The University of Maine (“UMaine”) seeks a high-level trusted Senior Advisor to the President/Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation (VCRI).

This is a particularly impactful time in the institution’s more than 150-year history. The University of Maine System recently received a $240 million investment from the Harold Alfond Foundation; it is the largest gift ever given to a public institution of higher education in New England and will propel to new heights the state’s largest educational, research, innovation and talent development asset. Along with our unified accreditation and Strategic Vision and Values, which affirm our focus on fostering student success, discovering and innovating, and growing and advancing partnerships, this transformational gift provides an opportunity to attract exceptional and collaborative leaders to the University of Maine community.  We seek applicants who lead effectively through meaningful change; value and uphold transparency; demonstrate a commitment to promoting and supporting diversity, inclusion, and equity; support world-changing research; encourage innovative teaching practices; recognizing and seize opportunities; and amplify the university’s profile.

The flagship campus of the University of Maine System, UMaine is a land, sea, and space grant university serving the state, nation, and world through its research, teaching, economic development, and public service mission. The institution has a foundational commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence. UMaine is located in the town of Orono, with a regional campus at the University of Maine at Machias (“UMaine Machias”), and has facilities, faculty, and staff statewide. UMaine is home to a vibrant community of more than 11,000 students who are drawn to this institution from across Maine, Wabanaki First Nations, almost all of the U.S. states, and 62 countries. The University offers more than 90 undergraduate and 100 graduate programs taught by world-class faculty with modern teaching and laboratory facilities. With a sustained focus on research, innovation, and entrepreneurship and annual extramural research expenditures exceeding $137 million, UMaine is seeking to achieve the highest Carnegie Classification as a doctoral university with very high research activity. Located on Marsh Island in the Penobscot Nation homeland and home to the state’s sole Division I athletic program, the University employs 1,030 full and part-time faculty, and 1,560 staff. It is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of the state through research, cultural enrichment, and the development of an educated workforce. UMaine Machias offers its 650 students baccalaureate degrees within an active and diverse community of learners who share a commitment to exploration, leadership, collaboration, and interdisciplinary problem solving.

The Senior Advisor reports to the President and is responsible for tracking, analyzing, and providing consultation and advice on a wide range of University of Maine operational matters, strategic initiatives and policy.  The incumbent leverages their knowledge and experience to develop recommendations pertaining to strategies, policies, approaches and implementation activities, including engagement with University of Maine System initiatives in which UMaine has significant involvement.  The incumbent partners closely with senior campus leadership and others, including UMS colleagues, in the development, implementation and monitoring of strategic initiatives including, but not limited to: Strategic Vision and Values; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; UMS TRANSFORMS; Presidential Fellows program; corporate partnerships and the UMaine Portland Gateway; recognition of performance excellence; and organization culture and climate.

To learn more about this position and to apply, please visit: https://umaine.hiretouch.com/job-details?jobID=70467&job=senior-advisor-to-the-president-special-initiatives

Appropriate background checks are required.

 The University of Maine is an EEO/AA employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Amie Parker, Interim Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 North Stevens Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME  04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).