Gwynedd Mercy University is seeking an experienced and innovative academic leader to join the leadership team of President Deanne H. D'Emilio as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. This is an exciting opportunity to build on the University's rich history of excellence and help guide the strategic direction of the university with a goal of achieving its vision of becoming the Catholic university leader in professional and healthcare education. The University is seeking a visionary with knowledge of trends affecting higher education, a strong record of teaching and administrative experience, and a proven ability to execute on strategic plans with successful outcomes.

The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs is the chief academic officer of the university, is a member of the President's Executive Council, and reports directly to the President. The Provost and Vice President supports the university's mission and core values in all interactions and provides academic leadership for all undergraduate and graduate programs in all modalities. Positions that report to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs include: Deans for Arts & Sciences, Business & Education, and the Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing and Health Professions; Dean for Student Success; Director of the Library; Registrar; Director of Assessment & Accreditation; Director of Institutional Research; and Director of Teaching and Learning Innovation. The Provost and Vice President serves as chair of the Deans' Council and Academic Council and serves as the Board liaison for the Academic Affairs Committee.

Qualifications: The candidate is expected to have:

• Thorough familiarity with the philosophy and responsibilities of an independent institution of higher education in the Catholic/Mercy tradition
• An earned doctorate in an appropriate field from a regionally accredited institution
• Experience as a faculty member commensurate with associate professor or professor level
• 5-10 years of experience in senior higher education administration, as a provost, vice president, dean, assistant vice president, assistant provost or equivalent position, including fiscal and personnel responsibilities, strategic planning, accreditation, academic program review, and program creation

The following additional qualifications provide the expectations of the search:

• A deep understanding of their role as an advocate for learning and the ability to work collaboratively with faculty and staff as colleagues in the teaching and learning enterprise within a system of shared governance and mutual respect
• Experience serving a diverse and broad array of students including undergraduate, residential, commuter, traditional, adult, graduate, and online
• Experience leading the development and implementation of new programs
• Possesses a growth mindset and sees the potential for growing the academic enterprise for the future
• Appreciation of the Mercy Charism along with the ability to facilitate integration of the Charism, as appropriate, into the teaching/learning environment
• An entrepreneurial vision that draws from all elements of the institution and a strong understanding of current issues and trends in higher education
• Effective and open interpersonal communication skills, with proven ability to foster collaborative efforts, listen to all constituents and build partnerships
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify, consult and resolve issues that impact institutional needs and priorities
• Ability to represent the academic enterprise and academic priorities of the institution to internal and external constituencies
• Experience with preparing accreditation reports and documents for submission to the Middle States Association and other accrediting agencies
• Ability to effectively integrate and support liberal arts and professional programs
• Experience with online and hybrid delivery systems
• Experience partnering with University Advancement on grant and donor outreach and engagement

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Gwynedd Mercy University is a private, Catholic institution with a strong foundation in the liberal arts, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1948. More than 2000 students currently are served by three schools: Arts and Sciences; Business and Education; and The Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing and Health Professions. Collectively, the University offers more than 40 associate, bachelor, master and doctorate degree programs on a full and part-time basis. The University’s academic distinction lies in the intersection of excellent programs in health care, education, business, and arts and sciences, which prepare students to become leaders in the region's powerful and growing health and life-sciences industries. The University is in the top 6% nationally for 10-year earnings, according to the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce and 97% of recent graduates were employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation (based on 2021 survey results).

Gwynedd Mercy University’s enrollment size and prime location within 30 minutes of Philadelphia means that it is large enough to offer a vibrant campus life but small enough that professors can develop mentoring relationships with students. The University educates students in the Mercy tradition of service to society, preparing graduates who not only launch successful careers but also create lives with deep meaning and purpose.

Gwynedd Mercy University students enjoy a vibrant, collegiate campus life highlighted by 17 NCAA Division III men's and women's athletic teams and opportunities to pursue interests through 24 clubs, activities and leadership programs. The University has three residence halls with a variety of living options, a gym, an athletics stadium and access to indoor track and outside basketball, and softball/baseball fields. The university is in a period of transformational momentum with multiple building and renovation projects slated for the next several years, all designed to enhance the student experience and support enrollment growth. The planned addition of the Frances M. Maguire Healthcare Innovation Campus will build on the University’s nationally-recognized expertise and leadership in healthcare education, providing a unique opportunity for GMercyU to help address the urgent need for more nurses and compassionate care professionals. In addition, we have recently begun the quiet phase of a Comprehensive Campaign and are planning for a year-long celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the university.

EOE STATEMENT

Gwynedd Mercy University is committed to maintaining a positive learning, working, and living environment that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. Gwynedd Mercy University does not discriminate against any applicant for admission to or employment at the University because of race, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, color, marital status, veteran status, genetic characteristics, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law (“Protected Classes”). This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, financial aid, educational services, and student programs and activities, as well as to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, recruitment, selection, hiring, placement, transfer, promotion, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, and termination. The University will not tolerate unlawful acts of discrimination or harassment based upon Protected Classes, or related retaliation against or by any employee or student.

When Applying:

Interested applicants are asked to complete the online application and be sure to upload a cover letter, resume (cv format) and any additional documents on the upload screen prior to submitting the online application form.