Senior Vice Provost for Student Success (SVPSS)

The Pennsylvania State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 200,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State seeks a bold, collaborative leader to serve as its inaugural Senior Vice Provost for Student Success (SVPSS). Reporting to the Executive Vice President and Provost, the SVPSS will be the chief strategist for student success and will lead a university-wide effort to improve persistence, retention, graduation, and post-graduate readiness across Penn State's multi-campus community.

The role will establish the Office for Student Success, set shared goals and accountability, strengthen

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State seeks a visionary, collaborative, and results-oriented leader to serve as its inaugural Senior Vice Provost for Student Success (SVPSS). Reporting directly to the Executive Vice President and Provost, the SVPSS will serve as the University's chief strategist for student success and lead a comprehensive, institution-wide effort to improve student persistence, retention, graduation, career readiness, post-graduate success, and preparation for civic engagement. The SVPSS will lead the new Office for Student Success, a central coordinating hub for existing and new student success functions. This leader will develop and implement a university-wide strategy; establish shared goals and accountability measures; strengthen collaboration across colleges, campuses, and administrative units; and champion the effective use of data, analytics, and emerging technologies to improve student outcomes. The role will also advance coordinated advising and student support, structured academic pathways, high-impact learning, career readiness, and equitable access to opportunities across Penn State's multi-campus community. The successful candidate will bring substantial experience engaging the academic enterprise and advancing student success in partnership with faculty, staff, and academic leadership. Penn State seeks a strategic and highly respected leader with demonstrated success leading complex organizations and large-scale change; building partnerships and consensus; using data and evidence to guide decisions; and translating vision into measurable results. Candidates should demonstrate a deep commitment to student achievement, access, belonging, and equitable outcomes, along with integrity, sound judgment, strong communication skills, and an earned doctorate or equivalent terminal degree. The position is open to candidates from a variety of professional backgrounds. Penn State is also open to considering a tenured faculty appointment for candidates whose academic credentials, scholarly accomplishments, and experience support such an appointment, consistent with University policies.

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS

Applications should include, as two separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile. For full consideration, materials should be received by December 31, 2026. Nominations and inquiries may be directed to Suzanne Teer, Ashlee Musser, and Bronwen Bares Pelaez, Ph.D., at [e-mail].

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Due to the financial and fiduciary responsibilities of this position, successful completion of a credit history check will be required in addition to standard background checks. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity 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. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

COMPANY VALUES

Our values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.