-
Job Description
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
(Administrator IV)
Compensation and Benefits
The anticipated hiring salary is $300,000 - $335,000 per year and is competitive and negotiable depending on the strength of qualifications. This is a CSU Management Personnel Plan (MPP) position.
The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here .
Job Summary
Reporting directly to the President and serving as a member of his cabinet, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs will be an innovative and dynamic leader who will work collaboratively with cabinet members, the Academic Senate, deans, faculty, staff, and students to advance strategic goals across the University’s campus. The Provost will provide strategic , academic , and administrative leadership for Fresno State’s eight colleges, including the library; guide and support these units to reach a new level of excellence in their teaching, research, and service missions; and provide accountability as it relates to accreditation and the assessment of learning outcomes.
The Provost serves as the chief academic officer of Fresno State and is responsible for overseeing all academic programs, including instruction and research, and providing leadership for academic administrative operations. The Provost has principal responsibility for the planning, development, implementation, assessment, and improvement of all academic programs, policies, and supporting infrastructure, including facilities and information technology. The Provost ensures academic excellence through the recruitment and retention of world-class faculty, as well as through rigorous review of faculty for retention, tenure, and promotion. Primarily, the Provost will ensure the success of Fresno State’s innovative and transformative academic goals. Fundamentally, the Provost will also lead Fresno State’s innovation in teaching and research, especially addressing the value and challenges that AI presents to academia.
Key Qualifications
- Understanding the complexity of emerging opportunities present in a large comprehensive University environment, and the ability to work effectively in a consultative management setting within the framework of traditional academic self-governance and the collective bargaining environment.
- Proven commitment to shared governance and supporting and empowering collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, and administrators within a unionized environment, promoting teamwork at all levels.
- Demonstrated commitment to the professional development of faculty and staff, as well as ensuring campus programs and services that support student learning objectives and promote academic success.
- Experience managing complex budgets and allocating resources with a high level of transparency and fairness.
- Strategic and data-informed thinking with experience in assessment and outcomes measurements as well as accreditation requirements and logistics.
To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.
Education and Experience
- An earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited institution, a Ph.D. is strongly preferred.
- A distinguished record of teaching, scholarly achievement, service, and other qualifications that merit appointment as a full professor in one of the disciplines at Fresno State.
- A successful track record of administration and leadership in higher education, including a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience as Department Chair and/or Associate Dean, and as Dean of a College or equivalent position.
- A track record of advocating academic excellence in peer-reviewed publications with a preferred history of grant-related leadership; advocating for faculty through a passionate commitment to generate innovative strategies that develop and enhance resources for research, scholarship, and creative activities.
Deadline & Application Instructions
SP&A Executive Search is assisting Fresno State with this important recruitment. To inquire about the search or submit nominations,
please contact SP&A Executive Search at: Alberto Pimentel - Managing Partner, Emy Cruz - Partner, Sal Venegas Jr. - Partner -- SP&A Executive Search 6512 Painter Avenue, Whittier, CA 90601, apsearch@spaexec.com
Applications received by March 6, 2026 will be given full consideration by the search committee. Applications received after that date will be forwarded at the request of the Hiring Manager and/or search committee.
Please click “Apply Now” to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) their most recent resumé/vitae, 2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.
Fresno State
California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.
Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.
Equal Employment Opportunity Information
California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.
COVID19 Vaccination Policy
Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy , it is strongly recommended that all employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications. Questions may be sent to hr@csufresno.edu .
Supplemental Information
Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.
The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
This position may be a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This will require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within six (6) months of assuming office and every two (2) years thereafter.
Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.
Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. (e.g. H1-B Visas)
Advertised: Jan 28 2026 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close: -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
-
-
Cal State University (CSU) Fresno
Show moreOver 100 years of excellence
Fresno State has roots dating back to 1911, when the doors of the Fresno State Normal School opened to 150 hopeful students. Today, the student population is about 25,000 and the University has garnered national attention for its rise in prestigious college rankings.
With majors in 70 bachelor’s, 44 master’s and three doctoral subject areas, Fresno State has come a long way from its modest beginning.
To date, more than 180,000 alumni have migrated to every state in the nation and across the globe. They are prominent leaders, innovators and critical thinkers in every industry, transforming our region and communities across the world.
Our commitment to the region
Nestled in the center of California, in one of the richest agricultural valleys on the planet and one of the most culturally-diverse regions in the country, Fresno State is a place where students grow from high-impact practices and unique community partnerships.
This is a fertile place to boldly equip and empower our students for success. And the success of our students – the next generation of leaders in our region and beyond – is of utmost importance.
Our community ties are strong because we believe this region can thrive when the community and University work as one. That’s why we show our commitment to the community through providing millions of hours of service, partnering with local organizations and spreading Fresno State pride across the Valley.
-