Brandeis is looking for a president “that will continue the progress that we are making with the University’s ‘positive change’ trajectory,” a June 9 email to the Brandeis community stated. While the University initially began their search in 2025, President Arthur Levine’s ’70 term was extended through June 2027 and the search has been re-initiated. The email also detailed the revised structure of the search committee which “acknowledges the need for additional constituency input … and the need for a greater focus on trustee decision-making.” 

The University’s new 2026 Presidential Search website, launched on July 9 as a hub for updates and community engagement, includes details about the search committee and advisory council, specifications on the position, information about the search firm Heidrick & Struggles and an anonymous survey to collect feedback. 

A document titled “President Position Specification 2026,” linked to the website, discusses the position requirements and describes unique qualities of Brandeis, pitching Brandeis to a future president. The document begins, “There is no other place like Brandeis” and describes faculty as “leaders in their fields” and students as “motivated, compassionate, curious, welcoming and open to exploring new experiences.” It goes on to describe key elements of Brandeis’ story, Jewish roots, the importance of research and The Brandeis Plan to Reinvent the Liberal Arts, which is detailed as “a blueprint for the future of learning.” There is particular mention of Brandeis’ recent fundraising successes, which brought in over $138 million, a huge increase from the previous fundraising period’s $87.9 million.

According to the document, Brandeis is looking for a president who above all “combines long-term, strategic vision with operational discipline, intellectual credibility with entrepreneurial energy, and respect for the University’s mission with the confidence to shape its next chapter.” The roles and responsibilities listed ask the next president to “steward Brandeis through transformational change,” “champion Brandeis’ distinct identity & reinvention of the liberal arts,” “advance academic excellence & research leadership,” “serve as Brandeis’ chief fundraiser & external ambassador,” “strengthen Brandeis’ financial sustainability,” “partner effectively with the board of trustees,” “lead organizational & cultural transformation,” “champion student success & institutional relevance” and “build trust through visible & inclusive leadership.”

The Presidential Search Committee is going to lead the process of finding and hiring the next president and is chaired by Trustee Cindy Shapira with trustee Adam Rifkin ’97 as vice chair. The Presidential Search Committee Advisory Council is a collection of representatives including four alumni leaders, two faculty members, three staff members and two students that will be involved in the process as well. 

The Justice reached out to members of the search committee and advisory council for comment but was notified that the search details are confidential at this time.