Job Details

Chief Academic Officer/Provost

 
Community College of Philadelphia, a an access-driven and transformative institution in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for its chief academic officer/provost position. This is an on-site position that includes up to one remote workday per week. The anticipated start date is January 2027. 

Since opening in 1965, the Community College of Philadelphia has served more than 700,000 individuals. The college is the largest public institution of higher education in Philadelphia, the sixth largest in Pennsylvania, and the highest-enrolled of the commonwealth's 15 community colleges. The college offers more than 100 associate degree and certificate programs that prepare students to enter in-demand careers or transfer to four-year institutions. Programs span business, entrepreneurship, and law; creative arts; design, construction, and transportation; education and human services; healthcare; liberal arts and communications; and science and technology. 

Reporting directly to the president and serving on the president's cabinet and executive leadership team, the chief academic officer/provost provides vision, strategic direction, and administrative oversight for the college's academic enterprise. As the president's chief advisor on academic matters, the CAO/provost will advance excellence in teaching and learning, academic quality, student success, curricular innovation, and workforce relevance in alignment with the college's mission, strategic plan, institutional goals, and accreditation standards. The CAO/provost will supervise eight direct reports, provide leadership for approximately 328 full-time and 402 part-time faculty members, and oversee more than 100 associate degree and certificate programs. The CAO/provost's portfolio is supported by an annual operating budget of approximately $60.6 million.   

The salary range is $200,000--$240,000. 

Qualifications 

A doctorate in higher education, education, leadership, or an appropriate academic discipline from a regionally accredited institution is required. Candidates must also possess at least ten years of progressively responsible higher education leadership experience and previous postsecondary teaching experience. The successful candidate will demonstrate significant experience overseeing multiple academic departments or divisions and a record of accomplishment in academic administration, curriculum development, academic innovation, accreditation, assessment, faculty leadership, budget management, strategic planning, and change leadership. 

Application and Nomination 

Community College of Philadelphia has selected Spelman Johnson, a leading executive search firm, to assist with leading this search. Priority review of applications will begin October 13, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Submit a resume and cover letter via https://spelmanandjohnson.com/position/chief-academic-officer-provost/ 

• Contact Anne-Marie Kenney at amk@spelmanjohnson.com for confidential inquiries. 
• Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com. 

Visit the Community College of Philadelphia website at www.ccp.edu  

The Community College of Philadelphia is committed to the principles of equal employment and equal educational opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, creed, national origin, age, sexual orientation, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, disability, veteran status, marital status, genetic information or any other protected category under the applicable local, state or federal law.