Vice Provost for International Affairs

THE SEARCH

The University of Minnesota (the University or UMN) - one of the most prestigious comprehensive, public land-grant research universities in the nation - seeks an experienced, creative, collaborative, and entrepreneurial leader to serve as its next Vice Provost for International Affairs (VPIA). As the VPIA and Senior International Officer (SIO), this position drives the University’s global strategy and advances the global dimensions of teaching, research, and engagement across the five-campus system.

The VPIA will play a pivotal role in enhancing the University of Minnesota's reputation as a world-class research and education institution and a destination of choice for international scholars, faculty, and students. This position provides visionary and strategic direction for all international affairs and represents the University of Minnesota at national and global forums, and serves as a key partner within the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost (OEVPP) and across the University, and State of Minnesota. The VPIA will cultivate national and international partnerships, expand research and education collaborations, support international student recruitment and alumni engagement, and promote a welcoming, inclusive, and globally diverse campus culture.

The VPIA provides leadership and administrative oversight to the units within the Global Programs and Strategy Alliance (GPS), including the largest units—International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and the Learning Abroad Center (LAC). With approximately 115 staff, these units play a critical role in driving the University's global strategy and connecting faculty, staff, and students with the resources and expertise needed for personal and professional success.

The VPIA reports to the Executive Vice President and Provost, serving on the provost’s senior leadership team, and convening the University’s International Programs Council (IPC). The VPIA will consult with the Vice Provosts on educational and enrollment matters, and with the Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation on fostering international research partnerships. Externally, the VPIA represents the University at national and international associations, boards, and councils, such as NAFSA: Association of International Educators, Institute of International Education (IIE), Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA), and Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) SIO Affinity Group.

The University of Minnesota has a long and distinguished history of global engagement and is a recognized innovator and leader in the field of international education. International students first enrolled in 1874, and alumni have gone on to serve as prime ministers, ambassadors, and leaders within academia and across industries. The pioneering and nationally recognized “Minnesota Model” of study abroad curriculum integration has led to more than 30% of undergraduate students having an experience abroad before they graduate. The University was among the first in the country to create positions dedicated to internationalizing the curriculum; international health, safety, and compliance; and mental health in study abroad.

As an innovative and visionary thinker, the successful candidate will inspire with a clear and compelling vision for driving the University’s global strategy and the ability to engage a multidisciplinary group of faculty, staff, and students. They will be an internationally-recognized leader in their field, with a compelling record of successfully building and maintaining strong, transnational partnerships and productive relationships with people from a range of disciplines and cultural backgrounds. They will be an experienced leader with a broad knowledge of higher education, theories, and concepts in international education and modern global affairs, and the experience to handle high-level administrative tasks such as legal agreements and negotiations.

The University of Minnesota has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national search firm, to assist in this important search. All inquiries, applications, and nominations for this opportunity should be directed in confidence to the University or search firm as indicated at the end of this document.

APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the link below. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.

Sean Farrell, Silvia Cheng, and Drew Chang
Isaacson, Miller | imsearch.com

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu