University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Job Description Summary

The University of Pennsylvania seeks an innovative, collaborative, inclusive, civic-minded, high-touch, and dynamic leader to serve as its next Vice Provost for University Life. The Vice Provost will lead the important work that supports the University-wide student experience at Penn.

Reporting to the Provost, the next Vice Provost for University Life (VPUL) will lead the Division of VPUL, working collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students across Penn’s 12 schools and interdisciplinary centers and institutes. The Vice Provost will lead all campus initiatives related to student life in a manner that is inclusive, innovative, strategic, data-informed, and maximizes the value of available technologies, while maintaining the responsiveness and individualized approach to students that Penn has always exemplified.

Job Description

The Vice Provost for University Life (VPUL), oversees a nationally honored division providing services, support, and leadership development opportunities to support a diverse community of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Penn students benefit enormously from the University's rich global diversity and renowned interdisciplinary educational opportunities. VPUL, as the division is known, plays an integral role in students' lives, integrating student supports and co-curricular experiences in civic engagement, peer education, career planning, mentoring, and cultural programming.

Reporting to the Provost, the next Vice Provost will lead a complex portfolio of responsibilities, including the following:

• Lead University Life departments and programs serving over 26,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students;
• Provide leadership in the areas of long-range University Life strategic planning, student outcomes assessment, VPUL facilities planning and renovation, development and resource acquisition opportunities, program review, and staffing;
• Lead 16 departments and services with annual division operating and associated budgets of over $50 million;
• Develop, recommend, and implement long- and short-range VPUL goals, objectives, policies, and procedures; and
• Serve as a member of the President’s Senior Planning Group, the Council of Graduate Deans, the Council of Undergraduate Deans, and the University Academic Planning and Budget Committee.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

Advanced Degree preferred: Ed.D., Ph.D., J.D., or other appropriate advanced degree.

Experience:

Significant senior-level professional experience in higher education student life or student affairs; proven strong managerial and collegial leadership in student life or related academic area; demonstrated positive leadership in developing collaborative relationships with internal and external constituencies; understanding of key factors in creating academic excellence and student success; successful experiences in conflict resolution and long-range program planning; demonstrated understanding and leadership within the Division in issues concerning equal employment opportunity, student recruitment, retention, graduation and advocacy. Experience with first generation student engagement and diversity programming. Readiness to provide leadership at a multi-faceted regional university.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A deep passion for student life and the holistic student experience;
• Deep experience serving the unique needs of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from a range of socioeconomic, racial, sexual identity, and other backgrounds;
• An unyielding commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and a history of regular progress advancing these issues in a campus environment;
• An ability to build teams and to lead, inspire, mentor, and retain staff within a complex division;
• A track record of welcoming collaboration with a range of partners and constituencies across a campus to advance the overall student experience;
• An ability to navigate a large, decentralized, and complex research institution;
• An understanding of national best practices around important student issues, including how to engage with parents, and an ability to be a leading voice in the national discourse surrounding student affairs and higher education;
• Experience managing crises and demonstrated calm under pressure;
• Facility with data and its value in determining strategy and allocating resources;
• An understanding of complex legal regulations that may impact student affairs decisions or approaches; and
• A proven ability to be both compassionate and firm in managing complex student issues and concerns in a changing global environment.

For consideration, please send CV and Cover Letter to:

Ruth Shoemaker Wood, Partner

Lindsay Allison, Senior Associate

N. Will Anyu, Junior Associate

Storbeck Search & Associates

UPennVPUL@storbecksearch.com

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Student Services

Pay Range

$50,000.00 - $500,000.00

Affirmative Action Statement 

Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements 

Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.