As the chief academic officer, the provost provides leadership for the planning, development, implementation, assessment and improvement of all academic programs, policies and supporting infrastructure, other than those reporting to the provost for medical affairs. The provost plays a critical role in setting Cornell’s academic vision and is the senior executive responsible for the execution and implementation of the University’s programmatic initiatives. The provost is responsible for ensuring Cornell’s academic preeminence through facilitating the faculty recruitment, retention, and renewal activities of deans and providing university level review of all tenure and promotion actions. Also serving as the chief operating officer, the provost has ultimate management authority over the Ithaca and Cornell Tech campus operating budgets. The provost represents Cornell to external constituents and has a significant role in the University’s fund-raising efforts.
The provost reports directly to the president and serves as the chief deputy officer. The provost’s direct reports include the deans and directors of the academic units, the vice president for budget and planning, and the vice provosts. The responsibilities of individual vice provosts include research administration, undergraduate and graduate education, admissions and financial aid, international programs, state relations, engagement and outreach, faculty development and diversity, educational technology and related academic matters.
Professional Experience/Qualifications
- An uncompromising commitment to academic excellence, impeccable academic judgment, and academic credentials and experience that qualify for appointment as a full professor with tenure in one or more of Cornell’s schools.
- A strategic and entrepreneurial leader with a proven ability to advance Cornell’s commitment to innovative understanding and discovery while serving as a close partner to the president and a key member of the university’s senior leadership team.
- An interdisciplinary thinker committed to realizing Cornell’s unique opportunities to advance the integration of knowledge through collaborative activities across traditional scholarly and institutional boundaries.
- Strong management, planning, and financial skills; an astute understanding of university finances and resource allocation; and the ability to manage competing priorities.
- The ability to make difficult decisions, coupled with courtesy and a delicate touch. Demonstrated ability to address challenges with a positive, constructive outlook.
- A clear commitment to undergraduate and graduate education with a commitment to innovative teaching, student success, wellness, and outcomes.
- An accessible and empathetic administrator with the ability to manage a broad and diverse workforce and recognize and value contributions across diverse disciplines and varied staff and faculty roles.
- A commitment to diversity in its broadest sense with evidence of being eager and able to lead, recruit, retain, and support a diverse and eminent faculty, student body, and staff.
- An articulate, enthusiastic, and effective communicator with the highest aspirations for Cornell’s standing and reputation and the ability to inspire and engage others to support the vision for the university through philanthropy and other means.
- A steadfast and unwavering ethical compass.
Application Process
Cornell University is being assisted in this process by Isaacson Miller and welcomes nominations or expressions of interest. If you wish to submit your own application materials or nominate someone to serve as the next Provost of Cornell University, please send an email message with supporting materials to: provostsearch@cornell.edu. See full position specification at Search for the Provost Cornell University.
Salary Range
The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $850,000 to $925,000. Final determination of a successful candidate’s starting salary is based on education, relevant experience, and unique applicable skills.
Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.
