Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) – Sample Job Description
The Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) is the chief academic officer of the institution, providing visionary leadership and strategic direction for all academic programs and initiatives. As a key member of the executive leadership team, the VPAA oversees academic planning, curriculum development, faculty recruitment and development, accreditation, and assessment to ensure academic excellence and alignment with the college’s mission, goals, and strategic priorities.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
The Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) provides leadership in defining and advancing the college’s academic vision, ensuring that academic priorities align with institutional goals. They collaborate with the President, Board of Trustees, and other executive leaders to develop and implement strategic plans that promote academic excellence, student success, and innovation.
Academic Administration
The VPAA oversees all academic programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education, ensuring their quality, relevance, and compliance with accreditation standards. They supervise deans, department chairs, and academic staff, fostering a collaborative environment that supports innovation, interdisciplinary initiatives, and student-centered learning.
Faculty Recruitment and Development
The VPAA leads efforts to recruit, retain, and develop a diverse and highly qualified faculty. They provide resources and support for professional development, tenure and promotion processes, and faculty-led research and teaching initiatives.
Assessment and Accreditation
The VPAA ensures compliance with all accreditation standards and leads assessment and institutional effectiveness efforts. They oversee the development and evaluation of academic policies, ensuring continuous improvement in teaching, learning, and student outcomes.
Student Success and Retention
The VPAA works closely with student affairs and enrollment management teams to enhance retention, persistence, and graduation rates. They support initiatives that foster student engagement, equity, and access across all academic programs.
Budget and Resource Management
The VPAA oversees the academic budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to support academic priorities. They advocate for the necessary funding, facilities, and technology to sustain and enhance academic programs.
Community and External Engagement
The VPAA represents the college in regional, national, and international academic communities. They build partnerships with industry, government, and educational organizations to advance the institution’s mission and extend its impact.
Qualifications:
Education and Experience
- A terminal degree in an academic discipline from an accredited institution is required.
- A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, including leadership roles at the dean level or higher.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong understanding of academic administration, including curriculum development, faculty governance, and accreditation processes.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.
- Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
- Proven ability to lead and inspire diverse teams in a collaborative, results-oriented environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in strategic planning and execution at the institutional level.
- Knowledge of trends and challenges in higher education, particularly in student success and retention strategies.
Salary and Benefits:
The position offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names of three professional references to [Application Portal or Email Address]. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
