Chief Wellness Officer

Position Overview

Marquette University (Marquette), a private, coeducational, Catholic, Jesuit institution, seeks an innovative and collaborative leader to assume the inaugural position of Chief Wellness Officer (CWO). The CWO, working closely with other leaders across the university, will lead the development and implementation of a holistic, multidisciplinary strategy for student health and well-being, integrating well-being into all facets of the Marquette student experience and aligning with Marquette’s strategic plan “Guided by Mission, Inspired by Change.”

The CWO will provide critical vision and expertise to strategically assess, align, and oversee campus efforts related to health and wellness for Marquette’s diverse student population. In support of this vision, the university is fully reimagining its Helfaer Tennis Stadium and Recreation Center (Rec Center) on campus as a comprehensive wellness and recreation facility. Slated to be completed in late 2024 and open in early 2025, it will bring together campus fitness and recreation facilities with the Counseling Center, Medical Clinic, and the Center for Student Wellness and Health Promotion. Duties and Responsibilities Reporting to the Provost, the Chief Wellness Officer will lead the development of a holistic, sustainable, multidisciplinary strategy for student health and well-being. The CWO will leverage and synthesize resources, rigorously assess progress, and nimbly adapt to changing needs, ensuring the university provides comprehensive, appropriate, compliant, and coordinated care to all students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

To educate and promote awareness of student health trends and well-being, building highly collaborative, collegial relationships across Marquette and beyond will be critical to the success of this highly visible role. To build buy-in and support, the CWO will be actively engaged in the life of the campus community; early on, this individual will work to gain an understanding for and appreciation of Marquette’s distinguished culture and identity as well as develop the context for the university’s wellness agenda.

The CWO will cultivate exceptional relationships across all areas of campus, including with the Office of Belonging & Student Affairs, the Office of Disability Services, the Lemonis Center for Student Success, all schools and colleges, Mission and Ministry, and Human Resources (for faculty and staff wellness). Convening campus partners to build credibility, the CWO will break down silos to bring the full expertise and focus of the university to bear on the challenge of improving student well-being. The CWO will be a leader who integrates the wellness area with the broader university and brings innovation, vision, and strategic leadership to the role.

The inaugural CWO will also be a champion and fierce advocate for wellness externally, attending university-related events alongside other university leaders and University Advancement professionals to broadcast the efforts advanced to improve the health of the student body and the broader campus community. This individual will gather relevant data and articulate internal and external health and wellness trends, sharing stories with key stakeholders that will assist in building a compelling case for fundraising priorities designated by the provost and president.

The CWO will be responsible for the management of 39 staff of highly specialized and trained health and wellness professionals including the directors of the Marquette Medical Clinic, Counseling Center, Recreational Sports, and the Student Wellness and Health Promotion Program. A strong and committed staff is in place across the CWO’s units, and will be indispensable to their mission to more cohesively support and advance health and wellness to students and the broader Marquette community. As the CWO furthers their units’ reach and impact across campus, they will assess and oversee recruitment and retention of talent critical to delivering on its mission.

In addition to the description above, the CWO will serve as a member of the University Leadership Council and will also be expected to:
• Provide leadership, strategic vision, organization and administrative oversight of campus-wide programs, services, and operations designed to support and advance the overall well-being of Marquette’s diverse student population.
• Ensure that student health and well-being services are communicated effectively and in a coordinated, accessible manner to students to provide a correlation to Marquette’s strategic priorities and themes of thriving students, healthy campus, and care for the world.
• Collaborate with campus and external partners to educate and promote awareness of student health trends and well-being challenges; form and convene cross-campus groups as needed; ensure that the scope of health and wellness services reflect the priorities of the university; remain abreast of emerging trends, best practices and requirements; and provide strong and effective stewardship of Marquette’s mission and values.
• Work closely with relevant university units and subject matter experts in the event of public health and/or infectious disease emergencies and assist with the development of policies and dissemination of information that ensures the health and safety of the student and campus community.
• Engage in fundraising activities with benefactors who have an interest in supporting student health and well-being working with University Advancement and in collaboration with Deans across the University’s schools and colleges. Gather relevant data, articulate internal and external trends, and share stories that will assist in building a compelling case for fundraising priorities designated by the provost.
• Ensure compliance with university policy, state, and federal laws.
• Assess resource needs and develop budget recommendations.
• Provide the Office of the Provost and Human Resources with information about emerging trends and best practices regarding employee wellness. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities A successful candidate will have a demonstrated understanding of Jesuit, Catholic values and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The successful candidate will be an experienced leader with a high level of energy and drive. The CWO must vigorously engage with all cohorts of the Marquette community, including but not limited to students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
• A master’s degree in health, counseling, wellness management, student affairs administration, higher education, or an appropriately related field;
• At least seven years of relevant and progressive leadership and track record of success in the management and supervision of health, mental health, health promotion, or a closely related field Experience working in higher education is preferred;
• Ability to design, implement, and assess a strategic vision for the well-being of the Marquette community;
• Knowledge of both current and emerging health and well-being issues and concerns among university students including but not limited to familiarity with the American College of Health Association Healthy Campus Framework;
• Knowledge of health care insurance and medical and mental health needs
• A passion for student formation and experience in student development and care;
• Commitment to excellence in the service of students and the entire Marquette community;
• Demonstrated experience in and success with leading a wide range of highly trained professionals serving diverse campus populations;
• Exceptional oral, written, and digital communication skills;
• Exceptional collaboration skills that build trust both within and beyond its units, including partners from the faculty, athletics, campus safety, human resources, and general counsel;
• Ability to manage crisis situations with impeccable judgment, transparency, compassion, and firmness;
• Experience with and demonstrated ability to manage legal and compliance risks, including the creation and modification of appropriate policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and accreditation requirements;
• Comfort operating within ambiguous or uncertain environments;
• Conscientious management of confidential and sensitive information;
• Grant-writing experience. Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities A terminal degree is preferred. Department Office of the Provost