Presidential Search
Position Description
As a national research university with urban teaching and service missions, Wayne State University seeks a President with a broad vision of the nature and responsibilities of an urban university, the capacity to articulate that vision within the university and externally, the ability to formulate policies and programs to implement that vision, and the administrative skill to implement those policies and programs. In short, Wayne State University seeks a President fully committed to the university’s urban teaching and service missions and status as a premier research institution.Duties and responsibilities of the President include:
- As chief executive, lead the entire university, in collaboration with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters, toward the vision and goals enunciated in our strategic plan.
- Implement the university's core principles of Urban Mission, Global Presence, Commitments to Innovative Technology and Diversity.
- Promote and expand the research capabilities of the university.
- Provide the management necessary to lead the day-to-day operations of the university.
- Work collaboratively with students, faculty and staff through established consultative mechanisms, including collective bargaining, and other formal and informal means.
- Maintain affordable access to superior quality education
- Work effectively with state officials to obtain adequate support for the university's programs.
- Substantially increase resources from both private and public sources to support the university's goals.
- Recruit superior academic and administrative leaders and work collaboratively with them to carry out the university's goals.
The preferred candidate will have a strong academic background or have occupied a senior executive position at a large, complex organization; have a strong fundraising track record, and have exceptional interpersonal capabilities.
The preferred candidate will also have the following characteristics:
- A commitment to the highest standards of integrity.
- A proponent of the value of higher education.
- A commitment to assuring access to higher education and attainment of success for all persons without regard to economic class, station, race, faith, ethnicity, gender, age, personal lifestyle, or disability.
- A proponent of excellence in academic pursuits.
- A concern for the students, faculty and staff of the university and the ability to work effectively with all members of the university and broader communities.
- A commitment to treating all people with respect.
The following characteristics are highly desirable:
- Possesses a high level of energy and personal resilience.
- Has the ability to develop and oversee a strong administrative structure.
- Will creatively implement the university's vision.
- Has the proven ability to provide strong leadership and innovation for the university.
- Possesses exceptional communication skills.
