Vice President of Academic Affairs

Vice President Of Academic Affairs

Shape the future of student success at one of America's most respected community colleges. North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) seeks an experienced, visionary, and collaborative leader to serve as its next Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Reporting to the President and serving on Cabinet, the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) serves as the college's primary academic officer, providing vision and leadership in directing and overseeing the work of all faculty and ancillary academic activities (such as the library, high school partnerships, and student learning support services). The VPAA aligns and coordinates the development and implementation of all academic programs consistent with our mission and strategic priorities. The VPAA collaborates with deans and cross-functional campus committees to enhance the educational experience and support student success.

Review of applications will begin on September 16, 2026. Anticipated start date: January 2027.

Salary and benefits: Starting salary of $140,000 to $182,000 based on experience. The benefits package includes Blue Cross/Blue Shield major medical health insurance; eye care, dental, life, and disability insurance; paid vacation and sick leave; a choice of IPERS or TIAA retirement plans; and additional optional benefits.

Required qualifications: Master's degree with a willingness to pursue a terminal degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate field of study and previous college-level teaching experience. The successful candidate will have a strong record of professional accomplishments and demonstrated academic leadership experience at the dean level or equivalent. Demonstrated expertise with development and implementation of instructional programs, both transfer and career and technical, preferably in a community college. Strong understanding and commitment to the philosophy and mission of a comprehensive community college. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing to serve the internal needs of the college and to represent the college to external audiences.

Preferred qualifications: Terminal degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate field of study; minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible senior-level administrative experience in academic affairs as a dean, associate vice president or vice president including the supervision of faculty; experience with the Higher Learning Commission or other regional accrediting body; experience as a full-time faculty member, preferably at a community college or higher learning institution; an understanding of the technologies necessary to communicate regularly and effectively with faculty, staff, President's Cabinet and Council peer members, and members of the public; experience and a passion for teaching and methods of teaching and learning; a track record of successfully promoting and implementing the value of and effective practices of a college-wide shared governance model of leadership and decision making; demonstrated success in planning and leading projects with internal and external stakeholders; and ability to thrive in and value dialogue and discussion within committee structures and meetings in making decisions.

Responsibilities and duties:

• Leadership and institutional effectiveness
• Academic programs, curriculum, and student success
• Academic quality, accreditation, and compliance
• Faculty and academic leadership
• Resource management and operations

NIACC core principles: All employees are expected to adhere to all NIACC policies and procedures. NIACC administration, faculty, and staff value a positive working environment and mutual respect; therefore, all employees must maintain a positive attitude and respect for others when working with all NIACC departments, employees, students, partners, and the public. Applicants for this position must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. NIACC cannot sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

About NIACC: As one of the nation's oldest and most respected community colleges, NIACC has served North Iowa since 1918. Guided by its Every Student, Every Step philosophy, the college is committed to changing lives through education, experiences, and partnerships by helping people grow, discover purpose, and realize their potential. Today, NIACC is recognized for its strong student outcomes, commitment to workforce innovation, and meaningful engagement with the communities it serves. NIACC has earned national recognition for its commitment to student achievement, including being named an Aspen Prize semifinalist, one of the nation's most prestigious honors for community colleges. The college has expanded enrollment, developed regional career education centers, increased educational access across rural communities, and strengthened partnerships with K-12 schools, employers, and community organizations throughout the region. Over the past two years, credit enrollment has grown, and NIACC now serves more than 3,400 credit students and 12,000 workforce training participants annually. NIACC is recognized for strong student success and completion outcomes. The institution reports a graduation rate of 59.6% and a student success rate of 67.5%, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence, Guided Pathways, holistic advising, innovative instruction, and comprehensive student support services. These outcomes demonstrate a sustained focus on helping students achieve their educational and career goals while creating pathways to transfer, employment, and lifelong learning. The college's academic programs are strengthened through extensive partnerships with business and industry. NIACC maintains 23 active advisory committees representing more than 175 employers, collaborates with regional K-12 school districts, and maintains strong transfer pathways with Iowa's public and private universities. These partnerships ensure students have access to relevant, high-quality educational opportunities that meet workforce and transfer goals. The Vice President of Academic Affairs will join a college that values continuous improvement, data-informed decision-making, innovation, and strategic investment in people and programs. Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President serves as the chief academic officer and provides visionary leadership for academic programs, faculty development, instructional innovation, accreditation, and educational partnerships. This is an exceptional opportunity for a collaborative and forward-thinking academic leader to help shape the next chapter of a thriving institution that is experiencing enrollment growth, expanding regional access, strengthening workforce partnerships, and advancing ambitious goals for student achievement, economic development, and community impact.

Why NIACC?

• Join one of the nation's oldest and most respected community colleges.
• Lead academic innovation at a college committed to student success, continuous improvement, and educational excellence.
• Work alongside dedicated faculty, staff, students, and community partners.
• Build upon a legacy of national recognition and institutional excellence.
• Support continued growth in enrollment, workforce development, and regional access.
• Make a lasting impact on students, employers, and communities throughout North Iowa.

At NIACC, every student matters, every partnership counts, and every step forward creates new opportunities for success.