Senior Vice Provost for Administration and Strategic Initiatives

Virginia Commonwealth University, one of the nation’s top research universities with a nationally acclaimed academic medical center and enrolling more than 31,000 students on its two Richmond campuses, invites applications and nominations for the position of Senior Vice Provost for Administration and Strategic Initiatives.  

The Senior Vice Provost for Administration and Strategic Initiatives reports to the Provost and leads the articulation and implementation of strategic priorities and administrative initiatives in support of the university’s academic programs.  The Senior Vice Provost supports the new strategic vision defined in the university’s strategic plan, Quest for Distinction by ensuring that an engaged, learner-centered environment that fosters inquiry, discovery and innovation in a global setting is a reality for all students.  Most importantly, the Senior Vice Provost brings an academic and scholarly perspective in framing initiatives supporting a premier, urban research university.  The Senior Vice Provost plays a lead role in budget development and oversight and works with the Provost in supervising the academic units reporting to the Provost:  all academic programming for undergraduate and graduate studies with authority over all decisions made in those areas at the university, as well as the libraries, student affairs and technology services, and direct supervision of the colleges, schools and centers on the Monroe Park Campus. 

In addition, the Senior Vice Provost

• Serves as the senior advisor to the Provost on all matters related to academic affairs

• Shares in the oversight of selected programmatic areas reporting to the Provost

• Oversees the Office of the Summer Session to provide guidance as the summer session converts to a third full semester

• Serves as the Provost’s liaison to the Board of Visitors’ Audit and Compliance and Finance, Investment and Property Committees

• Oversees the Provost’s Director of Communications and Operations to monitor effective and timely project management

• Serves as the Provost’s primary designee in areas of finance and administration and other areas of the university as designated by the Provost

The successful candidate will be an experienced leader at both school/college and university levels, preferably in a large research institution, with proven leadership in budgeting and financial management.  The ideal candidate will demonstrate proven ability in identifying, prioritizing, planning and organizing and implementing projects; understanding of academic excellence and accountability in teaching, scholarly and/or creative activities and service; an understanding of current and emerging issues in higher education including general education, instructional technology, on-line learning, collaborative learning and partnerships, globalization of the institution, proven ability to develop, collaborate and manage relations effectively with a diverse array of partners who plan different and divergent roles in the university community.  He or she will possess exceptionally strong project management skills, excellent planning and analytical skills, the ability to make strategic decisions independently, the capacity to generate innovative ideas and solutions and the ability to articulate the Provost’s vision, goals, accomplishments and needs to constituents and external audiences.   She/he will also possess superior interpersonal communication skills, an ability to manage and motivate a diverse professional staff, and a record of exemplary personal and professional integrity.   VCU’s core value of a diverse and inclusive environment requires experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.  An earned doctorate degree is required as is an academic record making one eligible for tenure at a senior rank.

Virginia Commonwealth University is one of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s largest universities and ranks among the top universities in the country in sponsored research.  It enrolls over 31,000 students in 216 certificate and degree programs. Sixty-nine of the programs are unique in Virginia, many of them crossing the disciplines of VCU’s 13 schools and one college. VCU is located on two downtown Richmond campuses – the Monroe Park Campus and the Medical College of Virginia Campus.  As an urban institution of higher learning, VCU and its partners have contributed immeasurably to the development of the fabric of the City of Richmond, transforming it into a center of artistic and cultural growth, business development, and social services.  

This search, which will be conducted with the utmost respect for confidentiality, is currently underway and will continue until the position is filled.  Interested individuals should provide a letter describing their interest in and qualifications for the position, a curriculum vitae, and the names of three references (who will not be contacted without permission).  Please submit electronic nominations and expressions of interest, in confidence, to the Witt/Kieffer consultants supporting Virginia Commonwealth University in this search, Mary Elizabeth Taylor and Oliver Tomlin, at VCUSVPAdmin@wittkieffer.com. Confidential inquiries and questions concerning this search may be directed to Mary Elizabeth Taylor at 212 686-2676 or Oliver Tomlin at 215 568-2160.  For fullest consideration, please submit materials by March 15, 2013.

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university, providing access to education and employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, veteran’s status, political affiliation or disability.