Presidential Search
The University of Washington (UW) seeks an authentic, proactive and engaged president to build on the legacy of Ana Mari Cauce and to lead the University to greater excellence in public higher education and public service.
The University of Washington
As one of the world’s leading public research universities, the University of Washington is driven by a determination to serve the public good. Since 1861, the ideas and ideals of UW students and faculty have come alive at home and abroad through active research, teaching and engagement. It is the University’s mission and vision — not just its heritage — that make it a public institution. Advancing social equity and changing lives are integral to UW’s identity. Excellence, collaboration and diversity are core values of the UW, and the University is dedicated to leading the public dialogue on society’s greatest challenges as promoters of positive change. In doing so, the University fosters civic partnerships, service learning and community engagement initiatives that serve the greater common good.
UW students and faculty are committed to turning ideas into life-changing realities that improve the world. From revolutionizing global health through new vaccines and worldwide disease data to developing cleaner, more sustainable technologies, the UW strives for positive impact, whether touching one life or millions. UW’s impact extends to communities from Spokane to Shanghai, delivering real-world solutions, innovative technologies and compassionate care at home and around the planet. As an international epicenter for commercializing research and technology, including bioscience and bioengineering, AI and cloud computing, the University is at the center of the Pacific Northwest’s thriving innovation ecosystem.
With $1.87B in sponsored research grants and contracts in FY23, the UW is a research powerhouse of global prominence. UW is also committed to providing affordable access to academic excellence on campuses in Bothell, Seattle and Tacoma. Combined, the University’s three campuses offer their 60,000 students more than 846 degree options across 473 programs. UW also operates a clinical enterprise that educates students for the five-state WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho) region through the School of Medicine and provides outstanding health care to all, regardless of ability to pay, through UW Medicine. The University is located in a dynamic region, home to many innovative, globally prominent, established corporations as well as numerous startups.
UW Seattle
Nestled between the glittering Puget Sound, two snow-capped mountain ranges and miles of lush forests, the UW marked its 163rd anniversary in 2024. With cherry blossoms that bring thousands of visitors to the Quad every spring and a stunning view of Mount Rainier, the campus is renowned for its Pacific Northwest beauty. Students find diverse opportunities to engage, explore and learn, whether in one of many high-tech labs or out on the UW Farm. As the home of Husky Athletics, Meany Hall for the Performing Arts, the Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture, the Henry Art Gallery, UW Medical Center and more, the campus in Seattle attracts thousands of community members and visitors throughout the year.
UW Bothell
As a small campus community with the resources and opportunities of a large university, UW Bothell offers high-demand degree programs with an emphasis on student-faculty interaction, experiential learning and community engagement. Hosting a diverse student body of more than 6,000 students, Bothell’s breathtaking campus includes the state’s most successful wetlands restoration site, providing unique educational and research opportunities. In 2023, 38% of incoming first-year students and 42% of new transfer students at UW Bothell were first-generation college students and 92% of new UW Bothell students in 2023 were from Washington state.
UW Tacoma
At UW Tacoma, students become engines of change for themselves, their families and their communities — and this urban-serving university has become an engine for the revitalization of historic downtown Tacoma. Of UW Tacoma’s nearly 5,000 students, 18% are military-affiliated, and 61% of undergraduates are students of color — including 32% from underserved communities. 51% of undergraduates at UW Tacoma in 2023 were first-generation college students and U.S. News & World Report named UW Tacoma the No. 1 performer for social mobility in Washington in 2022.
UW’s next president must be deeply committed to nurturing shared governance and providing a transformative, inclusive student experience to graduate and undergraduate students of diverse backgrounds. This leader must proactively and purposefully engage with faculty members, staff, students, parents, alumni, local, state, tribal and federal governments from all parties, business and industry leaders, culture and nonprofit leaders, philanthropists, and community leaders to understand what the UW means to them and to establish the mutual trust necessary for continued high achievement across the academic and clinical enterprises. The next president must also be visible to, accessible to, and eager to learn about the University’s many internal and external constituencies across the state and WWAMI region in order to strengthen the bonds that unite these constituencies to the University. This leader must lead confidently with a high level of integrity for the benefit of others and for the good of the institution and the community.
Successful candidates will have demonstrated ability to lead with dignity and compassion, to be present to and for constituents, to understand constituents’ needs, and to lead the institution effectively to places that are ambitious but also seem obvious and right because they align with stakeholders’ expectations. In addition, they will understand the dynamics of global research universities, community-serving state flagship universities, academic medical systems and the unique opportunities offered by the Puget Sound region’s vibrant economic and cultural life. This may mean a prominent scholarly record, demonstrated achievements at comparable universities, or other achievements that demonstrate aptitude to lead a top-ranked university that serves the public good through education, research and clinical care.
For additional information about the UW and to view the full Leadership Profile, please visit https://www.washington.edu/presidentialsearch/
Compensation
The base salary range for this position will be $68,750 – $91,667 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination. Other compensation associated with this position may include deferred compensation and allowances.
Application and Nomination Process
The Search Committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and continue to accept applications and nominations until the position is filled. Applicants must submit: a current resume or curriculum vitae and a cover letter describing relevant experience and interest in the position. Nomination letters should include the contact information of the nominee. All applications and nominations will be handled in confidence and should be submitted by email to:
Alberto Pimentel, Managing Partner
Will Gates, Founding Partner
Sal Venegas Jr., Partner
Email: apsearch@spaexec.com
Refer to code “UW-President” in the subject line
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is a leader in environmental stewardship & sustainability, and committed to becoming climate neutral.
The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
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