The University of Delaware, the largest public university in the State, seeks an accomplished, collaborative, and forward-thinking leader to serve as Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration (EVP). This role offers an exceptional opportunity for an entrepreneurial leader to drive strong financial and operational practices that support institutional change and advance the university’s strategic goals.
The University of Delaware (UD), a research-intensive, technologically advanced university is home to approximately 24,000 undergraduate and graduate students from across the globe. In addition to the vibrant main campus in Newark, UD has locations across the state in Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown, and Lewes. The University of Delaware ranks #26 overall among 500 colleges and universities nationwide and #10 out of 235 in best public universities, according to The Wall Street Journal’s 2025 WSJ/College Pulse best colleges in the U.S. rankings.
A Land Grant, Sea Grant, and Space Grant institution, UD is state assisted yet privately governed and offers a broad range of degree programs (four associate programs, 140 bachelor’s programs, 115 master’s programs and 44 doctoral programs) across ten colleges. In 2015, UD received the Carnegie Community Engagement classification, recognizing the extension and impact of its scholarship to society through work with more than 300 community partners in dozens of locales.
The EVP will report directly to President Laura Carlson, who was appointed the 29th President of the University of Delaware on January 1, 2026. As a member of the president’s senior leadership team, the EVP acts as a key strategic business partner with the provost and other senior leadership team members to advance the university’s vision and strategic priorities. The EVP serves as the chief financial and chief operating officer responsible for managing UD’s financial, administrative, and facilities operations. Working at the highest level of the university to advance its mission of education, research, and service, the EVP provides leadership and managerial oversight of a division of more than 700+ employees in finance and budget; human resources; information technologies; facilities, real estate, and auxiliary services; emergency management, health, and safety; and the University of Delaware police department. The EVP also takes the lead in promoting a campus climate of financial transparency, good stewardship of institutional resources, and open and respectful dialogue about alternative uses of university funds.
The new EVP will assume this role against the backdrop of unprecedented challenges facing higher education and our global society. Demographic shifts, rising costs, and economic pressures on students and families demand adaptive, forward‑looking leadership. The EVP will play a central role in guiding UD through these challenges, shaping its future direction, and strengthening its impact locally and globally. Success in this role requires a strategic, collaborative leader who can navigate complexity, build partnerships across the university and state, and lead proactively through change.
The ideal candidate will possess experience in strategic financial planning, risk management, and management of major capital projects while bringing an entrepreneurial lens to fiscal stewardship and operational excellence. The new leader should be a solutions-oriented and highly ethical executive whose style builds trust within the campus community and across the university’s myriad partners and constituent groups.
The UD community seeks a highly respected leader with deep experience managing the financial and administrative performance of a complex enterprise and a strong commitment to advancing the university’s continued success and national prominence. This individual will have the opportunity to serve as a senior leader at one of the nation’s oldest and most respected institutions of higher education; assume responsibility for a broad and diverse portfolio of administrative, financial, and operational functions; collaborate with a wide range of dedicated stakeholders—including students, faculty, staff, administrators, board members, community partners, and state officials—who are united in support of UD’s goals; and live and work in Delaware, the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution and a place known for its economic vitality, high quality of life, diverse communities, and beautiful coastal areas.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile.
WittKieffer is assisting the University of Delaware in this search, which will remain open until an appointment is made.
Nominations, inquiries, and application materials can be directed to:
Jen Meyers Pickard, Ph.D., Sarah Palmer, and Kim Migoya
[email protected]
The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups. The University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination can be found at http://www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html
