Senior Vice Provost, Provost's Chief of Staff
 The Pennsylvania State University | |
remote work
| |
 United States, Pennsylvania, University Park | |
| 201 Old Main (Show on map) | |
 Jul 08, 2025 | |
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICS The Pennsylvania State University Senior Vice Provost and Chief of Staff As The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) continues to move boldly into the future of higher education, they seek a Senior Vice Provost and Chief of Staff (SVP/PCS) to serve as a strategic partner to Incoming Executive Vice President and Provost Fotis Sotiropoulos. This inaugural role will provide strategic advice and partner with University and academic leadership to facilitate the achievement of Penn State's priorities. The SVP/PCS provides high-level strategic leadership, serving as a trusted advisor and integrative leader across academic and administrative units. This role supports the Provost in advancing institutional priorities through cross-campus collaboration, strategic financial planning, and operational effectiveness. The SVP/PCS drives key initiatives, facilitates and supports decision-making, and ensures alignment with the University's priorities by coordinating senior staff, managing special projects, and fostering innovation. Additionally, the role supports academic leaders in enhancing their effectiveness, leads executive talent management efforts, and represents the Provost's Office in national forums, contributing thought leadership on higher education strategy and policy. The ideal candidate brings a proven record of leadership in fast-paced, mission-driven environments, with the ability to execute complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives aligned with an innovative academic agenda. They possess financial savvy, a deep understanding of higher education culture and governance, and a commitment to advancing inclusive excellence and community engagement in diverse and vibrant academic environments. With exceptional judgment, communication, and collaboration skills, they are adept at navigating ambiguity and building trust across diverse constituencies. This individual is a strategic thinker and action-oriented leader who anticipates needs, offers candid counsel, and drives institutional effectiveness with integrity, diplomacy, and a sense of humor. An advanced degree is required as is significant leadership experience to merit the trust of university and academic leadership. A terminal degree is strongly preferred. The ideal candidate will embrace the intellectual vibrancy, energy, and complexity of Penn State, quickly developing trusted relationships and communications, facilitating collaboration to address opportunities and challenges, and preparing the Provost to make well informed decisions. They will earn the trust of various campus interests, have a talent for issue-spotting and anticipating challenges, and be able to communicate emergent concerns proactively to advance the University's strategic objectives. The work of the SVP/PCS is varied and often project-oriented; the successful candidate will enjoy a diverse set of responsibilities that require multi-tasking and agility. Founded in 1855, Penn State fulfills its land-grant mission through teaching, research, and public service that benefit the citizens of Pennsylvania. In partnership with industry, education, government, and agriculture, the University leads in research, learning, and engagement-driving innovation, inclusion, sustainability, and global impact. Under President Neeli Bendapudi's leadership, Penn State operates as a comprehensive, global institution with a $9.5 billion budget, a $4.5 billion endowment, and a 33-million-square-foot infrastructure spanning 2,100+ buildings-including an airport, housing, utilities, and public safety services. As Pennsylvania's largest non-governmental employer, Penn State has a presence in all 67 counties. With approximately 88,000 students across multiple campuses and its top-ranked World Campus, Penn State is a digitally advanced, geographically distributed university. Its research expenditures have steadily grown, fueling innovation and economic development. Recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a top-tier research university, Penn State prepares globally minded leaders. All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile which can be found here: Senior Vice Provost and Chief of Staff | WittKieffer. WittKieffer is assisting Penn State in this search. For full consideration, candidate materials should be received by September 5, 2025. Applications, nominations and inquiries can be directed to Suzanne Teer, Sandra Chu, and Cathryn Davis at PennStateProvostCoS@wittkieffer.com. 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.CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here. EEO IS THE LAW Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines | |