Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs

University of New England; Biddeford (ME); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

University of New England seeks a collaborative Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs to lead its academic mission across Portland and Biddeford campuses. The Provost will report to the President, guide six colleges, and partner with senior leaders to implement UNE's strategic plan.

The role demands a distinguished scholar with a terminal degree, proven academic leadership, and a commitment to shared governance, transparency, and national/international collaboration.

Qualifications

• A doctorate or terminal degree plus credentials meriting Full Professor rank.
• Leadership style enabling shared vision with strong execution.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.

Responsibilities

• Serve as chief academic officer and provide overall direction for instructional and research programs.
• Lead development of new undergraduate and graduate programs and enhance existing offerings.
• Oversee accreditation, assessment, and regulatory initiatives across the university.
• Advance student recruitment, retention, progression, and graduation efforts.
• Foster inclusive campus culture and expand national/international partnerships.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Collaboration

Campus governance

Education

Doctorate or terminal degree

Job description

Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs

Position Type

Faculty

Faculty Track

Tenured

Employment Status

Full Time

Months

12

Campus

Both ME Campuses

Description

The University of New England (UNE) is seeking a collaborative,visionary, and dynamic Provost and Senior Vice President forAcademic Affairs to join a highly innovative university at anexciting time. Reporting to the President, the Provost is the chiefacademic officer of UNE and is responsible for all aspects of theUniversity's academic mission. Internally, the Provost providesacademic leadership for the University of New England's twocampuses located in Portland, Maine and Biddeford, Maine, andoversees the University's six colleges (College of Arts andSciences, the College of Dental Medicine, the Westbrook College ofHealth Professions, the College of Osteopathic Medicine, theCollege of Professional Studies, and the College of Business). Thedeans of the Honors College and the Library also report to theProvost. Externally, the Provost's Office serves as a communicationlink with external constituencies, including the Board of Trustees,multiple accrediting agencies, and other key partners. The Provost will be an accomplished scholar who possesses an earnedterminal degree and credentials warranting the rank of professor inone of the University's academic departments. The next Provost willalso have an established record of success in academicadministration and a visionary leadership style that is engagingand collaborative. The Provost will have exemplary interpersonalemotional intelligence, communication skills, a demonstratedcommitment to supporting a multi-campus community, and anappreciation of the national conversations around the opportunitiesand challenges facing higher education today. Working closely withthe President, the Provost plays a key role in developing andimplementing UNE's Strategic Plan, including oversight ofscholarship and research activities. The Provost will also buildupon the strengths of the colleges, centers of excellence, andother academic units to advance UNE's reputation for academicexcellence, scholarship, and service to the greater community.Working closely with the President and SVP of Finance andAdministration, the Provost coordinates the work of all academicunits with other offices and operations across theUniversity. The Provost will join UNE during a time of strong undergraduateenrollment and a period of investment optimally positioned forcreativity, innovation, and aspirational thinking. The Provost willbe a dynamic and entrepreneurial leader with a strong commitment toexcellence in higher education, demonstrated administrative skillsin leading a complex organization, and the ability to work with abroad array of campus leaders to guide the institution to the nextlevel of distinction. The Provost must have a record demonstratingcommitment to maintaining a robust system of shared governance andto advancing transparency and trust across campus. An appreciationfor the integral role of UNE in the Portland and Biddefordcommunities, a willingness to continue developing national andinternational connections, and, in collaboration with thePresident, the capacity to attract financial support from thepublic and private sectors, will be essential. As the chiefacademic officer of the University to a wide variety ofconstituencies, the Provost must have an excellent grasp of thechallenges and opportunities facing higher education and theability to connect and collaborate with a variety of stakeholdersand groups to achieve collective success. The Provost must also bea decisive leader who embodies integrity, is responsive,collaborative, and creative, and is dedicated to the success andwellbeing of all students.

