Vice President for Academic Affairs & Provost

About the Position

Marymount University stands at a pivotal moment in its 75-year history. Founded in 1950 by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, Marymount has grown from a small, regional women's college into a nationally recognized, globally connected Catholic university recognized for its academic excellence, commitment to serving others, and preparing its 4,300 students for success. Located in Arlington, Virginia—just minutes from downtown Washington, D.C.—Marymount was the first Catholic university and the first Hispanic-Serving Institution in the Commonwealth, proudly representing the region's diversity and vibrancy. Today, Marymount is a university on the rise. The institution recently earned dual national distinctions from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and the American Council on Education—placing it among just 33 universities nationwide recognized for both research excellence and expanding access and opportunity. Marymount has also been named a Best National University and the top-ranked private institution in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report, and one of Forbes' 2026 America's Top Colleges—a testament to its growing reputation and transformative impact.

The Vice President for Academic Affairs & Provost serves as Marymount's Chief Academic Officer and a key member of the President's Cabinet—playing an essential role in shaping the university's academic vision, fostering a culture of excellence, and advancing its mission to prepare workforce-ready students. Reporting directly to the President, the Provost provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for the university's academic programs, faculty, and research efforts. The Provost collaborates with deans, faculty, and campus leaders to identify innovative curriculum and market-driven programs that are relevant to our region, promote academic innovation, enhance student success, and elevate Marymount's national reputation for excellence and accessibility. This senior leader will oversee and support the academic mission of the University, fostering a collegial and innovative community built on trust, shared governance, and a commitment to the mission.

Marymount's academic enterprise includes three colleges and numerous schools and centers:

• College of Business, Innovation, Leadership & Technology (BILT) – home to the Schools of Business, Design and Art, and Technology and Innovation, as well as the Center for the Innovative Workforce.
• College of Health and Education – encompassing the Schools of Counseling, Education, Health Sciences, and the Malek School of Nursing Professions, along with the Center for Optimal Aging.
• College of Sciences and Humanities – including the Schools of Humanities, Science, Mathematics & Engineering, and Social and Behavioral Sciences.

In addition, administrative areas within academic affairs include: Library and Learning Services; Academic Finance; Accreditation, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness; Student Health & Wellness; Registrar; Student Success and Support Services.

The successful candidate must be tenured and possess the highest caliber of character, integrity, and trustworthiness, combined with vision, initiative, and energy to promote academic excellence and student success. Serving as a strategic advisor to the President and a visible advocate for faculty and academic life, the Provost will help steer Marymount through a period of significant growth—leading with purpose, innovation, and a steadfast dedication to student-centered learning.

Key Attractors

• Transformational Leadership Opportunity: An influential role to lead, elevate, and shape the academic mission of a top private university in the Washington, D.C., area—an institution with record enrollment, nationwide recognition, and historic momentum.
• Strategic Influence & Impact: As the chief academic officer, the Provost will play a crucial role in shaping the future of a dynamic, mission-driven university whose faculty, staff, students, and alumni are making a significant impact locally, nationally, and globally.
• Academic Excellence & Collaboration: Lead a community of committed scholars and educators dedicated to delivering excellent teaching and student success. Foster a collegial environment of shared governance, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Empowered Leadership & Faculty Development: Ability to recruit, develop, and support top-tier faculty, as well as to improve academic programs that meet the needs of today's students and future industries. Marymount's tradition of excellence is enhanced by its commitment to modern facilities, cutting-edge technology, and support for faculty innovation.
• Accreditation and Compliance: Oversee the accreditation processes for all our academic programs, ensuring compliance with SACSCOC standards and with specialized accrediting bodies relevant to each discipline. This involves coordinating institutional efforts and aligning program outcomes with accreditation criteria across the board.
• A Community and a Place to Thrive: Located in Arlington, Virginia—just minutes from downtown D.C.—Marymount offers the ideal blend of professional opportunities and quality of life. The region's exceptional schools, cultural vitality, and diverse neighborhoods create an outstanding environment for both professional and personal growth. The Provost will join a collaborative leadership team and a warm, inclusive community where ideas are heard; innovation is encouraged, and purpose drives progress.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Commitment to building a strong and innovative learning environment for students that stresses academic quality, student engagement, experiential learning, and global perspectives.
• Oversee the top accreditations for all academic programs, including SACSCOC.
• Ability to lead a community with sensitivity through a time of significant growth and change.
• Nuanced understanding of student retention strategies, student academic support services, and assessment.
• Exceptional budgetary and financial management skills, and the ability to share financial information clearly and transparently.
• The ability to set high standards and inspire others is important.

Qualifications

Required:

• Tenured with a doctorate (PhD) or terminal degree from an accredited institution.
• A distinguished record of academic achievement and leadership in higher education, typically at the dean or provost level.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible academic administrative experience; minimum of 5 years of teaching experience; at least 3 years in a Chair or Dean position.
• Excellent teaching record.
• Demonstrated success in leading academic innovation, managing complex budgets, and fostering collaborative teams.
• Commitment to shared governance, faculty development, and student-centered education.

Preferred:

• Understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing higher education.
• Experience with regional and program-specific accreditation.
• Familiarity with online and hybrid learning environments and educational technologies.

Personal Characteristics

• Visionary, strategic thinker with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Transparent and collaborative leadership style.
• Commitment to academic excellence, integrity, and lifelong learning.
• Ability to build consensus and manage change effectively.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $265,000 - $285,000, commensurate with experience and discipline. It is also competitive, market-based, and aligned with the University's financial framework. Salary is only one aspect of an employee's total compensation. Total rewards include: comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, supplemental life insurance, short/long term disability, EAP, credit union, a tuition remission program, contribution to the University's 403B retirement plan, 457 plan, paid time off and more.

Please note that this role is an in-person position based in Arlington, VA.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a C.V. and cover letter addressing qualifications related to the aforementioned responsibilities and competencies to: Jenessa Hoffman, President of Recruiting, via email at jhoffman@esgi-pr.com. While applications will be accepted until a successful candidate has been appointed, interested parties are encouraged to submit their materials by August 31, 2026 to receive optimal consideration.