Vice Provost for Operations

About This Role:

Kansas State University seeks an accomplished leader and collaborative problem solver who can move key institutional initiatives forward in a complex, higher-education environment with tact and diplomacy to serve as the Vice Provost for Operations (VPO).

Reporting to the new Executive Vice President and Provost, Jesse Perez Mendez , the VPO serves as a senior leader in the Office of the Provost, responsible for leading, delegating, and assisting with complex and confidential institutional projects in support of the University's mission, the Next-Gen K-State Strategic Plan , and the advancement of the University's academic enterprise. The VPO serves as one of the Provost's strategic liaisons with the University and the K-State community, cultivating and maintaining strong relationships across K-State campuses, colleges, departments, and units. They will serve as a key aide to the Provost in driving the effective communication and implementation of decisions and initiatives related to strategic functions, priorities, and programs involving the University's academic enterprise. The VPO oversees planning, operations, and communications for the Provost and Office of the Provost and supports the development and implementation of institutional policy and procedures, collaborating with university leaders, governance groups, and stakeholders across the University. This position also supports the Provost in strategically aligning the budget and staffing resources within the Office of the Provost units with institutional priorities. The VPO will supervise the Special Assistant for Project Management and a Communications Specialist, in addition to having joint supervision of the Associate Provost for Administration and Finance.

Worksite Options:

This position is required to be performed on-site . Work is performed on employer premises or designated assignment location.

What You'll Need to Succeed:

Educational and Experience Requirements:

1. An earned Master's degree from an accredited institution.
2. Record as a successful administrator with a minimum of 5 years of experience in strategic and management role, 7-10 years experience preferred.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Proven leadership, strategic planning, and project management skills with an exceptional ability to analyze, plan, coordinate, articulate, and execute complex projects and initiatives.
2. Outstanding organizational, problem-solving, management, and decision-making skills.
3. Excellent oral and written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to articulate matters of complexity and nuance to multiple and varied audiences in both planned and extemporaneous situations.
4. Exceptional critical thinking, judgment, and decision-making skills, including the ability to weigh short and long-term costs/risks and benefits of a potential action.
5. Advanced knowledge and understanding of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques of planning, forecasting, budgeting, and critical thinking in the analysis/assessment of projects and initiatives.
6. Demonstrated ability to effectively lead, coordinate, manage and motivate diverse, high-performing teams.
7. Demonstrated ability to exercise judgment, discretion, and sensitivity to confidentiality.
8. Proven ability to initiate, lead, and facilitate transformational change and innovation initiatives, be adaptable with changing conditions, and comfortable with the ambiguity that accompanies a large public university.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Deep understanding of and passion for the role of public higher education and of land-grant institutions.
2. Collaborative and relationship building skills, with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage others and work with coalitions of faculty, staff, students, university leaders and others across a diverse university community to achieve results.
3. Understanding of the complexities of university academic programming and operations.
4. Demonstrated emotional intelligence and the ability to use diplomacy and sensitivity in working with a diverse and broad range of constituents and relate effectively to individuals throughout all levels of an organization and its stakeholders.
5. Proven record of leading and facilitating transformational change in higher education, building strong teams and talent development.

Other Requirements:

1. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Search Process:

All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited and will be treated confidentially. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume, and letter of interest addressing how you meet the position qualifications and themes in this profile including an example of an innovation you conceived and executed in higher education. The committee is particularly interested in hearing about how you achieved stakeholder support and how you assessed the innovation's success.

WittKieffer is assisting Kansas State University in this search. Application materials should be submitted electronically to

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Sandra Chu, Corin Edwards and Zach Smith, Ph.D.:

Screening of Applications Begins:

The priority application date for this opportunity is October 9th, 2024.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and consistent with the position sought.