President

Palo Alto University seeks a highly experienced, entrepreneurial, and relationship-oriented leader committed to addressing pressing issues in today’s diverse society through behavioral health education, research, and training to serve as its next President. Applications, inquiries, and nominations are welcomed and invited. The next President of Palo Alto University will follow the highly successful tenure of Dr. Maureen O’Connor, retiring after her ninth year as PAU’s third President.

Palo Alto University (PAU) is a private, non-profit institution located in the heart of Silicon Valley. For nearly five decades, PAU has been dedicated to equipping its graduates to meet the varying and critical needs of contemporary society. Today, 20 undergraduate, 1,209 graduate students, and more than 4,200 alumni are proud members of the PAU community. The University offers a variety of programs in psychology, counseling, and social work, both independently and in partnership with other world-class institutions and mission-driven organizations.

PAU offers a comprehensive range of programs including a +2-undergraduate degree, graduate master’s and doctoral level degrees, and continuing education certificates and certifications, delivered through innovative online, hybrid, and residential modalities.

Palo Alto University is guided by core values of equity and inclusion, community, excellence and integrity, compassion, and innovation. These principles drive the University's efforts to establish and maintain institutional systems that promote culturally responsive training and foster a community dedicated to equitable practices and policies. Through its 2021-2026 strategic plan, 'Path to Inclusive Excellence', PAU reaffirms its steadfast commitment to addressing challenges and opportunities through the lens of inclusive excellence.

The next President will join PAU at a pivotal moment as the University enters its 50^th  anniversary. The University will look to the President for vision and leadership to advance its strategic plan, diversify the University's revenue streams, enhance engagement and visibility for the University, shape a robust advancement plan, and bring creative solutions to the campus footprint.

Qualified candidates should have demonstrated progressive leadership experience in an organization of comparable size and scale, along with a deep appreciation for the evolving challenges in the expanding fields of education, research, and practice at PAU. The ideal candidate will be a compelling communicator who resonates with PAU's mission and values. A proven track record of advancing diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environments is essential.

An earned doctorate or terminal degree is desired. There is an openness to nontraditional candidates who, through previous experience and leadership in transformational undertakings and commitment to excellence in higher education, would garner the respect of the campus and broader communities.

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 leadership profile.

Review of candidate materials will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. For optimal consideration, please submit materials by Wednesday, December 18, 2024. WittKieffer is assisting Palo Alto University in this search.

Palo Alto University reasonably expects to pay within the range of $500,000 - $650,000.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and is firmly committed to non-discrimination in its hiring and other employment practices and in the application of its personnel policies. In compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists, employment decisions will be made irrespective of the staff member's race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age (except for minors), sex, marital status, citizenship status, military service status, sexual orientation, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic condition), disability and/or any another status protected by law. When necessary, the University will reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities, if the individual is otherwise qualified to safely perform all essential functions of the position and if it will be done without undue hardship to the University.