The Opportunity

Vanderbilt University is a private research university in Nashville, Tennessee. Founded in 1873 by Cornelius Vanderbilt, the university has a student body of over 15,000 students and employs more than 9,000 faculty and staff. Vanderbilt offers over 70 undergraduate degree programs, as well as a wide range of graduate and professional programs.

Vanderbilt University seeks a dynamic and impactful leader to serve as the inaugural Vice Chancellor for People, Culture and Belonging (“Vice Chancellor” or “VC”). Reporting directly to the Chancellor, the VC will lead recruitment, professional development, and belonging initiatives and foster strategic collaborations in support of the university’s mission and vision. This leadership opportunity calls for a highly driven and innovative executive, with an inherent focus on the development of people and culture, who can deploy strategies to remain connected and engaged with staff and faculty. This leader will have the unique opportunity to establish and significantly shape best practices related to leadership and employee development, culture and belonging, compensation and benefits, health and wellness, equal access, policy guidance, and university strategy.

The Vice Chancellor will bring an exceptional track record of leadership experience, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to lead and implement change in an effective and proactive manner. The successful candidate will be a naturally collaborative leader with a distinguished record of outstanding professional service and accomplishment. The VC collaborates with Vanderbilt’s administrative, academic, and interdisciplinary research leaders throughout the university. Above all, the Vice Chancellor will be a trusted partner, dedicated leader and institutional citizen alongside a committed and talented faculty, staff, and student community. This critical leadership opportunity calls for an innovative, highly motivated executive who engages with the Vanderbilt community in a meaningful way.

The Vice Chancellor will lead through a combination of influence, business savvy, purposeful and meaningful relationship-building, and the demonstration of exceptional functional expertise. As a university leader, the VC will play a pivotal role in fully implementing a comprehensive review and transformation of division policies, practices, and technologies and deliver impactful solutions that attract, retain, and engage a diverse workforce that will contribute to the university’s identity as a world leader in higher education and an employer of choice. The VC will manage a team of direct reports across several units including Equal Access, Human Resources, Payroll and Employee Records, Belonging Initiatives, and Health and Wellness.

Nashville, Tennessee is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. The city is home to a diverse economy, with booming industries in health care, technology, entertainment, auto, sports, and education. Nashville is also a great place to raise a family, with excellent schools and a vibrant cultural scene.

How to Apply

Vanderbilt University has retained Korn Ferry, a national executive recruiting firm, to assist with this search. All nominations, inquiries, and application materials should be submitted in confidence to Korn Ferry. The search will continue until the position is filled. Applications should include a detailed curriculum vitae and a letter of interest that highlight the applicant’s personal vision and relevant leadership experience. To ensure full consideration, inquiries, nominations, and applications should be submitted electronically in confidence, to: Annika.Adstedt@kornferry.com

 

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are.  We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

 

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.