What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Provost position at Pacifica Graduate Institute?
Description
The Associate Provost (AP), Academic Administration provides administrative leadership for Pacifica Graduate Institute. Reporting directly to the Provost, this role supports the institution's mission by overseeing academic administration, student affairs, and equity-related initiatives. The Associate Provost coordinates with various departments and stakeholders to ensure the alignment of academic policies, student engagement, and institutional effectiveness with Pacifica’s core values and strategic priorities.
The Associate Provost will seek to apply depth psychological principles in order to promote a healthy, effective, and sustainable organization consistent with Pacifica’s core values, legacy, and future vision.
The Associate Provost reports directly to the Provost, Vice President of Academic Affairs and must have the experience and knowledge to perform a wide variety of academic administrative tasks, and experience to work closely with senior administration in conjunction with all of Pacifica’s academic programs, the primary responsibilities will cover various academic administrative duties across strategic design, organization, goals, and delivery of institutional research, assessment, and accreditation.
Examples of Duties
Oversee Academic Administration
Oversee and/or coordinate with departments such as Strategic Enrollment Management, Student Financial Aid, Registrar, Library, and the Dissertation Office
Provide strategic leadership in the development and execution of policies, ensuring compliance with accreditation standards and alignment with institutional goals.
Collaborate with faculty and administration to promote and facilitate data-driven decision-making in academic programs.
Oversee Academic Student Affairs
Serve as the college’s Student Concern/Grievance Officer, addressing student feedback and resolving grievances in a timely manner.
Foster a learning environment that supports student development through restorative disciplinary practices, ensuring alignment with the Student Code of Conduct.
Lead campus-wide training programs on student affairs, health, and safety, ensuring a holistic approach to student well-being.
Manage student discipline records, ensuring system integrity and compliance with institutional policies.
Institutional Effectiveness and Accreditation Leadership
Lead and oversee the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, working closely with the Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO) to ensure compliance with accreditation standards, including WASC and other accrediting bodies.
Ensure timely preparation and submission of accreditation reports, collaborating with academic departments to integrate institutional data for continuous improvement.
Develop and implement quality assurance measures, leading accreditation activities that align with the institution’s strategic goals.
Equity and Academic Policies
Lead efforts in creating, reviewing, and renewing academic policies to ensure they are equitable, inclusive, and reflective of Pacifica’s mission and values.
Engage faculty and administration in continuous improvement efforts, particularly concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic affairs.
Campus-Wide Policy Development and Implementation
Develop, implement, and administer institutional policies, plans, and programs that support both academic and operational effectiveness.
Working with the Provost, guide initiatives that address student retention, academic performance, and institutional accreditation needs, ensuring alignment with long-term strategic goals.
Communication and Liaison Responsibilities
Facilitate transparent and effective communication between various academic and administrative units, ensuring consistent policy interpretation and execution.
Special Projects and Strategic Initiatives
Manage special projects and initiatives assigned by the Provost, leading cross-functional teams to advance institutional priorities.
Represent the Provost in key academic and administrative meetings, both internally and externally, ensuring that institutional goals are advanced effectively.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervise staff within the Institutional Effectiveness and Learning Office, Library, DO, ensuring alignment of their activities with institutional priorities.
Participate in hiring decisions related to academic administration and institutional research.
Oversee the performance management and professional development of direct reports, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Typical Qualifications
Education: Master's degree in a related field required; Doctorate in Psychology or a related discipline preferred.
Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education administration, with experience in accreditation and institutional effectiveness. Knowledge of depth psychology and educational policy development preferred.
Skills:
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster collaboration across academic and administrative departments.
Expertise in accreditation processes, academic assessment, and institutional research methodologies.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex data clearly and effectively.
Strong problem-solving skills, with a track record of implementing innovative solutions in a higher education setting.
