Vice Provost and Chief Online Officer

American University (AU) seeks an inaugural vice provost and chief online officer to develop and drive an online and digital education strategy that will ensure the university meets both traditional and lifelong learners wherever they are — on campus, online, and through evolving hybrid-learning modalities. Through this strategy, AU aims to be a leader and changemaker in the delivery of education to all types of learners during rapidly changing times.

The vice provost and chief online officer will be responsible for the leadership, administrative oversight, and coordination of all aspects of online and digital education, which is central to learning, one of the overarching themes in the university’s 2019–2023 strategic plan, thereby playing an integral role in helping to shape American University’s future.

Working in close partnership with the deans and the schools and colleges, the vice provost and chief online officer will drive the development of digital learning initiatives at AU and guide a growing portfolio of online programs, their delivery, the infrastructure and processes to support their success, and the financial foundations upon which they sit. The strategy will address how to deploy online and digital education to support distance degree programs; enhance the experience of campus-based undergraduate, graduate, and professional students through digital tools and materials; and serve the needs of learners at all stages.

Reporting to the provost, the vice provost and chief online officer will optimize AU’s impact as a changemaker in providing innovative educational experiences and enhancing the university’s reputation, visibility, and reach while providing new resources to further strengthen the institution. The vice provost will be a strategic and innovative thinker, an entrepreneurial tactician, and a creative and energetic leader of both people and programs.

AU seeks a leader with significant and successful relevant prior experience, including in building, implementing, and/or managing an online education enterprise. The ideal candidate will have a master’s or doctoral degree. Experience and expertise in negotiating strategic partnerships and business agreements in online program management are highly desirable.

Learn more and read a comprehensive leadership profile at https://www.american.edu/provost/vpcoo.

American University has retained WittKieffer to support this leadership search. Candidates should provide a CV or resume, a letter of interest and the names and contact information of at least five references. References will not be contacted without candidates’ knowledge.

Review of applications has begun and will continue until the position is filled. Confidential inquiries, nominations, and application materials can be emailed to Robin Mamlet, Philip Tang, and Zachary Durst at AUOnline@wittkieffer.com.

 

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively “Protected Bases”) in its programs and activities.