Senior Vice Provost and Chief of Staff

Job Description:

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.

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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.

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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 an appreciation and respect for diversity of thought. 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.

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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 have the earned 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.

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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. Penn State is a multi-campus public research university that educates students from Pennsylvania, the nation, and the world, and improves the well-being and health of individuals and communities through integrated programs of teaching, research, and service. As Pennsylvania’s land-grant university, Penn State provides unparalleled access and public service to support the citizens of the Commonwealth. The University engages in collaborative activities with industrial, educational, and agricultural partners to generate, disseminate, integrate, and apply knowledge that is valuable to society.

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Penn State’s University Park campus is located in State College, Pennsylvania, a vibrant college town that offers a high quality of life, including excellent schools, a low crime rate, and numerous cultural and recreational opportunities. The campus is within a few hours’ drive of major metropolitan areas such as Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

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For more information about Penn State, please visit https://www.psu.edu/.

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To apply, please submit a letter of interest and a CV/resume to the WittKieffer Candidate Portal by clicking the buttons below. For inquiries and nominations, please contact the WittKieffer consultants assisting Penn State with this search: Zachary A. Smith, Ph.D., Julia Bradley, and Alejandra Gillette-Teran at PennStateSVP@wittkieffer.com.