Vice President of Academic Affairs

The Vice President of Academic Affairs, a member of the President’s Cabinet, provides strategic leadership and oversight for all academic programs and services, ensuring alignment with the College’s mission and strategic goals. This executive role directs the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of educational offerings, faculty recruitment and development, and student success initiatives. The VP collaborates with internal and external partners to foster a positive, inclusive, and innovative academic environment that supports teaching, learning, and institutional effectiveness. Responsible for budget management, grant oversight, policy development, and shared governance, the VP serves as a key representative of the College in local, state, and regional academic forums. The Vice President provides strategic oversight of the College’s workforce training, continuing education, community education, and economic development initiatives. This includes fostering strong partnerships with business, industry, governmental agencies, and community organizations to align programs with regional workforce needs. The VP ensures that credit and non-credit offerings – including small business development services and specialized training programs such as the Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP) – are developed, delivered, and evaluated to meet employer demand, advance economic growth, and expand lifelong learning opportunities for the community. The VP is a vital member of the senior leadership team, acting on behalf of the President as needed. 1. Academic Leadership and Program Management Lead the development, implementation, coordination, evaluation, and continuous improvement of college-wide academic programs and processes aligned with the College’s mission and strategic plan. Ensure the College meets all Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), and other accreditation standards, eligibility requirements, and academic-related policies. Lead the development, implementation, and management of the College’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Implement strategic plan initiatives to enhance academic programs, faculty development, recruitment, enrollment, retention, and student completion. Lead College-wide academic scheduling processes. Lead College-wide initiatives in seeking innovative teaching strategies, including immersive learning, and curriculum development that supports student-centered needs in online and hybrid modalities. Ensure all data-driven decisions align with student learning outcomes, and assumes accountability that all required assessment tools are properly administered by faculty as necessary and required. Coordinate the development and maintenance of the Academic Affairs operational manual. Manage academic risk by ensuring proper policies and procedures are in place and followed in personnel management, student learning, and academic administration processes. 2. Faculty and Staff Leadership Provide leadership in the recruitment, selection, development, recognition, and retention of faculty and academic staff. Assure compliance related to all proper and necessary faculty credentials. Foster a positive and collaborative culture by supporting and developing a strong academic leadership team. Engage academic personnel in shared governance processes. Demonstrate ethical leadership, transparency, and fairness in all dealings, inspiring trust and loyalty within the institution. Demonstrate a strong commitment to creating and fostering an inclusive environment for a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. Conduct regular meetings with Division Chairs to facilitate operational improvements. 3. Collaboration and Community Engagement Collaborate with Student Affairs to address the diverse needs of students and the community. Partner with the Vice President of Administrative Services to ensure facilities and technology support effective student learning. Represent the College at ICCB Chief Academic Officers meetings and other local, state, and regional academic events. Assist Communications/Public Relations with promoting academic programs and ensuring information accuracy. 4. Budget, Grants, and Policy Oversight Prepare, monitor, and implement the annual Academic Affairs budget. Provide oversight for grant administration related to academic affairs. Prepare and recommend Board policies and procedures; submit reports and present information as requested; attend Board of Trustees meetings. 5. Risk Management and Compliance Oversee risk management activities within the instructional division, ensuring compliance with mandatory safety training, instructional lab environments, and clinical agreements. Implement policies and procedures used in emergency and/or crisis management situations. Maintain composure under pressure, adapt to changing circumstances, and demonstrate a positive and proactive approach to challenges. Participate in student judicial processes as appropriate. 6. Executive Responsibilities Act on behalf of the President as necessary and perform other related duties as assigned. Master’s degree in Education, Higher Education Administration, Academic Leadership, or a related field. Doctorate (Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent) in Education, Higher Education Administration, Academic Leadership, or a related field preferred. Five years of significant progressive leadership experience in higher education, including administration of academic programs, faculty supervision, and strategic planning. Demonstrated experience managing budgets, grants, and academic operations within a college or university setting. Comprehensive knowledge of academic program development, assessment, and accreditation processes. Strong leadership and team-building skills with the ability to foster collaboration and shared governance among faculty and staff. Effective communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to represent the institution in local, state, and regional forums. Proficiency in strategic planning, policy development, and budget management. Ability to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within an academic environment. Skilled in risk management practices relevant to academic and instructional settings. Capability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to support student success and institutional goals. Ability to act decisively and represent executive leadership as needed. Apply Here PI277222738

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