Job No: 554519; 01/16/2026

ASSOCIATE PROVOST FOR OPERATIONAL SUCCESS 

California State University, Los Angeles, invites applications for the above Administrator IV position.

THE UNIVERSITY 

Located in the unceded lands of the Tongva People, Cal State LA is one of 22 campuses within the California State University system. The University serves more than 22,000 students and offers 71 bachelor’s, 55 master’s, and four doctoral degree programs across the arts and humanities, social and natural sciences, business and economics, education, engineering and technology, and health and human services. 

Cal State LA is reflective of the diverse communities of Los Angeles and California. The University is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, Minority-Serving Institution, and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution.  Cal State LA has regularly been ranked as number one in the state (California Futures Foundation) and in the nation (Third Way) for upward mobility. Ten years after graduating, almost 60 percent of alumni are engaged with the community in careers as educators, public administrators, health care professionals, and social assistance advocates.  More information about Cal State LA can be found at https://www.calstatela.edu/

OFFICE OF THE PROVOST 

The new Associate Provost for Operational Success will join the leadership team of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Heather Lattimer. Dr. Lattimer assumed the role of Cal State LA’s chief academic officer in March 2025 and has been a part of the California State University system since 2018, most recently serving as Dean of the Connie L. Lurie College of Education at San José State University (SJSU). During her tenure, Lurie College experienced major growth in student enrollment; increased diversity among students, faculty, and staff; established new programs that extend access to minoritized communities; deepened community partnerships; boosted faculty research productivity; and expanded its philanthropic and grant-funded support. At Cal State LA, Dr. Lattimer has worked with administrators, faculty, and staff to enhance student success, amplify faculty and staff excellence, and create opportunities for innovation. Additionally, Dr. Lattimer has strengthened shared governance through collaborative and transparent partnership as the university navigates through budget challenges and the rapidly shifting dynamics impacting higher education nationally.  Leadership in the Provost’s Office and across the Division of Academic Affairs are deeply dedicated to collaboration, innovation, community success, and academic excellence. 

THE POSITION

The Associate Provost for Operational Success is a complex role with many facets that must be managed and aligned with the University’s strategic plan and within the context of initiatives set forth by the Provost.  The Associate Provost for Operational Success will oversee a portfolio that includes the following three priority areas: (1) Institutional Research, Assessment & Accreditation, (2) Budgeting and Financial Management, and (3) Academic and Facilities Planning.   

Institutional Research, Assessment & Accreditation: The Associate Provost for Operational Success provides strategic leadership for institutional research, data analytics, academic reporting, program review and assessment, and accreditation compliance. In collaboration with the Provost, faculty leaders, and leadership within the academic colleges, the Associate Provost for Operational Success intentionally and insightfully provides access to data and supports professional development and strategic decision-making that strengthens student success.  

The Associate Provost for Operational Success serves as the Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO) to the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), oversees program accreditation and assessment, and provides guidance and training for academic units engaged in the program review process.  The Associate Provost for Operational Success leads program review and accreditation to support thoughtful reflection on areas of success and opportunities for growth while also spurring innovation in academic programming.   

The Associate Provost for Operational Success supervises the Executive Director of Institutional Research, Assessment and Accreditation. Together, they provide data to strengthen student success and support shared decision-making, assist with policy development, strategic initiatives, and program implementation, and draft reports for the Chancellor’s Office, accrediting bodies, and external partners. 

Budgeting and Financial Management: The Associate Provost for Operational Success oversees the Academic Affairs budget process and recommends long-range spending plans to the Provost that support student success and the division’s mission. This includes supervising the allocations of funds to the academic colleges and other administrative units reporting to the Provost. The Associate Provost for Operational Success also oversees human resources processes within Academic Affairs. 

In addition to working collaboratively with the deans and administrative directors on budgetary planning and expenditures, the Associate Provost for Operational Success will support student success in undergraduate and graduate programs, with particular attention to the needs of students who are among the first in their families to attend college, and cultivate an inclusive and effective working environment among ethnically, racially, and culturally diverse faculty, staff, and students.  

The Associate Provost for Operational Success supervises the Director of Academic Resources. Together they oversee procurement, travel approvals, and reimbursement processes, and ensure that college budgets align with instructional needs and course schedules. The position also requires collaboration and transparency in establishing budget, student-to-faculty ratio, and enrollment targets across the colleges. The Associate Provost for Operational Success serves as the Academic Affairs representative to the University Budget and Planning Committee. 

Academic and Facilities Planning: The Associate Provost for Operational Success develops the academic calendar and is responsible for academic facilities allocation, maintenance, and improvement projects. This includes developing facility plans that address health and safety needs within the colleges. The Associate Provost for Operational Success supervises the Director of Academic and Facilities Planning.  

