VP of Institutional Effectiveness

VP Of Institutional Effectiveness

Cairn University invites applications for the position of VP of Institutional Effectiveness. As a member of the Academic Leadership Team, the VP of Institutional Effectiveness is responsible to establish, monitor, and document the University's work in relation to planning, assessment, and accreditation, and to assist divisions of the University in activities beneficial to the University's management of its cyclical operations and implementation of its Strategic and Annual Plans. This position also supports the Schools in the development and approval of new academic programs and oversees and guides the Institutional Research function of the University.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Cultivate the interest of faculty on the importance of academic assessment and use of continual documentation and improvement. Provide guidance on assessment methods and procedures.
• Assist leadership to establish and implement short- and long-range academic, academic support, and operational organizational goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures; monitor and evaluate department and program effectiveness in support of the University's mission and Strategic Plan.
• Manage and prepare institutional effectiveness reports for the Board of Trustees and other relevant stakeholders, including the annual Assessment & Planning Report.
• Implement University-wide processes and procedures to ensure collaboration between departments in carrying out the University's strategic goals.
• Assist in the design and implementation of the University's annual planning and assessment process for academic programs and academic partnerships.
• Develop and use key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate various programs and initiatives, and use these to support decisions to provide, increase, decrease, or eliminate allocation of resources to these programs.
• Remain informed of the requirements set forth by the University's accrediting bodies.
• Serve as Accreditation Liaison Officer to MSCHE and other accrediting bodies.
• Interface with personnel from the accrediting bodies, facilitating their review of University reports and surveys.
• Direct the approval processes required by the federal, state, and international Departments of Education.
• Oversee and manage federal and external academic compliance procedures, including state authorization and regulations related to academic partnerships. Remain informed of and support non-academic procedures to support compliance, as relevant.
• Provide key representation of accreditation matters and learning resources in the decision-making process.
• Schedule and manage the regular review of academic programs, as well as university wide annual assessment.
• Communicate accreditation requirements to the president, deans, and chairs.
• Assist deans and chairs with developing new curricula and programs, ensuring adherence to accreditation criteria and timelines.
• Work with the support of the divisional vice presidents in matters related to assessment of their areas.
• Work with the leadership and departments of the University to establish and routinize the preparation and upkeep of documents and reports required for accreditation, period reviews, and planning and assessment.
• Work with the leadership and departments of the University to understand accreditation standards and develop and implement policies and practices which demonstrate the University's competence in meeting standards and in accomplishing strategic goals.
• Work with the vice presidents, deans, chairs, and directors in guiding integration of accreditation- and strategic planning-related requirements into the curriculum of each of the University's academic and operational programs.
• Oversee the Department of Institutional Research, approving, coordinating, reviewing, and ensuring proper distribution and retention of surveys, reports, and institutional data.
• Evaluate surveys and data reports based on their return-on-investment value to the University. Implement decisions to continue, discontinue, and change surveys to best align with these findings.
• Determine data not currently acquired that would be helpful to the University's establishment of benchmarking or KPIs, and develop a plan for the Department of Institutional Research to report on this data.

Other Responsibilities

• Co-chair the Student Experience & Success Committee, including directing the establishment of retention goals, measures, and strategies.
• Assist in administrative functions of the Academic Leadership Team, Faculty Meetings, and Academic Affairs Committee of the Board.
• Become familiar and assist with various functions of the Provost's Office
• Represent the University periodically at national and regional conferences.
• Maintain contact with outside vendors.
• Interface with accreditation personnel from other organizations.
• Participate in University meetings as requested.
• Perform other departmental duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• Organizational and administrative skills and experience.
• In-depth knowledge of the University mission, vision, objectives, history, organization, philosophy and procedures.
• Effective writing and speaking skills. Advanced problem-solving and abstract reasoning skills.
• Strong understanding and commitment to the mission and purpose of Cairn University, including agreement with the Statement of Faith and standards of conduct.
• Strong spiritual leadership qualities and character

Required Education and Experience

• Doctoral degree in higher education administration or related field preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in an administrative role.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, in meetings, or during travel.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents or electronic devices.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both in person and virtually, including public speaking engagements and high-level presentations.
• Visual and auditory acuity to read reports, review digital materials, and participate in virtual or in-person meetings and events.
• Occasional standing and walking, including navigating large campuses or event venues.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of materials such as reports, presentation equipment, or briefcases, generally not exceeding 20 pounds.
• Ability to travel frequently, both in- and out-of-state, for university business, donor relations, board meetings, and professional conferences.
• Flexibility to work extended or irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, as needed to fulfill leadership responsibilities and attend events.
• Sustained mental concentration and focus required to perform complex tasks, manage multiple priorities, and make sound decisions in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to remain alert, composed, and professional while managing interruptions, shifting demands, and potentially high-stress or emotionally charged situations.
• Capacity to work independently or collaboratively for extended periods while maintaining productivity and attention to detail.
• Emotional resilience to handle sensitive information, provide support or service to diverse individuals, and adapt to evolving institutional needs.
• Called upon to respond to critical incident responses and planning. This requires acute mental, emotional and physical energy in short periods of time.

This position is primarily performed in a professional office environment, with frequent interaction in conference rooms, event venues, and campus facilities, as well as in virtual settings.

Serving at Cairn University

Located in Langhorne, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Cairn University exists to educate students to serve Christ in the church, society, and the world as biblically minded, well-educated and professionally competent men and women of character. Students earn bachelor's degrees in various areas including Bible, Education, Music, and Business Administration; and graduate degrees in Business, Divinity, Education, Organizational Leadership, Worship and Music, and Counseling. Cairn is a conservative evangelical institution within the protestant tradition that employs faculty and staff who profess Jesus Christ as personal Savior; agree to Cairn's Statement of Faith and Community Life Covenant; and serve students in a ministerial capacity through imparting and upholding biblical instruction, prayer, and mentoring. Members of the faculty are required to integrate biblical instruction in their respective professional subject areas. All members of the Cairn community are obligated to affirm, agree with, and align with the University Foundational Statements. During the application process, applicants will have the opportunity to review these statements and must agree to affirm and support the position of the University, if hired. Applicants are also asked to provide a Personal Testimony of salvation as part of the application process.