What are the responsibilities and job description for the VICE PRESIDENT/ACADEMIC DEAN position at Southern Maine Community College?
Vice President & ACADEMIC DEAN
DATE OF POSTING: February 10, 2025
BARGAINING UNIT: Confidential (Pending Classification)
BENEFITS: 100% employer paid health, dental, and life insurance for employees (spouse/dependent coverage available), vision insurance, employer paid contributions to Maine Public Employees Retirement or TIAA-CREF (in lieu of social security), generous vacation/personal/sick time allowances, 13 paid holidays, professional development, and free tuition within the MCCS for employees, spouse and dependents.
DESCRIPTION: The Vice President & Academic Dean serves as the chief academic officer of the college, providing visionary leadership and strategic direction for all academic programs and initiatives. This role is responsible for shaping the academic landscape of SMCC, fostering innovation, and ensuring the continuous enhancement of teaching and learning to meet the evolving needs of students and the workforce. The Vice President & Academic Dean is responsible for developing and executing educational policies and academic programs that align with the institutions commitment to student success, accreditation and institutional effectiveness, faculty and staff development, enrollment management and strategic growth, fiscal stewardship and resource allocation, and collaboration and community engagement. This leadership role requires a forward-thinking, collaborative, and student-focused leader who is committed to fostering inclusive excellence, innovation, and academic integrity while advancing the mission and values of SMCC.
This position:
- Provides visionary and dynamic academic leadership, fostering a collegial and collaborative environment that promotes scholarship, teaching excellence, and student success. Champions innovative and high-impact practices, such as guided pathways and interdisciplinary approaches to enhance student learning and workforce readiness. Leads the development and implementation of strategic academic initiatives, ensuring alignment with institutional goals, accreditation standards, and community needs.
- Supports the innovation and continuous enhancement of academic programs, including transfer pathways, workforce development, and emerging fields, through collaborative efforts with faculty, staff and industry partners. Advocates for and promotes high-quality instruction, student-centered learning, and evidence-based decision-making to improve student retention, completion and equity outcomes.
- Leads the academic division and department chairs in development of the educational programs, including the maintenance of standards, the evaluation of instruction, and the implementation of necessary recommendations
- Provides oversight of assessment for student learning and college-wide accreditation
- As a member of the Executive Team of the college, works closely with other team members to address college-wide issues pertaining to such items as fiscal responsibility, strategic planning, enrollment management, student life, communications and community relationships
- Provides guidance to, and receives recommendations from the Faculty Senate and other representative organizations regarding the planning, implementation and review of academic programs, services, activities and related matters
- Acts as the lead officer in the recruitment and selection of faculty, and recommends to the President the employment of those selected
- Works effectively with community groups, educational entities, business, industry, government and legislative bodies to develop partnerships which result in improved service to students and to the community
- Oversees the development of career and transfer, learning resource center/library services, articulation distance learning
- Plans, in collaboration with other administrators and faculty, the schedule of classes
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Doctorate degree in education, higher education administration or related field. A masters degree may be considered with extensive experience. At least five years of progressively responsible supervisory and management experience in higher education, preferably in a community college setting.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience serving as a Chief Academic Officer or in a similar academic leadership role. Familiarity with NECHE accreditation standards and processes. Demonstrated success in building and maintaining strong partnerships with community organizations, industry partners, and other educational institutions.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED: Demonstrated skills in academic planning, curriculum development, academic support programming, student success metrics, research and analytical skills, and experience with regional and specialized accreditation. Strong communication skills, decision-making skills, an understanding of the role of technology in higher education, strong consensus-building and collaboration skills, and a knowledge of current trends in higher education and the continually evolving nature of the community college mission.
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SMCC is an Equal Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and non-discriminatory environment for all employees. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact 207-741-5826.
