What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) position at Southwestern College?
Chief Academic Officer
Southwestern College (SWC) in Santa Fe, New Mexico, invites nominations, inquiries, and applications for the position of Chief Academic Officer (CAO).
As SWC celebrates its 50th anniversary, we are building on a distinctive legacy of consciousness-centered, transformational graduate education while pursuing an ambitious vision for the future. We seek a collaborative, innovative, and mission-centered academic leader to help advance academic excellence, student success, community engagement, and institutional sustainability.
Reporting to the President and serving on the Executive Council, the CAO serves as the College’s senior academic leader and provides strategic leadership for academic affairs, student affairs, accreditation, assessment, faculty development, and academic planning. The CAO works closely with faculty, staff, students, and community partners to cultivate an integrated and transformative educational experience.
Key opportunities include:
- Advancing academic quality, innovation, and program development
- Strengthening student success, retention, and engagement
- Leading accreditation, assessment, and continuous improvement efforts
- Supporting the College’s One Southwestern strategic planning initiative
- Expanding partnerships that advance workforce, community, and behavioral health needs
Candidates should possess an earned terminal degree and progressively responsible leadership experience in higher education, including academic administration, faculty leadership, accreditation, assessment, and strategic planning. The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional communication skills, a commitment to shared governance, and an appreciation for and desire to live observably our mission and values. Minimum salary entry point is $129,200.
Located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Southwestern College is a private graduate institution known for its innovative programs in counseling, art therapy, visionary leadership, and related disciplines. Through graduate education, continuing and community education, and behavioral health services, SWC serves students, communities, and employers throughout New Mexico and beyond.
To view the complete position profile, please visit www.swc.edu/jobs. To apply, send a cover letter, curriculum vita, and three preliminary references which will not be contacted without prior notification to donnajaramillo@swc.edu by November 16, 2026.
Confidential inquiries and nominations may be directed to Thom D. Chesney, President, at thomchesney@swc.edu.
Pay: From $129,200.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $129,200