Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA)
Vice President for Academic Affairs
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.
This is the most senior academic role at the institution and demands a leader with a demonstrated track record of building strong academic cultures, navigating complex shared-governance environments, and driving measurable improvement in faculty development, student outcomes, and institutional accreditation standing.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
The 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.
Education, Experience, and Skills
Education and Experience
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
- Experience developing and managing significant academic budgets
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
- Familiarity with online and hybrid program development and oversight
What We Are Looking For
Ability to articulate and advance a compelling academic vision that aligns faculty, staff, and institutional resources toward shared goals.
Deep understanding of shared governance and the ability to work productively within it, building trust with faculty while maintaining administrative momentum.
Proven track record managing regional and programmatic accreditation processes, including self-study development, site visit preparation, and ongoing compliance.
Commitment to data-informed approaches to improving retention, graduation rates, and equitable outcomes across all student populations.
Ability to communicate effectively with the Board of Trustees, faculty senate, student government, external stakeholders, and the broader community.
Demonstrated commitment to building diverse teams, advancing equity in academic policies and practices, and fostering a culture of belonging across the institution.
- Academic Vision: ability to articulate and advance a compelling academic vision that aligns faculty and resources toward shared goals
- Faculty Governance: deep understanding of shared governance and ability to build trust with faculty while maintaining administrative momentum
- Accreditation Leadership: track record managing regional and programmatic accreditation processes from self-study through site visit
- Student Success: commitment to data-informed approaches to improving retention, graduation rates, and equitable outcomes
- Executive Communication: ability to communicate effectively with the Board, faculty senate, students, and external stakeholders
- Inclusive Leadership: demonstrated commitment to building diverse teams and advancing equity in academic policies and practices
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package. The institution is committed to supporting the professional development and long-term success of its academic leadership.
How to Apply
Excelon Associates is conducting this search on behalf of our client institution. All expressions of interest and nominations will be held in strict confidence. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply promptly as review of applications will begin immediately.
- Submit a cover letter and current curriculum vitae through the Excelon Associates candidate portal
- Provide contact information for three professional references familiar with your academic leadership experience
- Selected candidates will be invited for a confidential conversation with the Excelon Associates search team
- Finalists will be invited to the campus for presentations and interviews with the search committee and executive leadership
For nominations or confidential inquiries, contact Excelon Associates at +1 (828) 417-7094 or via the Start a Search page.
For colleges and universities dedicated to advancing academic excellence, Excelon Associates is your trusted recruitment partner for finding the Vice President for Academic Affairs your institution needs to lead with vision, integrity, and impact.
Need to Hire a Vice President for Academic Affairs?
Excelon Associates recruits chief academic officers, provosts, VPAAs, and senior academic administrators for colleges and universities nationwide. Whether your goals are to strengthen academic leadership, enhance faculty and student success, or drive innovation across disciplines, we connect you with the candidates who can deliver. Headquartered in Asheville, NC. Retained search since 2007.