Associate Provost for Interdisciplinary Initiatives

Position Description

Applications due by 11:59 p.m. on April 19, 2024.

Date: March 2024
Business Title: Associate Provost for Interdisciplinary Initiatives
Department Name: Office of the Provost
Management Center: University General
Supervisor Name and Title: Provost and Executive Vice President (or designee)

Position Objective

The Associate Provost for Interdisciplinary Initiatives is responsible for developing new and enhancing exciting interdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships across campus and building a culture of intellectual vibrancy by building bridges with affiliate partners. This includes overseeing a variety of campus centers, institutes, and initiatives (e.g., Sears think[box], Inamori Center, Social Justice Institute, Siegal Lifelong Learning, Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship, etc.), as well as working with our local partners.  This includes providing leadership for those interdisciplinary units and collaborations positioned within the Provost’s Office as well as coordinating appropriate connections to interdisciplinary efforts within the schools and the College and Office of Research and Technology Management. 

This new position within the Office of the Provost will provide a focal point for interdisciplinary collaboration and exchange.  This includes oversight of the Inamori Center, Sears think[box], Siegal Lifelong Learning Program, Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship, Interprofessional and Interdisciplinary Education and Research, and the Social Justice Institute as well as facilitating community partnerships and affiliations, including Minority Serving Institutions.

The Associate Provost is a member of the Provost’s Advisory Council (PAC).

This position requires 75% effort (internal search) and requires status as a tenured, full professor at Case Western Reserve University.

Administrative Supplement

An administrative supplement is included in this position and is negotiated based on experience and level of responsibilities. 

Essential Functions

  1. In partnership with the appropriate deans and VPs (including the President’s Office and Government Relations), oversee new and exciting interdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships throughout the region, the state, and nation.  This may also include academic initiatives with local industry partners, NASA, and any state-wide educational consortia or national consortia as aligned to priorities. 
  2. Oversee the direction, support, and evaluation of those centers and institutes that currently report to the Provost’s Office, including the Inamori Center, Sears think[box], Siegal Lifelong Learning Program, Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship, Interprofessional and Interdisciplinary Education and Research, and the Social Justice Institute (and others in the future). 
  3. Develop and implement policies and procedures related to centers, institutes, and interdisciplinary programs as needed to encourage ease in partnering and or administering projects and collaborations. 
  4. Develop programming and activities that support cross-functional, cross-disciplinary activities and discussions that lead to stronger academic and research programs across campus. 
  5. Build the academic and intellectual vibrancy of the campus through educational and scholarly activities that enhance problem-solving and improvements in the human condition. 
  6. Facilitate collaboration and resource-sharing among various units.
  7. Collaborate with leaders in the Provost’s Office to advance the success of the university through joint projects and initiatives. 
  8. Develop programming assessments and evaluate the overall success in advancing CWRU mission. Adjust strategies to enhance effectiveness of programs, collaborations and partnerships.

Nonessential Functions 

  1. Perform other duties as assigned.

Contacts

Department: Regular contact with the Provost and other professionals in the office.
University: Regular contact with the deans, senior administrators in the schools, and faculty. 
External: Periodic contact with administrators at other institutions. Frequent contact with members of the community.
Students: Occasional contact with students.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Direct supervisory responsibility and oversight for campus centers and institutes including Sears think[box], Inamori Center, Social Justice Institute, Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship, and Siegal Lifelong Learning.

Qualifications

Experience: This position is open to CWRU tenured faculty members holding the rank of Full Professor with a strong track record of collaborative leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Education/Licensing: A terminal degree (e.g. MD, PhD, EdD) is required.

Required Skills

  1. Excellent decision-making skills and exceptional judgment.
  2. Strong skills in negotiation, collaboration, and consensus-building.
  3. Strong record in research, scholarly works, and/or creative works. 
  4. Strong appreciation and advocacy for diversity.
  5. Demonstrated track record of mentoring students in research, experiential learning, and/or service learning.
  6. Advanced ability to function as a member of a team.
  7. Superior ability to communicate persuasively, effectively, and thoughtfully (verbally and written). Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
  8. Highest levels of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness and a commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards.
  9. Ability to address and resolve conflicts with integrity and compassion.

Working Conditions

General office environment.

Submission Requirements

Candidates should submit 1) a cover letter that states interest in the position, experience in areas related to the role, and vision for the role, 2) a curriculum vitae, and 3) a list of four reference contacts. Please submit application materials as one, combined PDF to Susan Karaba at slk18@case.edu. Please name your file "Last Name, First Name_Associate Provost"