The Board of Trustees of Naropa University seeks a transformative leader who embodies the University’s contemplative mission and innovative spirit. The next President will chart a visionary course for the institution, leading with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to Naropa University’s core values.
Naropa University was founded in 1974 by the Tibetan Buddhist meditation master, scholar, and artist, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Naropa’s mission is to create a more just and regenerative world by nurturing student insight, knowledge and awareness, courage, and compassion. Through contemplative pedagogy, critical thinking, and active engagement, Naropa offers students the skills they need to authentically engage as effective, mindful leaders.
Naropa University is located in Boulder, Colorado, a city known for its quality of life, vibrant community, and stunning natural beauty. The area is consistently named as one of the top places to live in the US.
The ideal candidate will possess strong financial acumen with experience managing complex institutional finances, and a proven ability to secure resources from private and public sources. They will evidence leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and embedding DEI principles into strategic planning and daily operations. They will have experience supervising senior leaders; fostering collaborative, cross-functional teams; guiding multi-year planning; leading organizational change; and will share a commitment to academic values. They will demonstrate reflective and critical thinking, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to articulate the institution’s unique role in higher education.
A complete Position Profile with information about Naropa University and the responsibilities of the position may be found on the AGB Search website. Please visit the Naropa University’s Presidential Search page for supplemental information and resources.
The Naropa University Presidential Search Committee will begin reviewing and evaluating applications as they are received and will continue to accept and review credentials until a new president is selected. To ensure fullest consideration, candidates are advised to submit their materials by February 21, 2025.
Richard A. Wueste (richard.wueste@agbsearch.com) of AGB Search is assisting with this search. Nominators and prospective candidates are encouraged to contact him.
Applications should be submitted electronically in PDF format to the Naropa President Application Portal and must include the following:
- A Letter of Interest that responds to the Opportunities & Challenges and the Qualifications & Characteristics
sections of the profile. - A current CV or resume.
- The names and contact information (telephone and e-mail) for five (5) references who can speak to the candidate’s ability to do this job. References will not be contacted until a later stage of the search or without the formal permission of the candidate.
Please direct questions regarding the application process to: NaropaPresident@agbsearch.com
All inquiries and applications will be received and evaluated in confidence.
Naropa University is an equal opportunity and non-discriminatory employer and education institution and welcomes applications from all interested individuals. Naropa University is committed to providing a safe and nondiscriminatory employment and education environment. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation that includes transgender state, marital status and family status, or other status protected by law. Sexual harassment, including sexual violence, is a form of discrimination prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 as well as Title VII, ADEA, and other state and local regulations.