NOMINATIONS AND APPLICATIONS

The University of NewEngland has retained the services of Dr. Josh Ward at the executivesearch firm Korn Ferry. To apply for the position, candidatesshould submit an up-to-date and detailed curriculum vitae, as wellas a brief letter of interest (2-4 pages) describing why you areinterested in becoming the next Provost at UNE, why you would besuccessful based on your professional experience, and why now is agood time for you to consider this opportunity. For priorityconsideration, please submit all application materials by November30, 2026. For a copy of the full-length position description, or tosubmit your curriculum vitae and letter of interest (as separatePDFs), please contact: Josh Ward, PhD Senior Client PartnerHigherEducation and Academic MedicineKorn Ferry(405) 640-3994 [e-mail]

Responsibilities

• Serves as the chief academic officer of the University
• Provides vigorous, dynamic leadership, and overall directionfor the instructional and research programs of the University
• Responsible for all aspects of the academic mission
• Fosters the development of new undergraduate and graduateprograms and enhancement of existing academic offeringscharacterized by UNE's commitment to integrated experiential,liberal, and professional education
• Directs all instructional assessment, accreditation, and academic regulatory/compliance initiatives across theUniversity
• Leads comprehensive student success endeavors with a focus onstudent recruitment, retention, progression, and graduation
• Guides research and scholarship activities consistent with anR2 university
• Promotes an inclusive campus culture that is respectful ofhuman differences
• Fosters relationships with local, regional, and globalpartners, thereby expanding networks and opportunities forstudents, faculty, and professional staff
• Collaborates in academic space planning and resourceallocation
• Provides leadership and guidance to the University's variouscenters and institutes.
• Serves as liaison between the University Faculty Assembly, thefaculty, and the President
• Collaborates with the President, SVP of Finance andAdministration, and other vice presidents to provide leadership instrategic and entrepreneurial planning related to UNE'smission
• Works with the President and SVP of Finance and Administrationon development and implementation of the University's academicoperating budget
• Maintains awareness of local, regional, and national trends anddevelopments in higher education
• Serves for the President in their temporary absence
• Acts in an advisory role to the President

Qualifications

• A doctorate or appropriate terminal degree plus academiccredentials that merit an appointment at the rank of Full Professorin one of the University's colleges is required
• A leadership style that is built upon empowering others to worktowards a shared and collaborative strategic vision balanced with acommitment to execution and implementation
• Intellectual humility and curiosity balanced with acommunication style that projects confidence and diligence
• Willingness to proactively seek multiple perspectives tocollaboratively reach conclusions
• Ability to effectively navigate, and communicate with, variedstakeholder networks
• Willingness to become a part of, and invest in, the UNE campus,community, identity, and culture
• Record of decision-making that prioritizesstudent-centricity
• Record of academic and scholarly achievement that demonstratesa commitment to academic excellence
• Experience as a senior-level administrator with demonstratedleadership skills necessary in managing academic programming andresources to advance the University's mission and standing
• Record of success in cultivating consultative relationshipsbetween colleges/units for successful, collaborative problemsolving
• Experience creating an inclusive and welcoming climate andenvironmentKnowledge and experience in curriculum design andregional/disciplinary accreditation review and processes
• Excellence in managerial, interpersonal, and communication
• Record of success in obtaining external support for scholarlyor creative activities with a keen understanding of the broadspectrum of academic research and scholarship
• Experience and skills in cultivating excellence in scholarship,teaching, and public service as well as an understanding of howthese components support UNE's mission
• Experience in facilitating strategic planning, assessment ofinstitutional effectiveness, and developing and executing policyand capital improvements to enhance academic programs and implementthe University's strategic plan
• An approachable and engaging leadership style that fostersconnection, community, and a positive campus environment

EEO Statement Summary

Consistent with federal and state law and University policy, theUniversity of New England is committed to the fundamental conceptof equal opportunity for all of the members of the Universitycommunity. The University prohibits, and will not tolerate,discrimination in employment, the provision of academic services orin any other area of University life based on race, color, sex,physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, nationalorigin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression,ethnicity, genetic information, HIV status, or status as a veteran.Prohibited bias factors should not motivate decisions regardingstudents, employees, applicants for admission, applicants foremployment, contractors, volunteers or participants in and/or usersof institutional programs, services, and activities.

COVID Vaccination Statement (PLEASE NOTE)

Posting Number

2022F0348P

Close Date

Open Until Filled

To apply, visit https://une.peopleadmin.com/postings/27039