VICE PRESIDENT ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

A rewarding opportunity for the right candidate looking to bring their proven track record of strategic leadership and collaboration to the role of Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) at Avila University (www.Avila.edu).  The VPAA will report directly to the President and will be responsible for all programs and people focused on academic excellence, working collaboratively to build a strong and vibrant student learning for all Avila students (at the undergraduate, graduate, adult, and part time levels), including curricula, co-curricula, and service learning.

The successful candidate will serve in a critical leadership role as the institution continues to develop an ambitious strategic plan guided by a set of initiatives that build on the University's strengths.  S/He will lead efforts to: continually advance high quality instruction and learning; develop new academic programs; build upon strong student retention and student academic support; provide ongoing support for faculty as teacher-scholars; foster a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff dedicated to advancing the institution's mission, vision, and core values; and strengthen the culture of philanthropy during the current Centennial campaign.

Required qualifications, skills and accomplishments:

• Doctoral degree or other terminal degree from an accredited College or University;
• Significant successful administrative experience;
• A distinguished record as a teacher and scholar;
• Experience in the development and administration of curriculum, budget, personnel, academic governance, and academic planning;
• A practical and intellectual commitment to higher education;
• An understanding of and strong commitment to the mission of the University;

Position responsibilities (include, but not limited to):

• Provides university-wide leadership in achieving academic goals and objectives by creating the climate, organizational structure, and leadership teams that encourage all members of the university community to contribute positively and productively to departmental, college, and university goals.
• Collaborates with other members of the President's Cabinet to determine, establish, and implement policy for the University.
• Leads academic strategic planning initiatives, implementation, and assessment.
• Provides entrepreneurial and visionary leadership for the growth and development of the University's academic and outreach programs.
• Oversees academic program review and accreditation as well as resulting improvement efforts.
• Forecasts and controls expenditures by projecting needs, justifying requests and aligning them with institution strategic priorities, and allocating funds, in accordance with the strategic plan.

• Maintains a visible profile both on campus and with external constituencies; engages actively with the faculty, student, and staff communities.
• Promotes the diversity of the faculty, staff, and student body.
• Advances successful development and fund-raising activities.
• Develops and maintains productive relationships with external constituencies, government agencies, corporate partners, alumni, donors, trustees, advisory board members, and other stakeholders.

About Avila University

Avila University, a Catholic University sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, is a values-based community of learning providing liberal arts, professional, undergraduate and graduate education to prepare students for responsible lifelong contributions to the global community. With over 60 undergraduate majors and concentrations and 5 graduate programs, Avila has grown as a university with academic excellence, transformational learning and inspirational leadership. 

About Kansas City, MO

Kansas City, situated within 250 miles of both the population and geographic centers of the country, is often called, “the Heart of America.”  Kansas City offers a wealth of attractions.  The striking landscape includes wide boulevards, beautiful parks, fantastic architecture and more than 200 fountains. The city’s diversions include world-class museums, a vibrant arts scene, superb shopping and great blues and jazz clubs.  Consider this your quick primer to everything that is unique to this Heartland metropolis.

Avila University is being assisted by the partners of Hyatt - Fennell.  Submit nominations and applications via email to Avila@hyatt-fennell.com.  For inquiries, please contact Cheryl Hyatt at 724-242-0476 or email chyatt@hyatt-fennell.com. Applications include a focused letter of interest, a current résumé/cv, and complete contact information for five professional references. Application deadline is October 15, 2014 All applications and nominations will be considered highly confidential.

Cheryl Hyatt
Avila@hyatt-fennell.com
www.HYATT-FENNELL.com
724-242-0476

Avila University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate in the recruitment of applicants, employment opportunities, or general employment practices on the basis of sex, race, religion, age, color, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by law.