Provost

Clarkson University

Provost

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Clarkson University in its search for its next Provost.

For best consideration, please apply by September 27, 2023.

This is an unparalleled opportunity for a transformative, transparent leader and change agent to have an impact from day one on Clarkson University’s academic and institution-wide priorities that will propel forward technological education, student success and sustainable economic development through teaching, research, scholarship and innovation. The successful Provost candidate will be an accomplished, student-focused leader with an established track record of visionary leadership and strategic planning prowess, who is also ready to have a crucial role in positioning Clarkson’s world-relevant research portfolio for future growth and differentiating degree programs in a technological setting.

As a key leader among the President’s Executive Council, the Provost will bring dynamic perspectives and broad, hard-won experiences in academia to the University which is collaborating with a president, now leading in his second year, to advance values-based strategic planning and decision-making that matters.

With both external consultants and new Institutional Research staff providing robust data collection and assessments taken in the last year, the Provost will contribute immediately to strategic planning; policy formulation; budgetary decision-making, assessments and outcomes, and continuous improvement as well as take on the continuing responsibilities of the position for school and faculty supervision. Working collaboratively with the President and others through shared governance with a shared vision, the Provost will inspire faculty, staff, and students to explore and expand new frontiers and partnerships in academic areas that are poised for growth, and empower faculty and staff to achieve ambitious goals through effective organization and allocation of resources.

Direct reports to the Provost currently include the academic deans; institute leaders; and senior administrators for research and scholarship services, faculty achievement, institutional research, student achievement, the Honors Program, The Clarkson School, the innovation ecosystem and libraries

Key Responsibilities and Opportunities:

• Provide leadership to faculty and staff through strategic planning, decision making, and data-informed assessment to promote student development and intellectual growth as well as scholarly research.
• Assure budget decisions align with Clarkson’s mission and goals.
• Strengthen Clarkson’s financial position and elevate the quality of research, scholarship, teaching, and service.
• Actively collaborate with University leadership to support equity, access, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Promote Clarkson’s academic vision across and beyond its physical locations/campuses and build its national academic reputation in each of the schools, institutes, and centers.
• Be a strong representative of the academic enterprise to the BOT and externally.

Top Priorities for the Next Provost:

• Collaborate with the President and President’s Executive and Leadership Councils
• Lead the Execution of a Comprehensive Academic Affairs Plan
• Ensure Accreditation, Policy Compliance and Assessment Procedures
• Promote Scholarship and Research
• Promote Entrepreneurship
• Improve the Quality of the Student Experience
• Inspire, Support, and Lead the Faculty
• Foster a Diverse Academic Community
• Support the Libraries and Innovation Hub
• Contribute to External Relations and Reputation

Essential Skills:

• Demonstrated record of ethical, fair, and innovative leadership with excellent interpersonal, problem-solving with communication skills and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• A deep appreciation for the mission and aspirations of Clarkson and the ability to successfully articulate that mission to the University’s key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage organizational and cultural change.
• An approach to management that brings out the best in faculty and staff and that yields pride, ownership and a sense of team effort while ensuring equitable workload distribution.
• Demonstrated successful experience in strategic planning, fiscal management, resource allocation and personnel supervision.
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills, awareness of and evidence for commitment to the contemporary issues of inclusion, social justice, diversity and equity, including the current higher education trends that inform and address these issues.
• The desire to play a meaningful role in the Clarkson community and share in the community’s commitment to undergraduate and graduate education and research.
• A credible record of working with students inside and outside of the classroom.
• A firm understanding of holistic student development, which recognizes student needs in academic, residential, distance and extra- and co-curricular areas.
• Demonstrated ability to lead entrepreneurial activities ideally spanning Clarkson’s academic portfolio.
• Demonstrated understanding of the role of academic leaders in recruiting and enrollment management.
• Strong commitment to shared governance and a collegial environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• An earned PhD or terminal degree in a relevant field and a record of scholarship, as represented in professional publications, research support and recognition that meets Clarkson requirements for the rank of full professor.
• Ten years of academic experience, at least five years of which include significant administrative experience with evidence of sound fiscal and personnel management, as well as research development. Experience spanning areas of Clarkson’s portfolio would be ideal.

To view the full prospectus – click here: https://acesrch.com/clarkson-provost

About Clarkson

As a private, national research university, Clarkson is a leader in technological education and sustainable economic development through teaching, scholarship, research and innovation. We ignite personal connections across academic fields and industries to create the entrepreneurial mindset, knowledge and intellectual curiosity needed to innovate world-relevant solutions and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow. With its main campus located in Potsdam, New York and additional graduate program and research facilities in New York’s Capital Region and Hudson Valley, Clarkson educates 4,000+ students across 95 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, the arts, education, sciences and health professions. Our alumni earn salaries that are among the top 2% in the nation and realize accelerated career growth. One in five already leads as a CEO, senior executive or owner of a company.

Living in the Area

Clarkson’s main campus is located in Potsdam, New York, on the historic 640-acre wooded homestead of the Clarkson family with a skyline view of the Adirondack Park. With roughly 15,000 year-round residents, Potsdam is nestled along the Raquette River in the heart of St. Lawrence County. It is home to a variety of shopping and dining experiences, an active downtown corridor, two world-class universities as well as outstanding recreational outlets.

To Apply 

For best consideration, please apply by September 27, 2023.

To be viewed by the search firm, you must apply directly at: https://acesrch.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a21esjy9rd3x

Please do not email applications.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are treated confidentially:

Inquiries and questions: Please send to ClarksonProvost@acesrch.com

Nominations and referrals: Please send to nominations@acesrch.com

Institution’s EEO Statement

Clarkson University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees, applicants, and job seekers. No person shall be discriminated against in employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, expression, national orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, parental status, ancestry, source of income, or other classes protected by law. This policy includes the commitment to maintaining a work environment free from unlawful harassment.

An employee, who in good faith, reports concerns that they have been discriminated against or has knowledge of discrimination in violation of this policy or cooperates in an investigation shall not be subject to reprisal or retaliation for making a report or participating in an investigation. Employees should immediately bring to the attention of the Affirmative Action Officer and /or the Title IX Coordinator related to any complaint or retaliation. For further information on reporting or filing a grievance please refer to Operations Manual Sections 3.1.13 and 3.1.14.