What are the responsibilities and job description for the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs position at Design Observer?
Search for the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
College for Creative Studies
Detroit, Michigan
The College for Creative Studies nurtures the creativity that is vital to the enrichment of modern culture. The College educates visual artists and designers, knowledgeable in varied fields, who will be leaders in creative professions that shape society and advance economic growth. The College fosters students’ resolve to pursue excellence, act ethically, embrace their responsibilities as citizens of diverse local and global communities, and learn throughout their lives. The College engages in community service by offering opportunities for artistic enrichment and opening career pathways to talented individuals of all ages.
THE SEARCH
The College for Creative Studies (CCS) seeks a collaborative and future-oriented leader in art and design to serve as its next Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. The role offers the opportunity to elevate CCS’s national and international reputation, deepen regional industry partnerships within Detroit’s creative ecosystem, and position the college for sustainable growth while preserving its mission and creative identity.
Reporting to the President and serving on the President’s leadership team, the Provost will guide CCS’s academic vision and be instrumental in implementing the strategic plan to expand access, evolve programs, and increase enrollment. As Chief Academic Officer, the Provost provides direction and evaluation for all academic activities, curricular matters, and faculty affairs. The Provost oversees Academic Affairs, Undergraduate and Graduate Studies, and Campus Life. The Provost must ensure academic quality and compliance with accreditation and regulatory requirements, facilitate collaborative efforts to address strategic opportunities, and deploy resources effectively to support institutional priorities.
The Provost must balance big-picture thinking with operational rigor, including recruiting, retaining, and developing faculty, practicing shared governance, and aligning programmatic decisions with budget realities in partnership with the CFO. The role emphasizes fostering an inclusive, collaborative campus culture, advancing student retention and success, and engaging externally to build partnerships, secure funding, and expand career pathways for students. The ideal candidate will combine a demonstrated commitment to creative practice and academic leadership with experience in program innovation, faculty development, financial stewardship, and community engagement.
COMPENSATION AND LOCATION
The anticipated compensation for this position will be competitive and commensurate with experience. The Provost is expected to have a regular presence on campus, ensuring visibility and accessibility with faculty, staff, and the local community. Periodic travel for conferences, events, and network building is expected.
APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS
Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/college-creative-studies/provost
Dan Rodas, Partner
Nella Young, Senior Associate
Seema Khan, Senior Search Coordinator
Isaacson, Miller
College for Creative Studies
Detroit, Michigan
The College for Creative Studies nurtures the creativity that is vital to the enrichment of modern culture. The College educates visual artists and designers, knowledgeable in varied fields, who will be leaders in creative professions that shape society and advance economic growth. The College fosters students’ resolve to pursue excellence, act ethically, embrace their responsibilities as citizens of diverse local and global communities, and learn throughout their lives. The College engages in community service by offering opportunities for artistic enrichment and opening career pathways to talented individuals of all ages.
THE SEARCH
The College for Creative Studies (CCS) seeks a collaborative and future-oriented leader in art and design to serve as its next Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. The role offers the opportunity to elevate CCS’s national and international reputation, deepen regional industry partnerships within Detroit’s creative ecosystem, and position the college for sustainable growth while preserving its mission and creative identity.
Reporting to the President and serving on the President’s leadership team, the Provost will guide CCS’s academic vision and be instrumental in implementing the strategic plan to expand access, evolve programs, and increase enrollment. As Chief Academic Officer, the Provost provides direction and evaluation for all academic activities, curricular matters, and faculty affairs. The Provost oversees Academic Affairs, Undergraduate and Graduate Studies, and Campus Life. The Provost must ensure academic quality and compliance with accreditation and regulatory requirements, facilitate collaborative efforts to address strategic opportunities, and deploy resources effectively to support institutional priorities.
The Provost must balance big-picture thinking with operational rigor, including recruiting, retaining, and developing faculty, practicing shared governance, and aligning programmatic decisions with budget realities in partnership with the CFO. The role emphasizes fostering an inclusive, collaborative campus culture, advancing student retention and success, and engaging externally to build partnerships, secure funding, and expand career pathways for students. The ideal candidate will combine a demonstrated commitment to creative practice and academic leadership with experience in program innovation, faculty development, financial stewardship, and community engagement.
COMPENSATION AND LOCATION
The anticipated compensation for this position will be competitive and commensurate with experience. The Provost is expected to have a regular presence on campus, ensuring visibility and accessibility with faculty, staff, and the local community. Periodic travel for conferences, events, and network building is expected.
APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS
Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/college-creative-studies/provost
Dan Rodas, Partner
Nella Young, Senior Associate
Seema Khan, Senior Search Coordinator
Isaacson, Miller