Ideal Experience

• A track record of being a dynamic, inspiring leader who will raise the profile of an institution through effectively communicating a compelling narrative and vision to a broad network of constituencies.
• Academic stature paired with intellectual curiosity. Demonstrated deep commitment to excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, and the Jesuit educational mission.
• Proven success in creating a diverse and inclusive environment where differences of all kinds are celebrated and embraced and where measurable impact has been made.
• A successful track record of making priority decisions and delivering measurable results.
• Strong operational and financial acumen with the ability to manage and allocate resources in support of an institution’s values and strategic goals.
• Deep knowledge and respect for higher education, a Jesuit education in particular, and a forward-thinking approach to emerging trends, innovations, and opportunities. Experience at an institution with an academic medical center is preferred.
• A demonstrated track record of valuing and successfully leading in a shared governance environment.

Personal characteristics

• Inspiring vision
• High EQ
• Empathetic relationship builder
• Balance of confidence and humility to listen
• Authentic, personable
• High integrity
• Sense of humor

Critical leadership capabilities

Strategic leadership

Loyola University Chicago seeks a dynamic leader whose intellectual depth, curiosity, and commitment to excellence and the distinctive value of a Jesuit education will match those of its faculty, staff, students, and alumni. The next President will:

• Set aspirational goals for the future of the institution that reflect its Jesuit mission, values, academic excellence, and strong momentum.
• Establish priorities focused on short-term needs and the long-term health of the institution to further strengthen the University’s position.
• Seek to develop the University’s programs by reinforcing its strengths, identifying areas for further investment, and allocating resources that support its strategic goals and priorities. 
• Provide the leadership and business acumen to manage a large and operationally complex institution and empower an administrative team to achieve measurable positive impact across multiple dimensions including academic vitality, diversity, financial sustainability, and resource growth.
• Understand and anticipate the changing landscape of higher education and work alongside the community in thinking creatively and boldly about how best to position Loyola for continued growth and excellence.

Community building

In an institution that values collaboration, Loyola’s President will have a leadership style characterized by thoughtful listening, active inquiry, and a passion for engagement. The next President will:

• Be an inspiring and exceptional communicator and serve as the voice of the University for both internal and external constituencies.
• Bring a record of collaboration and building equitable cultures that enable all in the community to thrive.
• Support an environment where open dialogue and a wide range of viewpoints are welcomed.
• Possess a leadership style characterized by collegiality, empathy, transparency, and collaboration.
• Be a unifier who will seek opportunities to build bridges and sustain a culture founded on trust and transparency.
• Develop results-oriented plans and priorities that reflect the perspectives and input of the community.
• Be an active and engaged presence with the students, faculty, and staff.
• Engage with the shared governance bodies representing faculty, staff, and students to strengthen the culture of trust and inclusion for policy development and implementation.
• Continue to engage with Chicago and surrounding communities to build and sustain partnerships that will leverage the University’s urban setting.

Leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion

Loyola's President will continue the deeply important work of creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for every member of the Loyola community. The next President will:

• Articulate and define measurable goals for a campus climate that is inclusive and acknowledges the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in institutional effectiveness.
• Prioritize recruiting and hiring practices that attract underrepresented talent to the institution.
• Attract, mentor, support, and hold accountable a talented, diverse leadership team that capably implements the University's strategies.

Profile raising including fundraising

With increased pressures on both revenues and expenses at institutions of higher education, the next President will have well-honed executive leadership skills. The next President will:

• In partnership with the Advancement team, be a leading fundraiser for the University.
• Develop an ambitious strategy for the positioning of the institution and fundraising goals, while working with other leaders of the University to increase its exposure, understanding, and resources. 
• Engage a deeply committed alumni community that represents an increasingly diverse set of perspectives, experiences, and institutional connections.

Academic excellence

The President will bring a demonstrated commitment to, and experience with, Loyola’s broad array of academic offerings, as well as a deep understanding and respect for a Jesuit education and will be prepared to engage with the faculty to guide and shape the programmatic priorities of the institution. The next President will: 

• Bring intellectual depth and curiosity to catalyze discussions on and off campus about the changing nature of higher education in this rapidly changing, increasingly global, and technologically-connected world.
• Support the University’s teaching-intensive environment
• Further promote and advance research and scholarship across a broad range of disciplines.