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 for
Academic Affairs to join a highly innovative university at an
exciting time. Reporting to the President, the Provost is the chief
academic officer of UNE and is responsible for all aspects of the
University's academic mission. Internally, the Provost provides
academic leadership for the University of New England's two
campuses located in Portland, Maine and Biddeford, Maine, and
oversees the University's six colleges (College of Arts and
Sciences, the College of Dental Medicine, the Westbrook College of
Health Professions, the College of Osteopathic Medicine, the
College of Professional Studies, and the College of Business). The
deans of the Honors College and the Library also report to the
Provost. Externally, the Provost's Office serves as a communication
link 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 earned
terminal degree and credentials warranting the rank of professor in
one of the University's academic departments. The next Provost will
also have an established record of success in academic
administration and a visionary leadership style that is engaging
and collaborative. The Provost will have exemplary interpersonal
emotional intelligence, communication skills, a demonstrated
commitment to supporting a multi-campus community, and an
appreciation of the national conversations around the opportunities
and challenges facing higher education today. Working closely with
the President, the Provost plays a key role in developing and
implementing UNE's Strategic Plan, including oversight of
scholarship and research activities. The Provost will also build
upon the strengths of the colleges, centers of excellence, and
other academic units to advance UNE's reputation for academic
excellence, scholarship, and service to the greater community.
Working closely with the President and SVP of Finance and
Administration, the Provost coordinates the work of all academic
units with other offices and operations across the
University.
The Provost will join UNE during a time of strong undergraduate
enrollment and a period of investment optimally positioned for
creativity, innovation, and aspirational thinking. The Provost will
be a dynamic and entrepreneurial leader with a strong commitment to
excellence in higher education, demonstrated administrative skills
in leading a complex organization, and the ability to work with a
broad array of campus leaders to guide the institution to the next
level of distinction. The Provost must have a record demonstrating
commitment to maintaining a robust system of shared governance and
to advancing transparency and trust across campus. An appreciation
for the integral role of UNE in the Portland and Biddeford
communities, a willingness to continue developing national and
international connections, and, in collaboration with the
President, the capacity to attract financial support from the
public and private sectors, will be essential. As the chief
academic officer of the University to a wide variety of
constituencies, the Provost must have an excellent grasp of the
challenges and opportunities facing higher education and the
ability to connect and collaborate with a variety of stakeholders
and groups to achieve collective success. The Provost must also be
a decisive leader who embodies integrity, is responsive,
collaborative, and creative, and is dedicated to the success and
wellbeing of all students.
NOMINATIONS AND APPLICATIONSThe University of New
England has retained the services of Dr. Josh Ward at the executive
search firm Korn Ferry. To apply for the position, candidates
should submit an up-to-date and detailed curriculum vitae, as well
as a brief letter of interest (2-4 pages) describing why you are
interested in becoming the next Provost at UNE, why you would be
successful based on your professional experience, and why now is a
good time for you to consider this opportunity. For priority
consideration, please submit all application materials by November
30, 2026. For a copy of the full-length position description, or to
submit your curriculum vitae and letter of interest (as separate
PDFs), please contact:
Josh Ward, PhDSenior Client PartnerHigher
Education and Academic MedicineKorn Ferry[contact details available in the full listing]
[contact details available in the full listing]
Responsibilities
- Serves as the chief academic officer of the University
- Provides vigorous, dynamic leadership, and overall direction
for the instructional and research programs of the University
Responsible for all aspects of the academic mission
Fosters the development of new undergraduate and graduate
programs and enhancement of existing academic offerings
characterized by UNE's commitment to integrated experiential,
liberal, and professional education
Directs all instructional assessment, accreditation, and
academic regulatory/compliance initiatives across the
University
Leads comprehensive student success endeavors with a focus on
student recruitment, retention, progression, and graduation
Guides research and scholarship activities consistent with an
R2 university
Promotes an inclusive campus culture that is respectful of
human differences
Fosters relationships with local, regional, and global
partners, thereby expanding networks and opportunities for
students, faculty, and professional staff
Collaborates in academic space planning and resource
allocation
Provides leadership and guidance to the University's various
centers and institutes.
Serves as liaison between the University Faculty Assembly, the
faculty, and the President
Collaborates with the President, SVP of Finance and
Administration, and other vice presidents to provide leadership in
strategic and entrepreneurial planning related to UNE's
mission
Works with the President and SVP of Finance and Administration
on development and implementation of the University's academic
operating budget
Maintains awareness of local, regional, and national trends and
developments in higher education
Serves for the President in their temporary absence
Acts in an advisory role to the President
Qualifications
Competitive candidates will have a variety of professional
experience and personal qualifications, including the following:
- A doctorate or appropriate terminal degree plus academic
credentials that merit an appointment at the rank of Full Professor
in one of the University's colleges is required
- A leadership style that is built upon empowering others to work
towards a shared and collaborative strategic vision balanced with a
commitment to execution and implementation
- Intellectual humility and curiosity balanced with a
communication style that projects confidence and diligence
- Willingness to proactively seek multiple perspectives to
collaboratively reach conclusions
- Ability to effectively navigate, and communicate with, varied
stakeholder networks
- Willingness to become a part of, and invest in, the UNE campus,
community, identity, and culture
- Record of decision-making that prioritizes
student-centricity
- Record of academic and scholarly achievement that demonstrates
a commitment to academic excellence
- Experience as a senior-level administrator with demonstrated
leadership skills necessary in managing academic programming and
resources to advance the University's mission and standing
- Record of success in cultivating consultative relationships
between colleges/units for successful, collaborative problem
solving
- Experience creating an inclusive and welcoming climate and
environment
- Knowledge and experience in curriculum design and
regional/disciplinary accreditation review and processes
- Excellence in managerial, interpersonal, and communication
- Record of success in obtaining external support for scholarly
or creative activities with a keen understanding of the broad
spectrum of academic research and scholarship
- Experience and skills in cultivating excellence in scholarship,
teaching, and public service as well as an understanding of how
these components support UNE's mission
- Experience in facilitating strategic planning, assessment of
institutional effectiveness, and developing and executing policy
and capital improvements to enhance academic programs and implement
the University's strategic plan
- An approachable and engaging leadership style that fosters
connection, community, and a positive campus environment
EEO Statement Summary
Consistent with federal and state law and University policy, the
University of New England is committed to the fundamental concept
of equal opportunity for all of the members of the University
community. The University prohibits, and will not tolerate,
discrimination in employment, the provision of academic services or
in any other area of University life based on race, color, sex,
physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national
origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression,
ethnicity, genetic information, HIV status, or status as a veteran.
Prohibited bias factors should not motivate decisions regarding
students, employees, applicants for admission, applicants for
employment, contractors, volunteers or participants in and/or users
of 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
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