The Office of the Provost at Bradley University invites applications for the positions of Associate Provost for Academic Excellence and Associate Provost for Strategic Operations. These roles report to the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs with an anticipated start date on or around July 1, 2026.

The successful candidates will join Bradley as the University's new President and the campus community are developing a new strategic plan. These individuals will work closely with faculty, staff, students, and campus leadership to ensure high-quality academic programs and support services that attract students, ensure student success, and elevate the University’s distinction. The associate provosts will serve as integral members of a strong and collaborative Academic Affairs leadership team and will be expected to embrace the institution's commitment to shared governance while navigating complex decisions and advancing premier student experiences.

Located in Peoria’s historic West Bluff neighborhood, Bradley University is a mid-sized, private institution that combines the resources of a larger university with the personal attention of a smaller campus community. Bradley enrolls nearly 5,000 students, including approximately 3,600 undergraduates and 1,200 graduate students, and employs over 900 faculty and staff. The University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate academic programs – on-campus and online – across business, communications, education, engineering, fine arts, health sciences, liberal arts and sciences, and technology. A Bradley education emphasizes innovation, collaboration and interdisciplinarity learning that prepares students to lead in their fields.

Associate Provost for Academic Excellence

Responsibilities: The Provost seeks a collaborative and strategic leader to support and strengthen academic programs and initiatives across the institution. The Associate Provost for Academic Excellence will assist the Provost with the leadership, management, and day-to-day oversight of Academic Affairs; contribute to strategic level initiatives; and partner with the campus community to advance academic rigor and student success.

The Associate Provost for Academic Excellence will provide leadership in key areas including faculty excellence across teaching, scholarship, and service; faculty mentoring and development; curricular quality and innovation; and effective communication within Academic Affairs and across the university. The role works closely with Deans, Assistant and Associate Deans and directors or heads of other academic affairs units.

Direct reports to the Associate Provost for Academic Excellence include the Honors Program, Education Abroad, the Center for Teaching Excellence and Learning, Online and Distance Education, Graduate Studies, and Interdisciplinary Studies. The successful candidate will collaborate with the Provost to define the full scope and responsibilities of the position.

Associate Provost for Strategic Operations

Responsibilities: The Associate Provost for Strategic Operations will assist the Provost with the leadership, management, and day-to-day oversight of Academic Affairs; contribute to strategic level initiatives; and collaborate with the campus community to improve operations and foster a welcoming environment.

The Associate Provost for Strategic Operations will provide leadership in areas including strategic planning and initiatives; process improvement; space and resource utilization; and efforts that advance equity and belonging. The role works closely with Deans, Assistant and Associate Deans, and directors or heads of academic affairs units.

Direct reports to the Associate Provost for Strategic Operations include the Registrar, Institutional Effectiveness, Continuing Education, the Office of Sponsored Programs, Inclusive Excellence, Campus Culture and Climate, and ADVANCE BU. The successful candidate will collaborate with the Provost to define the full scope and responsibilities of the position.

Required Qualifications (Both Positions):

• A terminal degree and eligibility for tenure in one of the University’s academic departments
• At least three years of successful academic leadership experience at the level of department chair, associate dean or higher
• Evidence of experience and success in some or all areas of responsibility described above
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with internal and external constituents
• Experience with budget management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Evidence of a commitment to shared governance
• Evidence of collaboration within academic affairs and across the institution

Qualified applicants should submit a letter of application addressing how their experience has prepared them for success in the position, a current CV, and the name and contact information for three professional references. Applicants should specify in their letter which position they wish to be considered for. Candidates interested in being considered for both Associate Provost roles should indicate this and describe how their experience aligns with each portfolio. Review of application materials will begin on April 20, 2026.

To ensure full consideration, please attach all documents at the initial time of application.

Employment with Bradley University is contingent upon a satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Visa sponsorship is not available for these positions.

Bradley University offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life and disability coverages, FSA, HSA, and retirement plan options. Bradley also offers significant higher education cost savings for employees and dependents through the Tuition Remission program. Information regarding our benefits can be found here: https://www.bradley.edu/offices/business/human-resources/benefits/

Bradley University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The administration, faculty and staff are committed to attracting qualified candidates from underrepresented groups.