The Associate Provost for Operational Success also represents Academic Affairs on campus response teams addressing weather, health and other situations that affect campus operations. This role requires participation in institutional response efforts during crisis situations, including health emergencies, earthquakes, flooding, severe weather events, protests, and work stoppages. 

The Associate Provost for Operational Success supports the implementation of the new campus strategic plan within Academic Affairs, including providing regular updates and recommendations to the Provost on progress toward strategic goals. The Associate Provost for Operational Success works closely and collaboratively with the Academic Senate, deans of the academic colleges, the Associate Provost for Student Success, the Associate Provost for Faculty Success, and the Associate Vice President for Faculty Affairs. 

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• A master’s degree in an academic discipline from an accredited university. 
• At least three years of progressive leadership experience in an institution of higher education 

Desired Qualifications:

• Academic Leadership Qualifications:
  • A demonstrated record of successful innovation, project, and change management in an academic setting.
  • A record of effective collaborative leadership that promotes team building and improves decision-making skills.
  • An excellent record of integrity, professionalism, interpersonal skills, and ethical decision-making.
  • A demonstrated record of commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
  • Experience with leadership in a unionized environment as well as a demonstrated history of effective leadership and commitment to shared governance.
  • Senior leadership experience in and/or an understanding of the California State University (CSU) system.
  • A record of peer reviewed research, teaching, and service that merits an appointment as a tenured full professor at Cal State LA.
• Institutional Research, Assessment & Accreditation Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated expertise in data analysis, forecasting, data visualizations, and effectively communicating quantitative information to varied audiences.
  • Strong quantitative reasoning and critical thinking skills, and superior written and oral communication.
  • A demonstrated record of transparent, data-informed decision-making in policy, strategies, and implementation of initiatives.
  • Experience in overseeing and guiding program review and accreditation activities.
• Budgeting and Resource Planning and Management Qualifications:
  • A documented record of successful planning and managing academic budgets in higher education.
  • A demonstrated understanding of how enrollment and budget planning are used to support teaching and learning.
  • A documented record of planning and managing academic facilities in an institution of higher education.

Note: This position may include retreat rights to an academic department if (1.) the successful candidate has a record of peer reviewed research, teaching, and service that aligns with department and university requirements for appointment as a full tenured professor, and (2.) an ad hoc advisory committee of department faculty vote to grant tenure in accordance with policy outlined in the faculty handbook. 

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Salary range is $10,106 - $32,441/monthly. (Budgeted hiring salary is $18,750 - $20,417/monthly). A comprehensive benefits package is provided.

Appointment:

The Administrator IV appointment will be made under the guidelines for management and supervisory employees of the California State University.  All rights and benefits associated with this appointment are governed by the Management Personnel Plan.

This position is a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. The successful candidate accepting this position is required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.

Closing Date:

Review of applications will begin on February 9, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled; however, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications are received. A completed online Cal State LA employment application is required, along with the following documents:

1. A letter of intent addressing how the candidate’s experiences match the position requirements.
2. A full current CV/resume.
3. Contact information for at least five professional references, including email addresses and a brief note on the candidate’s working relationship with each. References will not be contacted without the prior knowledge and approval of the candidate and at a later stage in the search.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/TITLE IX EMPLOYER

Cal State LA is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer with a strong institutional commitment to achieving and supporting diversity among its faculty, students, and staff. Applications from women, minorities, and individuals with a strong record of mentoring students from underserved or underrepresented groups are encouraged.

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 revised July 21, 2017, as a condition of employment.

In addition to meeting fully its obligations under federal and state law, California State University, Los Angeles is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can live and work in an atmosphere of tolerance, civility and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual. To that end, all qualified individuals will receive equal consideration without regard to economic status, race, ethnicity, color, religion, disability, national origin or cultural background, political views, sex or sexual orientation, gender, or other personal characteristics or beliefs.

Candidates must demonstrate ability and/or interest in working in a multicultural/multiethnic environment. Certain positions require fingerprinting. The University actively encourages qualified minorities, women and persons with a disability to apply.  Upon request, reasonable accommodation will be provided to individuals with protected disabilities to (a) complete the employment process and (b) perform essential job functions when this does not cause an undue hardship.

We are an Equal Opportunity/Title IX Employer. California State University, Los Angeles, as part of the CSU system, is a state of California employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the state of California.

As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Reasonable accommodation will be provided upon request to individuals with protected disabilities to: (a) complete the employment process and (b) perform essential job functions when this does not cause undue hardship.

More information about the University is available on the Facts Sheet, the Cal State LA website, and the University’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness website.

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