Chancellor, University of Hawaii at Manoa (pos # 0089261)

Description

Chancellor, University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaii at Manoa (UH Manoa) seeks an innovative, experienced leader with passion, drive and deep understanding of Hawaii to serve as its next Chancellor.

Overview

The University of Hawaii at Manoa is a globally recognized center of learning and research with a kuleana to serve the people and places of Hawaii, and our neighbors in the Pacific and Asia. We cultivate creative and innovative leaders who malama our people, our places, and our ways of knowing in order to sustain and transform our islands and the world. 

Founded in 1907 and located on the island of Oahu, the UH Manoa is the flagship institution of the ten-campus University of Hawaii system - the state’s only public higher education system. As a Land-, Sea-, Space-, and Sun- Grant institution, UH Manoa serves over 20,000 students across 14 colleges and schools offering 97 bachelor’s, 86 master’s and 56 doctoral programs. 

UH Manoa is a premier research institution Carnegie classified R1 (Very High Research Activity) institution.  It is internationally recognized as one of the nation’s top research universities, with research and development awards totaling $570 million in fiscal year 2024-25. UH Manoa maintains particular strengths in ocean and earth sciences, astronomy and Asia-Pacific studies, and plays a central role in the state's economic development, civic engagement, and community outreach through its commitment to teaching, scholarship and service.

Chief Executive

As the chief executive officer of the institution, the Chancellor reports to the University of Hawaii System President and serves as a member of the President’s senior executive team. Together the President’s team is responsible for public higher education in the state.  The Chancellor provides the highest of strategic leadership for the flagship research campus overseeing a budget of over $800 million and more than 5,000 employees for an institution that serves a wide range of constituents within the state and beyond. In addition, with the UH system and other 9 UH campuses, UH Manoa embraces its responsibility to the indigenous people of Hawaii and Hawaii’s indigenous language and culture, as well as its connection with the Pacific region and Asia due to its unique geographic location. 

The incoming Chancellor has executive leadership responsibility and accountability over academic affairs, research, student affairs, enrollment, and administrative functions in collaboration with a Provost and senior executive team. The Chancellor drives the vision and is responsible for the development and implementation of a strategic plan that aligns with the broader UH System vision while embracing the university's responsibility to the indigenous language, culture, and people of Hawaii. In addition, the Chancellor ensures the sustainability of the campus and must demonstrate financial acumen and fundraising success to advocate and secure state appropriations, extramural grants, federal resources and private philanthropy for the benefit of the campus and its community. 

The Chancellor also supports a shared governance environment based on collegiality and transparency, engaging with the respective shared governance groups for the undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff senates, and the Kualii Council – the campus Native Hawaiian serving organization.  The Chancellor is expected to foster a vibrant academic climate and support outstanding scholarship and innovation, cultivating an environment in which effective, creative teaching, research and application can flourish.

The incoming Chancellor must be innovative, accomplished and experienced, with strong interpersonal and collaborative skills to effectively work and communicate with a wide range of key stakeholders including the Board of Regents, President, Vice Presidents and other campus Chancellors, shared governance groups, faculty, staff, students, legislators, community and business partners.

For more information about UH Manoa, visit https://manoa.hawaii.edu.

Nominations, inquiries, and application information

Nominations, inquiries, and applications are invited. 

For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by March 25, 2026.

Application materials should be submitted using the University of Hawaii’s Neogov system.  A Neogov account must be established and the online application must include:  a cover letter summarizing the candidate's interest and how qualifications are met for the position, a current curriculum vitae or resume, and the names of five (5) professional references, including title and contact information. References will not be contacted without prior notice to the candidate. A background check will be made prior to employment.

For the job announcement, job description and qualifications, timeline and other search information, please go to: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/executivesearch/chancellor/

To apply, please click on the “APPLY” button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application.

Nominations and Inquires: uhmchancellor.search@hawaii.edu or Debra Ishii at (808) 956-7500

The University of Hawaii is an equal opportunity institution

EEO, Clery Act, ADA

The University of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status.  For more information, visit:  https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/

Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.
 
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawaii may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
 
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawaii complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/ 

Salary : $570