Chief Academic Officer: Data-Informed, Mission-Driven Leader

DeSales University; Center Valley (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

DeSales University in Center Valley, PA seeks a Provost to serve as chief academic officer, reporting to the President and guiding Academic Affairs in alignment with the Catholic, Salesian mission. The Provost leads through data-informed planning, program innovation, and responsible stewardship of resources to advance student success and institutional effectiveness.

The role emphasizes collaboration across colleges, faculty development, and strategic enrollment planning, with accountability for

Qualifications

• Earned terminal degree from an accredited institution.
• Significant experience as a provost, associate provost, dean, or comparable senior academic administrator.
• Demonstrated ability to use institutional and financial data to inform strategic academic decisions.
• Experience developing and evaluating academic programs.
• Strong record of collaborative leadership and shared governance.
• Commitment to student learning and success.

Responsibilities

• Provide clear academic vision aligned with the university mission.
• Translate strategy into measurable Academic Affairs goals.
• Lead academic deans and administrative leaders; foster collaboration across units.
• Use data related to enrollment, student outcomes, and finances to guide decisions.
• Lead program development, evaluation, and sunsetting with market analysis and resource planning.
• Oversee accreditation, assessment, and compliance.
• Supervise organizational leadership and reporting structures.
• Maintain communications with faculty, leadership, and the Board of Trustees.
• Ensure budgeting and resource stewardship for Academic Affairs.
• Lead interdepartmental collaboration to align enrollment, scheduling, and curricular offerings.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Data-informed decision making

Collaboration and governance

Communication skills

Budgeting and resource allocation

Education

Terminal degree

Senior academic administrator experience

Job description

DeSales University in Center Valley, PA seeks a Provost to serve as chief academic officer, reporting to the President and guiding Academic Affairs in alignment with the Catholic, Salesian mission. The Provost leads through data-informed planning, program innovation, and responsible stewardship of resources to advance student success and institutional effectiveness.

The role emphasizes collaboration across colleges, faculty development, and strategic enrollment planning, with accountability for