What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President of Academic Affairs position at Inside Higher Ed?
Job Responsibilities
Vice President of Academic AffairsThe Vice President of Academic Affairs provides executive leadership, vision, and strategic direction for all instructional programs and academic services at the college. This position ensures the design, delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement of high-quality, student-centered educational opportunities that meet the needs of the community, workforce, and transfer partners. The Vice President leads faculty and staff in fostering innovation, academic excellence, and equitable student success across all programs and modalities. Serving as the chief academic officer, this role advances institutional goals through effective planning, resource stewardship, accreditation compliance, and the development of strong partnerships with industry, educational institutions, and community stakeholders, while promoting the college’s mission and enhancing its visibility throughout the service area.
A master’s degree plus seven (7) years of progressively responsible related work experience. NETC Minimum Requirements: A master’s degree plus seven (7) years of increasing responsibility of management and supervisor experience in one or more areas of instructional management, or an effective combination of education and experience. Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the technical college mission of purpose, teaching and learning, and student success. Must have a valid driver's license. NETC Preferred Requirements: A doctorate degree and supervisory experience at the Executive level or higher.
Preferred Qualifications
Must have demonstrated knowledge of instructional program development, curriculum development, student learning outcomes at the course and institutional level, strategic planning and implementation, accreditation requirements and processes, use of data evaluation techniques and methods. Must demonstrate practical skills in supervising practices and techniques, skills in identifying problems, analyzing data and making recommendations, acquiring, allocating and managing resources. Demonstrated skills in establishing collaborative working relationships with all segments of the college, effective communication skills, engaging and presenting ideas and concepts orally and in writing, development of collaborations among diverse groups, ability to work ethically and effectively with economically, culturally, and socially diverse student populations. Must be able to work independently and supervise subordinates. Must be able to plan/organize and perform all duties assigned. Works as an integral member of the leadership team by fostering a collaborative team environment and exercise initiative in developing quality education standards and accountability to faculty, staff and students at the college.
Additional Comments
Travel throughout service area and to national conferences with some overnight and extended work hours including evenings and weekends during peak student services times will be required.
Vice President of Academic AffairsThe Vice President of Academic Affairs provides executive leadership, vision, and strategic direction for all instructional programs and academic services at the college. This position ensures the design, delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement of high-quality, student-centered educational opportunities that meet the needs of the community, workforce, and transfer partners. The Vice President leads faculty and staff in fostering innovation, academic excellence, and equitable student success across all programs and modalities. Serving as the chief academic officer, this role advances institutional goals through effective planning, resource stewardship, accreditation compliance, and the development of strong partnerships with industry, educational institutions, and community stakeholders, while promoting the college’s mission and enhancing its visibility throughout the service area.
- Strategic Leadership – Provides executive leadership in the planning, development, and delivery of comprehensive instructional programs and services, including developmental education, general education, transfer education, vocational and technical training, continuing education, workforce development, economic development initiatives, and community service. Leads the formulation and execution of multi-year strategic and annual operational goals aligned with the college’s mission and academic priorities. Recommends organizational structures, policies, and procedures that ensure academic excellence and a student-centered success model across all instructional areas.
- Academic Program Quality and Innovation – Provides leadership in evaluating, sustaining, and improving instructional quality across all programs and modalities. Oversees curriculum development, program review, articulation initiatives, and the assessment of student learning outcomes. Ensures continuous review of academic program viability, economic feasibility, and community demand, while fostering innovation in teaching, learning, and program delivery. Promotes faculty and staff engagement in advancing instructional priorities and college-wide learning initiatives.
- Partnerships and External Relations – Develops, fosters, and maintains educational partnerships with industry, K–12 school systems, universities, public and private education providers, correctional institutions, GED providers, and community organizations. Represents the college to external agencies and partners in matters related to instructional programs, ensuring alignment with workforce needs and institutional priorities. Actively communicates the value of academic programs to stakeholders and the broader community.
- Budget and Planning – Oversees the preparation, allocation, and administration of budgets for all instructional divisions. Ensures responsible fiscal management, transparency, and alignment with institutional priorities. Advocates for resources and funding to support academic innovation and student success, including pursuit of grants and external funding opportunities. Establishes a culture of financial stewardship and accountability across academic operations.
- Accreditation and Compliance – Ensures compliance with SACSCOC accreditation standards, state and federal regulations, financial aid and grant requirements, and other applicable academic standards. Directs program effectiveness, outcome reporting, and continuous improvement efforts to maintain institutional accreditation and strengthen academic quality.
- College and Community Engagement – Serves as a visible and active representative of the college within the service area. Actively supports college activities, events, and initiatives through attendance, planning, and participation. Promotes the college’s academic mission and enhances its visibility and reputation through community engagement, collaboration, and advocacy. Responds to academic issues and emergencies as needed, including those arising outside traditional work hours.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
A master’s degree plus seven (7) years of progressively responsible related work experience. NETC Minimum Requirements: A master’s degree plus seven (7) years of increasing responsibility of management and supervisor experience in one or more areas of instructional management, or an effective combination of education and experience. Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the technical college mission of purpose, teaching and learning, and student success. Must have a valid driver's license. NETC Preferred Requirements: A doctorate degree and supervisory experience at the Executive level or higher.
Preferred Qualifications
Must have demonstrated knowledge of instructional program development, curriculum development, student learning outcomes at the course and institutional level, strategic planning and implementation, accreditation requirements and processes, use of data evaluation techniques and methods. Must demonstrate practical skills in supervising practices and techniques, skills in identifying problems, analyzing data and making recommendations, acquiring, allocating and managing resources. Demonstrated skills in establishing collaborative working relationships with all segments of the college, effective communication skills, engaging and presenting ideas and concepts orally and in writing, development of collaborations among diverse groups, ability to work ethically and effectively with economically, culturally, and socially diverse student populations. Must be able to work independently and supervise subordinates. Must be able to plan/organize and perform all duties assigned. Works as an integral member of the leadership team by fostering a collaborative team environment and exercise initiative in developing quality education standards and accountability to faculty, staff and students at the college.
Additional Comments
Travel throughout service area and to national conferences with some overnight and extended work hours including evenings and weekends during peak student services times will be required.
