institution is poised to deepen its commitment to research, teaching, and service, open access to opportunity, and forward-thinking innovation to advance the University’s land-grant mission and impact the world.

Dr. Rebecca Cunningham became president of the University on July 1, 2024, serving as the leader of the five-campus system. The University’s service to the state can be measured across multiple areas: its five campuses, which serve 68,000 undergraduate and graduate students; its over 600,000 alumni, 62 percent of whom live in Minnesota and contribute to its economy; its health care enterprise, which serves over 1.3 million patients annually in hospitals and clinics across the state; and its extension programs, which provide solutions, practical education, and training for all Minnesotans. Similarly, the University’s impact in national and international spheres can be measured by $1.13 billion in annual research funding, its National Science Foundation rank as 12th among U.S. public research universities, Times Higher Ed Sustainability Impact Ranking as 5th nationally and in the top 10 percent globally, and its global programs and strategy alliance.

Reporting directly to President Cunningham, the VPSI will serve as a trusted advisor to the president and a key member of the president’s senior leadership team. Collaborating with other constituencies across the U-M system, the VPSI will lead the execution of the institution’s next strategic plan and support high-level, mission critical strategic initiatives and programs that advance the University’s growth, impact, and reputation. In addition, the VPSI will work closely with the President and Chief of Staff in strategic policy analysis.

The successful candidate will be a collegial and mission-oriented leader who takes initiative and has the interpersonal skills to operate strategically and effectively to help drive and achieve results. They will bring past experience managing complex change initiatives in a collaborative and consensus-building environment; the ability to be forward thinking and to engage others in challenging convention and encouraging innovation; a deep understanding of the higher education landscape in the 21st century; effectiveness at pivoting between strategic development and tactical deployment; experience in translating strategy to individual roles and responsibilities; and the ability to earn the trust, confidence, and respect of U-M’s senior leadership team.

TO APPLY

The University of Minnesota has retained Isaacson, Miller, a leading national search firm, to assist with this recruitment. All inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed to:

https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/university-minnesota/vice-president-strategic-initiatives

The University of Minnesota shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, familial status, disability, public assistance status, membership or activity in a local commission created for the purpose of dealing with discrimination, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

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