Provost

Denison University•Granville, OH

About The Position

Denison seeks a new Provost and CAO with a clear vision for the future of liberal arts education to join the President’s Cabinet, working closely with other members of senior leadership and the college’s Board of Trustees on behalf of the faculty and students. The Provost and CAO will bring strategic insight and a record of collaborative success to further elevate and shape Denison’s dynamic academic program and culture. They will partner closely with the senior team, including athletics, student life, information technology, human resources, finance, communications and marketing, and admissions, to ensure the execution of the strategic plan and student success. The ideal candidate will possess extensive academic administrative leadership, a visionary approach toward pedagogical and programmatic innovation, and a deep commitment to student success and scholarly, athletic and artistic achievements. In addition, they will bring an authentic commitment to shared governance with the ability to engage others in developing and implementing an academic vision. IDEAL EXPERIENCE Ideal candidates will have many of the following experiences and qualities: Strong academic and administrative leadership experience overseeing a complex academic operation. Skill and acumen in setting financial priorities and allocating resources in a manner that is data informed, responsible, and mission-oriented. Strong scholarly credentials and deeply committed to, and passionate about, liberal arts education, teaching and research. Ability to speak across disciplines and advocate for academic excellence. Demonstrated commitment to fostering an academic community where diverse perspectives are valued, dialogue across differences is encouraged, and all members of the community feel a sense of belonging and opportunity to thrive. A record of attracting, mentoring, and retaining exceptionally talented individuals, and building a team of academic leaders who collaborate effectively to build innovative programs. Strong financial acumen and a willing partner to advance the fundraising objectives of the university. Experience with faculty governance and shared decision-making. Proven ability to work effectively within systems of academic governance, fostering transparent decision-making, constructive collaboration with faculty, and respect for roles for trustees, administrators, and faculty in shaping institutional direction. CRITICAL LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES Academic Vision and Strategic Leadership The world of higher education is changing rapidly, and Denison expects to be a driving force in addressing these changes. In partnership with the senior leadership and President Weinberg, the Provost and CAO will: Develop and communicate a compelling vision and strategy that elevates Denison’s academic reputation, and supports the 65+ academic programs, making a strong case for a Denison education. Champion the liberal arts mission while embracing strategic change and innovation, including the development and evaluation of new majors and credentialing programs. Collaborate with academic leaders to assess and optimize legacy programs and resource allocation. Advance career outcomes and readiness initiatives; continue to integrate in-demand skills that lead to employment. Collaborative Leadership The Provost and CAO will be a broad-minded, transparent leader and skilled communicator who will: Serve as a visible and approachable leader, building strong relationships across campus. Maintain a strong faculty governance structure and ensure transparent, inclusive decision-making processes. Be an intellectually curious leader who listens well and looks to build consensus for strategic priorities and initiatives. Serve as a bridge builder between academic departments, the faculty and administration, and academic leadership and the Board of Trustees, creating an environment where all voices are invited and heard. Bring a passionate commitment to creating and participating in a welcoming and flourishing community that fosters a sense of belonging. Leading People The Provost and CAO will lead a strong team that will best serve the evolving needs of students, faculty, and staff, and will: Support, develop, and contribute to high-performing teams within the academic division (department chairs and academic administrative staff) and serve Denison’s governance processes. Foster a culture of transparency and accountability, promoting professional growth through aligned goals across disciplines. ▪ Work closely with the department chairs and faculty to achieve the appropriate staffing balances, evaluate teaching loads, and foster a supportive climate in which students can derive the greatest educational benefit. ▪ Represent the academic division to the Board of Trustees and external stakeholders. ▪ Oversee faculty tenure process and, in partnership with the Dean of Faculty, oversee faculty hiring and promotion process, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities. KEY RELATIONSHIPS The Provost and CAO oversees the academic mission of the college, guiding the work of over 250 full-time teaching faculty across four divisions. Through its 9:1 student-faculty ratio, Denison is committed to an intensive and comprehensive liberal arts experience offering over 65+ academic programs, including B.A., B.S., and B.F.A.

Requirements

Strong academic and administrative leadership experience overseeing a complex academic operation.
Skill and acumen in setting financial priorities and allocating resources in a manner that is data informed, responsible, and mission-oriented.
Strong scholarly credentials and deeply committed to, and passionate about, liberal arts education, teaching and research.
Ability to speak across disciplines and advocate for academic excellence.
Demonstrated commitment to fostering an academic community where diverse perspectives are valued, dialogue across differences is encouraged, and all members of the community feel a sense of belonging and opportunity to thrive.
A record of attracting, mentoring, and retaining exceptionally talented individuals, and building a team of academic leaders who collaborate effectively to build innovative programs.
Strong financial acumen and a willing partner to advance the fundraising objectives of the university.
Experience with faculty governance and shared decision-making.
Proven ability to work effectively within systems of academic governance, fostering transparent decision-making, constructive collaboration with faculty, and respect for roles for trustees, administrators, and faculty in shaping institutional direction.

Responsibilities

Develop and communicate a compelling vision and strategy that elevates Denison’s academic reputation, and supports the 65+ academic programs, making a strong case for a Denison education.
Champion the liberal arts mission while embracing strategic change and innovation, including the development and evaluation of new majors and credentialing programs.
Collaborate with academic leaders to assess and optimize legacy programs and resource allocation.
Advance career outcomes and readiness initiatives; continue to integrate in-demand skills that lead to employment.
Serve as a visible and approachable leader, building strong relationships across campus.
Maintain a strong faculty governance structure and ensure transparent, inclusive decision-making processes.
Be an intellectually curious leader who listens well and looks to build consensus for strategic priorities and initiatives.
Serve as a bridge builder between academic departments, the faculty and administration, and academic leadership and the Board of Trustees, creating an environment where all voices are invited and heard.
Bring a passionate commitment to creating and participating in a welcoming and flourishing community that fosters a sense of belonging.
Support, develop, and contribute to high-performing teams within the academic division (department chairs and academic administrative staff) and serve Denison’s governance processes.
Foster a culture of transparency and accountability, promoting professional growth through aligned goals across disciplines.
Work closely with the department chairs and faculty to achieve the appropriate staffing balances, evaluate teaching loads, and foster a supportive climate in which students can derive the greatest educational benefit.
Represent the academic division to the Board of Trustees and external stakeholders.
Oversee faculty tenure process and, in partnership with the Dean of Faculty, oversee faculty hiring and promotion process, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.