The University of Oregon invites applications and nominations for the position of Provost and Senior Vice President (Provost). This position reports directly to the president and, as the chief academic officer, the Provost will be expected to work in concert with the president to strengthen the university’s academic reputation as a leading institution of higher education and research.

The University of Oregon is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), and is a major research university committed to combining high-level research with strong undergraduate and graduate teaching. Founded in 1876, UO enrolls nearly 23,000 students from all 50 states and more than 99 countries, and offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate academic programs. There are also 24 research centers, institutes, and core research facilities. Since July 2014, the university has been governed by an independent Board of Trustees of the University of Oregon. One of two AAU institutions in the Pacific Northwest, the university is widely known for a mix of highly ranked departments and innovative interdisciplinary programs, a commitment to the liberal arts and sciences, strong professional schools, research and education excellence, and a collaborative institutional culture. The University of Oregon has a strong commitment to equity and inclusion.

This is a critical position at an important juncture for the University of Oregon. The Provost should understand the key social, political, economic, and technological changes affecting higher education today, and bring creativity and vision to the University of Oregon’s efforts to address those changes.

Key Duties of the Position (not in rank order):

• Collaborate with the University of Oregon faculty, students, and staff to foster and advance academic excellence and student success on campus.
• Manage the financial resources of the University through an effective annual operating budget and long-term financial plan.
• Design and oversee the implementation of initiatives that support university objectives and will advance scholarly and creative pursuits among faculty, graduate students, undergraduate students, and post-docs.
• Lead efforts to recruit and retain distinguished, diverse professors and researchers as part of initiatives to expand the prominence and global reach of the faculty at the university.
• Nurture ongoing efforts to advance inclusion, equity, and diversity among all university constituencies.
• Develop and implement strategies to enrich student success, including students’ classroom, research, and extracurricular experiences at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Promote interdisciplinary and cross-college initiatives that will build on areas of existing strength.
• Work with the president and other vice presidents to further university initiatives.
• Work with the deans to develop unit-specific priorities and plans.
• Work with administrators and faculty to launch innovative academic programs, both traditional and online, with the potential to increase student enrollment.
• Provide state-level leadership on the Council of Provosts and in interactions with legislators.

Qualifications

Academic Vision and Background: 

The University of Oregon seeks an individual of significant scholarly accomplishment with the experience, dedication, and breadth of vision to serve as the chief academic officer of a major research university. The individual should possess a firm commitment to academic excellence, the ability to work constructively and collaboratively with multiple constituencies through a model of shared governance, and a proven ability to translate ideas and visions into action.

Candidates must be tenured members of the University of Oregon faculty. A PhD or equivalent terminal degree is required. Candidates should have a distinguished record of achievement and professional credentials consistent with appointment at the rank of full professor. 

Leadership Qualities: 

A commitment to effective, inclusive, and collaborative leadership. The capacity to formulate and articulate a shared vision, to persuade a wide range of audiences of its value, and to engage others in its implementation. An appreciation of the value of all disciplines at the University of Oregon and an ability to ascertain and recognize excellence in each. Commitment to advancing inclusion, equity, and diversity in the university community. Ability to recruit outstanding new faculty as well as retain and promote the university’s strongest faculty. Commitment to student success. Commitment to advancing the internationalization of the university. A deep understanding and appreciation of shared governance between faculty and administration. Capacity to motivate and inspire others to strive continuously for excellence. Strong interdisciplinary ethic. Entrepreneurial spirit. Ability to set priorities, plan to achieve them, and communicate effectively with multiple constituencies to implement said plans. 

The successful candidate will be an energetic, engaged, collaborative, decisive, and respected leader and communicator who is fundamentally committed to advancing the University of Oregon’s mission as a leading institution of higher education and research.

Management and Administrative Capacities: 

Evidence of operational leadership characterized by excellence, growth, and financial effectiveness. Demonstrated experience in managing a complex organization including people, resources, and an operating budget. Familiarity with the promotion and tenure process for different types of university faculty members.

Application Process

Applications are invited. Interested candidates should submit confidentially, in electronic form (Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF files preferred), a curriculum vitae, a modest-length letter of interest (not more than 4 pages) that speaks to your vision for fulfilling the key duties of the position and discusses relevant experiences, and the names and contact information for three references. Please submit all materials electronically to search@uoregon.edu. Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2019.

This position is subject to a criminal background check.

All materials and inquiries will be held in strict confidence. Search materials will be treated as confidential and not subject to disclosure. The search committee will take the privacy of the process seriously, though a variety of campus constituencies will be asked to provide input. Applicants will be asked to sign the normal waiver documents associated with an evaluative review process. References will not be contacted without the prior knowledge and approval of the candidate.

The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The university encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The university is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.