Provost

Job Description:

ABOUT THE CHICAGO SCHOOL 

The Chicago School educates the next generation of change-makers in innovative theory and culturally competent practice to strengthen the integrated health of individuals, organizations, and communities. We enroll over 6,000 students across 40+ academic programs culminating in a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree or a professional certificate, and our unique approach to impact-focused education has made us a leading nonprofit university for over 40 years. 

As an employee at The Chicago School, you can become a member of an inclusive community committed to excellence. At The Chicago School, we celebrate individuals of all backgrounds and identities for who they are and what they can contribute. We take pride in hiring and retaining the most dynamic, talented, and passionate professionals who will help us continue to innovate for decades to come. 

 

POSITION SUMMARY   

The Chicago School seeks a pioneering Provost to steer the university into a future marked by growth and distinguished academic excellence. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic and visionary leader with bold ambitions to expand The Chicago School’s reach and impact, positioning the university at the forefront of educational innovation. The Provost will be instrumental in forging novel pathways to grow enrollment, advancing student success, and reshaping the landscape of the academic specializations offered for future generations of students at The Chicago School.  

Central to this role is a commitment to inclusive leadership, an optimistic and futuristic focus, and a commitment to using data to inform steady and strategic progress aligned with the university’s mission and vision. Successful candidates will have leadership experience developing and maintain a competitive edge in higher education and mobilizing and motivating a diverse and distributed workforce on a common vision.  

Reporting to the President, the provost will partner with University leaders and departments to elevate The Chicago School’s academic enterprise and approach to admissions. The Provost will deepen the University’s commitment to an inclusive culture that furthers the University’s values of education, community, innovation, and impact. 

This remote-based position requires moderate travel to support university operations and initiatives domestically and internationally, particularly to support the University’s current locations in southern California, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Richardson, TX. 

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITES  

Academic Strategy   

• Academic Excellence: Oversee academic affairs and partner with the College Deans and all academic leaders to drive exceptional outcomes, including excellence in accreditation and quality, program differentiation and innovation, faculty development, and student success.  

• Strategic Differentiation: Develop and implement strategies to differentiate academic offerings, ensuring a unique and competitive position in the higher education landscape. Build on the strength of The Chicago School’s current portfolio as well as the University’s planned expansion into integrated health. 

• Innovative Pathways: Spearhead the creation of new academic pathways and connections, fostering innovation with the goal of providing more flexible and appealing opportunities for students to achieve their educational goals. Introduce innovative programs and initiatives that meet the evolving needs of students and contribute to the university's competitiveness. 

• Quality Enhancement: Elevate the academic quality and reputation of The Chicago School through curriculum enhancements, faculty development, and effective leadership. Ensure continued academic excellence through all institutional and programmatic accreditation processes.  

• Academic Culture: Foster a collaborative and inclusive academic culture that is rooted in the University’s mission, vision, and values and promotes excellence, diversity, and interdisciplinary collaboration. 

 

University Growth   

• Admissions Excellence: Oversee University admissions teams and drive exceptional outcomes across all six start dates and across all campuses and modalities.  

• Student Outcomes: Advance strategies to improve student success, including enhancements to financial aid and scholarship strategies, academic advising, and student supports to improve retention and graduation rates for all students.   

• Market Expansion: Identify and pursue opportunities for market expansion domestically and internationally, ensuring sustainable growth for the University. Develop and implement strategies to strategically grow the student body, focusing on targeted demographics and market demands. 

• Partnerships and Collaborations: Establish strategic partnerships and collaborations with academic institutions, organizations, and industry leaders to support university growth. Promote the University’s academic colleges and develop opportunities to drive meaningful enrollment outcomes.  

 

Executive Leadership   

• Executive Leadership: Serve on the President’s Executive Cabinet and provide University-wide leadership and support for the President’s vision, including the University’s strategic plan, annual goals, and strategic initiatives.  

• Shared Governance: Champion and promote the University’s commitment to shared governance, creating meaningful and consistent opportunities for faculty, leadership, and board engagement and communication.  

• Team Development: Build and lead exceptional teams across academic affairs and admissions. Support talent development by providing mentorship, professional development opportunities, and resources to empower teams to excel. Foster a sense of shared purpose and commitment to the university's mission, creating a cohesive and motivated team dedicated to achieving strategic objectives. 

• Resource Allocation: Continually optimize resource allocation to support academic and growth initiatives, ensuring fiscal responsibility. Oversee the annual budgeting processes for all assigned units to ensure alignment between annual budgets and year-over-year visions for growth, in collaboration with University leadership.  

 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS   

• Terminal doctoral degree (e.g., PsyD, PhD) 

• 10+ years of leadership experience in higher education administration  

• Demonstrated success leading academic affairs, admissions, and growth strategy 

• Willingness and ability to travel to support University initiatives nationwide and internationally.  

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS    

• Extensive leadership experience, with demonstrated success in executive leadership roles, showcasing a track record of effectively leading and managing teams that are geographically distributed 

• A proven ability to develop and execute strategic vision and growth plans, with a focus on enhancing academic programs, brand and reputation, and overall institutional impact 

• In-depth knowledge and experience in enrollment management, including admissions processes, retention strategies, and a track record of successfully growing new student enrollment 

• Experience in developing and implementing innovative academic offerings, ensuring they align with market demands, industry trends, and the evolving needs of students 

• Strong collaborative leadership skills, with the ability to work effectively with university leaders, faculty, and staff to achieve shared academic and growth goals 

• A demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within academic and enrollment efforts, creating an environment that values and celebrates differences 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with various stakeholders, articulate a compelling vision, and represent the university in a variety of settings 

 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

This opportunity is budgeted at $225,000-$300,000 base compensation. Additional compensation factors may impact total compensation. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, and tuition reimbursement, click the link below. 

https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/career-opportunities/  

 

TIMELINE/PROCESS   

Interested candidates should submit a current curriculum vitae and cover letter, addressed to President Michele Nealon, to this posting. Candidates should apply by March 15, 2024. Candidates who apply after the March 15 deadline may be considered at the university’s discretion. 

 

DISCLAIMER  

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. 

Compensation & Benefits

This opportunity is budgeted at $225,000 - $300,000 base compensation. Additional compensation factors may impact total compensation. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, click the link below.

https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/career-opportunities/

The Chicago School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please note: For the protection of faculty, staff, students, and all who enter our facilities, The Chicago School strongly recommends that all employees are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 per CDC guidance.