New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) welcomes applications and nominations for an experienced academic leader to serve as senior vice provost for academic affairs (SVPAA). This pivotal role offers the opportunity to drive institutional transformation by championing student success and accelerating NJIT's strategic goals.
NJIT is one of only 35 polytechnic universities in the United States and stands as New Jersey's leading producer of technological talent and innovation. As a nexus of innovation, NJIT serves as both a physical and intellectual hub for transformative ideas, groundbreaking research, and visionary people. It is the only university in the nation designated by the Carnegie Classification as an R1 (top-tier) research university, a tech-focused institution, and an opportunity college—providing students with high career earnings and exceptional upward economic mobility. NJIT ranks among the top 80 national universities according to U.S. News & World Report, and #40 among public universities. With $171 million in annual research expenditures and a $2.8 billion economic impact on New Jersey, NJIT plays a vital role in driving the state's economy. The university is also distinguished by its highly diverse student body and is designated a Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, including as an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI) and a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).
With over 12,300 students and 3624 tenured or tenure-track faculty across six schools and colleges, NJIT has seen significant growth in both enrollment and key performance indicators, thanks to new programs, innovations in research, and campus development. The University's multidisciplinary, computing-intensive curriculum prepares students to lead in the technology-dependent economy of the 21st century by providing technological proficiency, business acumen, and leadership skills.
Reporting to Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs John A. Pelesko, the SVPAA is a pivotal member of NJIT's senior leadership team and a key advocate for student success. The SVPAA provides forward-thinking academic leadership to ensure that programs, support services, and university policies are intentionally designed to enhance the student experience and align with NJIT's new strategic plan. The SVPAA oversees a broad portfolio including the Office of Graduate Studies, the Office of Undergraduate Studies, University Libraries, the Office of Global Initiatives, and the Center for Educational Innovation and Excellence, and works closely with senior leadership within the Office of the Provost, college deans, the Faculty Senate, and the Division of Student Affairs to advance student achievement and satisfaction.
As NJIT's lead architect of student-centered academic practice, the next SVPAA will help shape and execute an integrated academic vision aligned with institutional goals that elevate the student experience. In close partnership with the Provost, the SVPAA will guide multi-year planning across key academic units, ensuring measurable improvements in student success and satisfaction. The SVPAA will champion cross-divisional coordination to streamline student services, lead accreditation and assessment efforts that drive continuous improvement, and unify undergraduate and graduate strategies to support learners throughout their academic journey.
This role demands a leader who can break down barriers, build shared purpose, and accelerate NJIT's transition to a more integrated, student-centered academic ecosystem. The SVPAA will join the Provost and Senior Vice President for Student Affairs in leading a cross-campus “student success nexus,” integrating scattered efforts into a cohesive enterprise that identifies and addresses systemic challenges. As a key member of NJIT's senior leadership team, including as a member of the President's Council, the SVPAA will contribute to university-wide decision-making and help shape the future of one of the nation's leading polytechnic institutions.
The successful candidate will hold an earned doctorate or terminal degree, possess significant experience in academic administration, and demonstrate a record of improving student success. This work demands a leader who understands STEM education and modern approaches to student success, both inside and outside the classroom, and brings experience with evidence-based practices, data-informed decision-making, and a record of collaboration. They will be a forward-thinking problem solver and effective communicator who builds trust and shared purpose.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume, and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the profile, available here . WittKieffer is assisting the New Jersey Institute of Technology in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by January 12, 2026. Applications, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to the WittKieffer consultants supporting this search : Alejandra Gillette-Teran and Corin Edwards at NJIT-SVPAA@wittkieffer.com . NJIT reasonably expects to pay within the range of $270,000 - $340,000.
As an EEO employer, NJIT is committed to building a diverse and inclusive teaching, research, and working environment and strongly encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women.
As a Minority Serving Institution with designations as an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), NJIT is committed to embracing diversity, centering equity, and practicing inclusion with the goal of sustaining a culture of belonging. NJIT celebrates the diversity of our university community and recognizes the cultural and personal contributions each member of the community brings to NJIT. We strive to cultivate a campus culture that promotes inclusive excellence among our faculty, staff, students, and external partners. Sustaining and building upon our diverse community is critical to NJIT's continuing status as a premier research institution of higher education and a leading polytechnic university.
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Provost • Newark, New Jersey, United States