What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and Academic Operations position at Tusculum University?
Tusculum University is seeking applications for the position of Assistant Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and Academic Operations (AVPIE/AO). Located in the foothills of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, Tusculum University builds on a rich Presbyterian heritage and a pioneering spirit to provide an active and experiential education within a caring Christian environment that inspires civic engagement, enriches personal lives, and equips career-ready professionals. As a mission-driven Christian university, Tusculum is committed to academic excellence, the integration of faith and learning, meaningful faculty-student engagement, and the development of graduates marked by character, purpose, service, and practical wisdom.
Reporting directly to the Provost, the AVPAA serves as a senior academic administrator who provides strategic and operational leadership for the Academic Affairs division. The position oversees key functions related to academic operations, institutional effectiveness, accreditation, institutional research, academic compliance, and continuous improvement. The AVPAA works collaboratively with Deans, faculty, and academic support personnel to support the effective day-to-day functioning of Academic Affairs, strengthen institutional quality and accountability, and advance the University’s strategic priorities and mission.
Primary responsibilities include leadership of institutional accreditation and compliance processes (including SACSCOC reaffirmation and substantive change initiatives), oversight of institutional effectiveness and program review processes, coordination of institutional research and reporting functions, operational leadership for academic administration, and support for strategic planning and institutional decision-making. The AVPAA also plays an important role in fostering collaboration across academic units, supporting data-informed planning and assessment, and helping ensure effective implementation of institutional initiatives. This is a year-round administrative position that normally teaches one course per semester.
Tusculum University seeks candidates who are committed to the mission of Christian higher education and who value close faculty-student engagement, mentorship, and the integration of faith and learning within the academic environment. Strong candidates will demonstrate a commitment to servant leadership, student formation, academic excellence, and the cultivation of a campus culture that supports intellectual, personal, and spiritual growth.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
A terminal degree in an academic discipline is preferred. Candidates must be credentialed to teach in a discipline offered by the University (or one that reasonably could be offered by the University). Significant experience in higher education leadership or academic administration is required. Experience with accreditation, institutional effectiveness, institutional research, assessment, compliance reporting, and strategic planning is strongly preferred.
Tusculum is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. This position is subject to the results of a pre-employment background check and applicable employment eligibility verification requirements.
How to Apply:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For questions, please contact Dr. Amiel Jarstfer at 423-373-8331 or ajarstfer@tusculum.edu.
Applications are accepted only via email to turesume@tusculum.edu Attn: Assistant Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and Academic Operations. A complete application will include:
- A cover letter that contains a summary statement of how the candidate would fulfill the following foundational aspects of the university’s mission as it relates to academic affairs, including:
- Christian Mission – Tusculum University is a Christian University committed to the holistic development of students. The AVP supports faculty in integrating faith and learning, fosters a campus climate in which the Christian faith is thoughtfully and persuasively presented, and encourages meaningful faculty-student engagement that cultivates citizenship, Christian character, and practical wisdom. These qualities align with Tusculum’s mission to provide a “caring Christian environment.”
- Academic Mission – Tusculum is a teaching-focused institution committed to academic excellence and student learning. We seek candidates who value strong teaching, support faculty development, and are committed to fostering an academic environment centered on student success. These qualities align with Tusculum’s mission to provide an “active and experiential education.”
- Mentoring Mission – Tusculum is committed to the shared responsibility of mentoring students. Strong candidates will express a desire to invest in the development and formation of students, faculty, and staff through mentorship, leadership, and meaningful engagement within the University community. These qualities align with Tusculum’s mission to “inspire civic engagement, enrich personal lives, and equip career-ready professionals.”
- Curriculum Vitae
- Copies of all post-secondary transcripts
- The names and contact information of 3-5 references, and
- A completed Tusculum University application. A link to the application form is near the top of the web page https://www3.tusculum.edu/hr/employment-opportunities