Chief Administrator to Provost

Administrator VI

The Office of the Provost works to maintain and enhance the university's excellence in teaching, scholarship and outreach, and is responsible for strategic planning and budgeting, tenure and promotion, academic and research initiatives and general academic supervision of the Ithaca campus.

The Opportunity

Are you a strategic leader who thrives at the intersection of innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence? We invite you to apply for the role of Chief Administrator to the Provost, a highly visible and impactful position that serves as a trusted partner to one of the university's foremost academic leaders.

Reporting directly to the Provost, the Chief Administrator to the Provost plays a critical leadership role in advancing institutional priorities and driving strategic initiatives across the university. This position provides senior-level administrative leadership for the Provost's Office, ensuring operational effectiveness while aligning closely with the university's mission, values, and long-term goals.

You will act as a central connector, partnering with university leadership, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to move ideas into action, anticipate emerging opportunities and challenges, and ensure meaningful progress on high-priority initiatives set forth by the Provost.

What You Will Do

Lead Strategy & Operations

• Provide operational leadership and administrative oversight for the Provost's Office
• Serve as the liaison for core administrative functions including Finance, HR, IT, and Facilities
• Identify challenges and opportunities proactively, conduct analysis, and recommend solutions
• Act on behalf of the Provost to advance decisions and initiatives
• Prepare executive materials for key leadership meetings (e.g., dean's meetings, Provost Staff Council, leadership retreats, and others as needed)
• Monitor institutional dynamics and advise the Provost on emerging issues and next steps

Drive Collaboration & Communication

• Serve as a primary liaison between the Provost and internal/external stakeholders
• Facilitate cross-campus collaboration to advance strategic priorities
• Ensure the Provost is fully prepared for engagements, including events, meetings, and communications
• Partner with executive support staff to optimize scheduling, workflows, and information flow

Executive Communications & Confidential Operations

• Draft complex and confidential correspondence, reports, and presentations
• Manage and prioritize communications on behalf of the Provost
• Support executive-level personnel processes, including appointments, reviews, and sensitive faculty matters
• Maintain organized, secure documentation and support decision-making with high-quality materials

Institutional Engagement & Leadership Alignment

• Collaborate with senior leaders (academic deans, vice provosts, vice presidents) to advance initiatives
• Represent the Provost in meetings and with stakeholder groups
• Support shared governance processes with thoughtful engagement and follow-through

Project Management & Governance

• Plan and execute high-level projects, including Board of Trustees academic affairs work
• Coordinate meetings, agendas, materials, and follow-up for committees and leadership groups
• Conduct research, analyze data, and prepare reports for executive audiences
• Track progress, deadlines, and outcomes of key initiatives

Organizational Effectiveness & Team Collaboration

• Help foster a collaborative and supportive environment within the Provost's Office
• Partner with the President's Office to align processes, share best practices, and ensure continuity
• Provide occasional cross-office support and coverage as needed

In this role, you'll shape meaningful institutional outcomes, contribute to a vibrant academic community, and work alongside dedicated leaders committed to excellence and inclusion. Your work will directly influence how the university advances its mission and supports the success of its students, faculty, and staff. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, we encourage you to apply.

Success Factors

• Exceptional leadership, organizational, and project management skills
• Strong strategic…