Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

OUR VALUES - CADRE (Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, Excellence)

MSU Denver's CADRE values are integral to the role of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Provost is expected to foster a supportive and inclusive university environment, breaking down barriers to education and ensuring accessibility for all students. By promoting a climate of trust, encouraging open dialogue, and committing to world-class scholarship and innovative learning, the Provost will embody these values and drive the university's mission forward.

Summary

This position exists to lead and oversee the academic affairs of MSU Denver, ensuring the delivery of high-quality education and fostering an inclusive, innovative, and student-centered environment. The Provost/EVPAA impacts the university by driving academic excellence, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (institutional values) while enhancing student success and institutional effectiveness. As the chief academic officer, the Provost/EVPAA sets a compelling vision for Academic Affairs in alignment with the University's mission, strategic priorities and president. This role involves developing and nurturing partnerships with Colorado organizations and advocating for public policy at the state level. The Provost/EVPAA manages resources strategically, explores innovative revenue streams, and builds bridges to the Colorado Community College System. Additionally, the Provost/EVPAA will collaborate with the Vice President for Student Affairs to drive student success outcomes, industry-academic partnerships, and serve as the key ambassador between faculty and administration. This position requires a strong commitment to the University's CADRE (Community, Access, Diversity, Respect and Excellence) values. The Provost/EVPAA also supports faculty research, grant proposals, and professional development. Ultimately, this role is crucial in promoting enrollment, retention, persistence, and success through inclusive management and data-informed decision-making.

Responsibilities

Strategic Vision and Leadership

• Set a compelling vision for Academic Affairs and establish related goals and strategies to enhance the work of Academic Affairs. This includes building upon a recent strategic realignment of academic programs to better meet student needs and address workforce opportunities.
• Lead the development and implementation of innovative educational programs, such as the Health Institute, to facilitate relevant, interdisciplinary education.

Academic Program Development and Enhancement

• Revise or establish new academic programs based on current and emerging trends in higher education. Make research-based decisions on the development and launch of new programs that meet both short-term enrollment and workforce demands and long-term strategic investment.
• Lead efforts to bridge to the Colorado Community College System and ensure a seamless path to credentials for learners. This involves creating articulation agreements and support systems for transfer students.

Resource Management and Revenue Generation

• Manage resources strategically and explore innovative revenue streams to support current and future academic programs. This includes collaborating with stakeholders to make informed budget decisions that benefit the university.
• Leverage state resources with grant-funded projects, revenues from public-private partnerships (P3s), private philanthropic support, and other innovative streams of revenue.

CADRE (Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, Excellence) Values

• Advance MSU Denver's commitment to serving a multicultural community. Provide compassionate, culturally relevant, and competent leadership around diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
• Work hand-in-hand with the President, the Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, and other senior staff to nurture a vibrant and healthy community where all people feel welcomed and valued.
• Model and promote a caring organizational culture centered on these values.

Student Success and Retention

• Collaborate with the Vice President for Student Affairs to drive student success outcomes. This partnership will focus on improving retention, persistence, graduation, and post-grad outcomes through targeted interventions.

Faculty and Administration Relations

• Serve as the key ambassador between faculty and administration, building effective and sustainable relationships. This role requires building robust communication systems, fostering collaboration to address faculty concerns and promote shared governance.
• Support faculty research, grant proposals, professional development, and excellence in teaching. This includes providing resources and opportunities for faculty to enhance their skills and advance their academic careers.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

Community Engagement and Partnerships and Advocacy

• Develop and nurture partnerships between the university and various Colorado organizations. Engage with public-private partnerships (i.e., industry, non-profits, community leaders) to further elevate the academic enterprise, and advocate for the university's interests.
• In partnership with University Advancement, actively cultivate fundraising opportunities to support academic programs and student success initiatives.

Continuous Improvement and Innovation

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the academic affairs division. This involves encouraging faculty and staff to adopt new approaches and technologies that enhance the educational experience.
• Advocate for public policy and active leadership with the Colorado Department of Higher Education. This involves engaging with policymakers to influence decisions that benefit the university and its stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• An earned doctorate or equivalent terminal degree in an academic discipline from an accredited institution.
• A record of demonstrated administrative/leadership experience at a four-year higher education institution.
• Experience managing faculty and staff with direct supervision experience.
• Commitment to the core values of the University.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities such as integrity, decisiveness, and inclusiveness.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of MSU Denver's strategic goals and initiatives, particularly in relation to its role within the broader Colorado higher education system
• In-depth knowledge of the organizational structure and operational dynamics of MSU Denver. Understanding and familiarity of Colorado state higher education institutions, including state policies, regulations, and funding mechanisms.
• Experience with budget management and strategic planning.
• Knowledge of institutional accreditation processes.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with various stakeholders.
• Experience in developing and supporting academic programs that support student success.
• Knowledge of online teaching strategies.

Skills

• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to lead and inspire university constituent groups.
• Data-informed decision-making.
• Strategic thinking and vision-setting.
• Commitment to student-centered innovation and excellence.
• Proficiency in conflict resolution and negotiation.
• Ability to foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Position Schedule Information

• Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Exempt
• Days of the Week: Mon - Fri
• Evenings and Weekend Work: Yes, occasional evening and weekend work is required to attend university events and meetings.
• Travel: Light travel required for conferences, meetings, and University-related events.

Salary for Announcement

Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $206,900.00 - $ 289,600.00.

This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits.

Instructions to Apply

Priority given to applications received through 12:00 PM MST on April 4, 2025.

For full consideration, please submit the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
• 3 professional references will be required of the finalist. One reference must be a prior supervisor.

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Open Until Filled

The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as accessto a long-term disability (LTD) plan.Visit MSU Denver'sbenefits websiteto learn more.

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.