Assistant Vice President for Digital Learning and Academic Initiatives

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

Jarvis Christian University seeks a visionary and operationally strong Associate Vice President (AVP) for Digital Learning and Academic Initiatives to lead the institution’s digital teaching and learning strategy while advancing academic innovation across modalities and locations. Reporting to the Provost, the AVP will oversee the formation and management of the Digital Teaching and Learning Center (DTLC), guide the evolution of Jarvis Online Learning (JOL) into new strategic initiatives, and provide day-to-day academic oversight of the Dallas satellite campus, including the Executive Leadership Academy and the development of new concentrations under this accelerated model.

This role is central to strengthening Jarvis Christian University’s digital pedagogy, online program quality, faculty development, and academic footprint—ensuring access, excellence, and alignment with accreditation and Quality Matters (QM) standards.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Digital Learning

• Provide institutional leadership for digital teaching and learning, ensuring alignment with Jarvis Christian University’s academic mission, strategic plan, and accreditation expectations.
• Lead the transition and expansion of the Jarvis Online Learning (JOL) model into new strategic initiatives, including degree programs, certificates, executive education, traditional online offerings and workforce-aligned offerings.
• Design and implement a structured, scalable online learning ecosystem, including policies, workflows, instructional standards, and assessment models.

Digital Teaching & Learning Center

• Establish and oversee the Digital Teaching and Learning Center, serving as the institutional hub for instructional design, faculty support, digital pedagogy, and academic innovation.
• Supervise instructional design, learning technologies, and academic support staff as appropriate.
• Evaluate and adopt instructional technologies and learning platforms that enhance student success and instructional effectiveness.

Quality Assurance & Accreditation

• Serve as the institutional Quality Matters (QM) Coordinator, leading course reviews, faculty training, certification processes, and continuous quality improvement.
• Ensure online and hybrid programs meet SACSCOC, federal, and state compliance standards, including regular and substantive interaction requirements.
• Collaborate with Academic Affairs, Institutional Effectiveness, and IT to support assessment, reporting, and accreditation documentation related to digital learning.

Faculty Development & Professional Learning

• Oversee a comprehensive professional development series focused on online pedagogy, inclusive teaching, instructional technology, and assessment best practices.
• Partner with deans and department chairs to support faculty transition to high-quality online and hybrid instruction.
• Promote innovative teaching practices grounded in culturally responsive and student-centered pedagogy.

Dallas Satellite Campus & Executive Leadership Academy

• Provide day-to-day academic operations oversight for the Dallas satellite campus, in coordination with the Provost and academic leadership.
• Support the development and academic integrity of the Executive Leadership Academy, including curriculum alignment, faculty engagement, and program delivery.
• Serve as a liaison between the Dallas campus and the main campus to ensure consistency in academic standards, student services, and institutional policies.

Student Support & Academic Advising

• Serve as academic advisor for online students, ensuring clear pathways to degree completion and academic success.
• Collaborate with enrollment management, advising, and student affairs to strengthen retention, persistence, and graduation outcomes for online learners.

Institutional Collaboration

• Work across academic and administrative units to enhance Jarvis Christian University’s digital academic footprint, visibility, and competitiveness.
• Support grant-funded and externally supported initiatives related to digital learning, executive education, and innovation.
• Provide regular reports and strategic recommendations to the Provost on digital learning performance, enrollment trends, and academic outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• Earned Master’s degree from an accredited institution (Doctorate preferred).
• Significant experience in online learning leadership, digital pedagogy, or academic administration in higher education.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Quality Matters standards, online course design, and faculty development.
• Experience working across academic units to implement institutional initiatives.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Academic Advising
• Grant writing experience and knowledge of federal Title III funding

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate in Education, Higher Education Administration, Instructional Design, or related field.
• Experience at an HBCU or mission-driven institution.
• Experience launching or scaling online programs, executive education, or satellite campuses.
• Familiarity with accreditation processes (SACSCOC preferred).
• Experience advising adult, graduate, or online learners.

Core Competencies

• Strategic academic leadership
• Digital pedagogy and instructional innovation
• Faculty development and change management
• Quality assurance and accreditation compliance
• Cross-institutional collaboration
• Student-centered advising and support

This position plays a critical role in shaping the future of Jarvis Christian University by expanding access, innovation, and academic excellence through digital learning and strategic academic initiatives.

Located in beautiful Hawkins, Texas, Jarvis Christian University, private, co-ed Historically Black Liberal Arts, four-year institution with a rich history and high standards of educational excellence. Founded in 1912, we are affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)., The mission of the university is to prepare a diverse population of lifelong learners intellectually, socially, spiritually, and personally through providing interactive services and using varied modalities of instructional delivery. Jarvis Christian is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and, this year, is celebrating 110 years of educating students. Jarvis Christian offers programs in Criminal Justice, Business Management, Religion, Data Analytics and Cybersecurity and attracts a diverse student body from 22 states and cover 60 nations.

Company Description

Located in beautiful Hawkins, Texas, Jarvis Christian University, private, co-ed Historically Black Liberal Arts, four-year institution with a rich history and high standards of educational excellence. Founded in 1912, we are affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)., The mission of the university is to prepare a diverse population of lifelong learners intellectually, socially, spiritually, and personally through providing interactive services and using varied modalities of instructional delivery. Jarvis Christian is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and, this year, is celebrating 110 years of educating students. Jarvis Christian offers programs in Criminal Justice, Business Management, Religion, Data Analytics and Cybersecurity and attracts a diverse student body from 22 states and cover 60 nations.