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Sample Job Description  ·  Higher Education  ·  Senior Academic Leadership

Vice Provost

RoleVice Provost
Reports ToProvost
EducationDoctorate or Terminal Degree Required
SectorHigher Education
Reports ToProvost
EducationDoctorate Required
SectorHigher Education
TypeSample JD
📍  Distinguished University  |  Southern United States  |  Full-Time, Executive Academic Leadership  |  Reports to Provost

Vice Provost

A distinguished college or university in the southern United States seeks a strategic and visionary Vice Provost to join its executive leadership team. The Vice Provost will be instrumental in advancing the institution’s academic mission, enhancing student success, and fostering an inclusive environment that supports diverse faculty, staff, and students.

Reporting directly to the Provost, this role is pivotal in setting the academic direction, shaping institutional policy, and ensuring academic excellence and operational efficiency across all schools, colleges, and academic units.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  • Lead academic strategy development, including curriculum innovation, program assessment, and academic policy formulation to promote student success and faculty advancement
  • Oversee and enhance programs for faculty development, student retention, and academic achievement, aligning with the university’s mission and values
  • Develop and implement strategies that support diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring all academic initiatives and policies are accessible and equitable
  • Collaborate with academic deans, department chairs, and other administrative leaders to strengthen program quality, resource allocation, and operational efficiency
  • Supervise the design and delivery of new academic programs, certifications, and online courses to meet evolving industry demands and student interests
  • Foster a culture of data-informed decision-making to assess and improve academic policies, learning outcomes, and institutional effectiveness
  • Cultivate partnerships with regional educational organizations, industry leaders, and community stakeholders to expand the university’s impact and visibility
  • Serve as a representative of the institution in professional organizations, academic consortia, and accreditation agencies to maintain high academic standards and compliance
  • Manage budget allocations and resource planning for academic departments, ensuring effective use of funding in support of academic priorities
  • Support the Provost in strategic planning, goal-setting, and policy development, acting as a liaison to various university committees and boards

Education, Experience, and Competencies

Education Doctorate or terminal degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution
Experience Proven higher education administration experience with a record of success in roles such as Associate Provost, Dean, or equivalent senior academic leadership
EducationDoctorate or terminal degree from an accredited institution
ExperienceAssociate Provost, Dean, or equivalent senior academic leadership
SectorHigher Education
  • Strong background in curriculum development, program assessment, and academic policy with a commitment to fostering innovation in higher education
  • Demonstrated success in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within an academic institution
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders
  • Experience in resource management, budget planning, and institutional effectiveness initiatives
  • Knowledge of accreditation standards, compliance requirements, and current trends in higher education
  • Commitment to student-centered academic leadership and a passion for supporting faculty development

About the University

This institution is a leader in higher education in the South, committed to providing a transformative education that prepares students for meaningful careers and engaged citizenship. Known for its inclusive campus culture, the university values diversity, academic integrity, and innovation.

The Vice Provost will be joining an academic community that prioritizes student success, faculty scholarship, and community engagement. This opportunity is ideal for a seasoned higher education administrator who is dedicated to making a substantial impact within a university setting.

The Vice Provost who succeeds in this role is one who can hold the academic mission and the operational reality in the same hand, advocating for faculty and students while making the difficult resource and policy decisions that institutional health requires.

Need to Hire?

For institutions dedicated to cultivating future leaders, Excelon Associates serves as a trusted partner in identifying senior academic executives who can advance the mission, strengthen the culture, and deliver measurable outcomes at the provost level and beyond.

We collaborate with universities seeking strategic thinkers with a deep commitment to academic excellence, student success, and institutional effectiveness. Contact us today to begin your search.

Excelon does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, marital or veteran status, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Need to Hire a Vice Provost?

Excelon Associates recruits Vice Provosts, Associate Provosts, and senior academic leaders for colleges and universities nationwide. Retained executive search since 2007. Headquartered in Asheville, NC.