Senior Vice Provost, Provost’s Chief of Staff

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Job Description and Position Requirements:

The Senior Vice Provost and Provost’s Chief of Staff (SVP/PCS) will play a principal role in advancing Penn State’s land grant mission and the six goals defined by President Neeli Bendapudi: enhance student success, grow interdisciplinary research excellence, increase land-grant impact, foster diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, transform internal operations, and transforming health through academic and clinical synergy. The Provost’s Chief of Staff provides executive oversight of staff involved in the prioritization of the Provost’s strategies to maximize relationships with key constituents and individuals and ensure timely progress on key initiatives. The primary and senior liaison between the Provost, the Council of Academic Deans, the Academic Leadership Council, and the Provost’s Leadership Council, the Chief of Staff will provide executive leadership for a broad portfolio of university functions and departments. 

The SVP/PCS is an exciting, crucial, and pivotal role in the Provost’s office as Penn State University evolves itself for the 21st century higher education landscape. The SVP/PCS will be fully enmeshed in the innerworkings of the Provost’s office, understanding the Provost’s goals and objectives at an intrinsic, professional level that allows the SVP/PCS to anticipate operational and tactical needs in support of the Provost’s vision. 

A creative and effective problem-solver and strategic communicator with sound business judgment, the SVP/PCS will be an integral player in the successful execution and implementation of major university initiatives in academic program portfolio optimization, blended and interdisciplinary academic programs, the holistic student experience, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and resource allocation.

Evidence of success will include full integration into the Provost’s office and within the University community at large. The successful candidate will be viewed and respected as an impactful leader – by the faculty, staff, administration, students, post-docs, Board of Trustees, and University community. The SVP/PCS will have a finger on the pulse of university events and issues and will be seen as a “go-to” person, voice and problem solver for university challenges and opportunities.

SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reporting to Executive Vice President and Provost Schwartz, the SVP/PCS will:

• Provide counsel and assist the Provost in overseeing the strategic direction and momentum of the University.

• Serve as a liaison between the Provost and many university stakeholders and constituents.

• Plan and direct administrative, financial, and operational activities for the Provost’s office.

• Facilitate coordination of senior staff as a team, collaborating with senior staff to align operations as well as special projects in administrative units.

• Discover and vet information to ensure timely resolutions to problems and help determine what information or subjects should be elevated to the Provost.

• Organize and prioritize critical issues and required information for the Provost to facilitate efficient decision making.

• Provide leadership and oversight for searches and review processes for executive positions reporting to the Provost.

• Where strategically appropriate, supervise additional direct reports or offices that serve the common good of the University.

• Manage special projects as assigned by the Provost.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in a high-energy environment with an innovative leadership agenda.

• Demonstrated experience successfully managing up and down and a proven track record of responding in a timely and flexible manner.

• Familiarity with academic culture, including shared governance and an understanding of contemporary issues in higher education.

• Experience with and understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, internationalization, and university-community partnerships.

• Managerial acumen to build effective and inclusive working partnerships with individuals from diverse educational, cultural, and professional backgrounds, both internally and externally, to effectively advance Penn State’s mission, vision, and strategic initiatives.

• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.

• At least 5 years leadership experience in higher education, including experience in related policy development.

• Advanced degree required; terminal degree strongly preferred.

PERSONAL QUALITIES:

• Outstanding critical thinking and judgment, strong organizational skills, and the ability to be both confident and diplomatic in a complex environment.

• Managerial acumen to build effective and inclusive working partnerships with individuals from diverse educational, cultural, and professional backgrounds, both internally and externally, to effectively advance Penn State’s mission, vision, and strategic initiatives.

• Action oriented.

• Strong interpersonal and listening skills to communicate with a wide range of constituents.

• Ability to give honest and candid feedback.

• Intellectual and organizational curiosity.

• A sense of humor.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Candidates should provide a cv/resume and a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the position specification. These materials must be uploaded during the application process.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Alex Allen, Recruiter, [email protected]

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with university policies.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here .

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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