Vice President of Academic Affairs

Qualifications

Terminal degree from an accredited university with eight (8) years of academic experience and a minimum of five (5) years of academic leadership experience including accreditation, assessment, the promotion process, and supervision of faculty. Minimum of three (3) years teaching experience required.

Equivalency

Any equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience as approved by the Human Resources Department.

FLSA Status

Exempt

Grade

Fifteen (15)

Salary

$161,742 - $183,981 DOE

Campus Information

Located in Carlsbad, New Mexico, Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) is an independent public community college accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. A proud Hispanic-Serving Institution, SENMC offers certificates and associate degrees that prepare students for career opportunities and transfer to four-year institutions. The college also offers Early College and Dual Credit programs in collaboration with local high schools.

With strong community support, SENMC works with local schools, employers, and community organizations to expand educational access, strengthen workforce pathways, and support regional economic development.

SENMC’s mission is to provide educational programs, training, and services that best serve its diverse students, communities, and industry. Guided by its vision, “Building bridges to a better life through education,” SENMC’s faculty and staff advance this mission through their commitment to student success and service to the community. To learn more about the college, visit senmc.edu.

Purpose and Scope

Reporting to the President, the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) oversees all academic activities and is responsible for maintaining the academic integrity of Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC). The VPAA leads the development, implementation, and management of accreditation, assessment, and academic partnerships through collaborative efforts across Southeast New Mexico College.

This position formulates, recommends, and implements academic policies and procedures. In addition, the Vice President develops, maintains, and enhances academic programs; promotes a culture of student learning and development, and cultivates creative approaches to teaching and learning.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborates and provides the leadership to create a long-term vision for Academic Affairs, which will enhance the College's educational mission.
• Provides vision, leadership, and direction for the College's academic programs including curriculum and instruction, service, research, and scholarship.
• Develops and implements the College's academic initiatives, ensuring the alignment with the College's Strategic Plan, mission, and vision.
• Works collaboratively with the President and other Executives to ensure student access, persistence, and success.
• Works cooperatively with the President to provide comprehensive offerings and develop partnerships with business and industry, and community-based organizations.
• Works closely with schools, colleges, universities, businesses, community groups, and the Board of Trustees to provide relevant information, consultation, and recommendations on educational matters.
• Provides leadership in developing, implementing, and maintaining course curriculum and training programs that respond to community needs and prepare students for transfer and career success.
• Conducts studies of and makes recommendations for the improvement of teaching-learning procedures, curricula, evaluation, course planning, academic record keeping, the use of educational media, educational programs, and all other elements of the academic life and work of the College.
• Promotes the professional growth and development of the faculty through in-service training, participation in professional organizations, and the pursuit of further academic study.
• Monitors and evaluates quality and cost effectiveness of academic programs.
• Evaluates course enrollment, persistence, and graduation trends; ensures strategic class scheduling to address student needs and maximize productivity.
• Evaluates effectiveness of instruction through student course evaluations, course syllabi, institutional data, classroom visits and departmental reports.
• Leads the annual performance evaluation process for full-time faculty.
• Participates in the promotion and tenure process.
• Initiates contacts and maintains ongoing relationships with other colleges and universities to build the College's capacity and reputation.
• Completes reports to the Board of Trustees, the New Mexico Higher Education Department, the U.S. Department of Education, and other agencies concerning academic matters of the College.
• Works cooperatively with faculty as well as Grant and Institutional Research Offices to secure funding for curriculum development and improvement.
• Establishes business and industry as well as community partnerships to strengthen and improve academic programs.
• As directed by the President, represents the institution to executive and legislative governments at the local, state, and national levels.
• Assists in determining budgetary priorities and develops, recommends, and implements the annual academic budget.
• Oversees the recruitment, selection, and professional development of faculty and staff.
• Utilizes institutional data in decision-making, including the evaluation of academic programs and services.
• Collaborates with and supports the Executive Team in leading the College.
• Maintains a positive, productive high profile within the region, including business partners and other educational institutions.
• Performs other special assignments and projects either at the request of or with the approval of the President.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and understanding of principles, procedures, regulations, and standards applicable to the job. Understanding of the College's mission, vision, and goals. Working knowledge of academic affairs operations.
• Knowledge of the operation of complex organizations, or educational or governmental systems.
• Knowledge of State and Federal Laws as they relate to education, funding, administration, training, and performance evaluation.
• Familiarity with higher education accreditation in the United States, Higher Learning Commission experience preferred.
• Knowledge of and commitment to diversity and inclusivity as critical components of organizational success.
• Strategic and tactical planning; complex problem analysis and resolution; public contact and relations; sensitive oral and written communication.
• Excellent communication skills, ability to listen to new ideas and to respond in a timely manner to faculty, students, and staff.
• Skill in working effectively with personnel conflicts and concerns.
• Demonstrated ability to administer in a fair, thorough, and thoughtful way.
• Ability to solve problems and deliver difficult messages with kindness and consideration.
• Ability to work independently and to establish and maintain a high degree of personal integrity and openness with students, faculty and staff.
• Ability to collaborate and negotiate with diverse individuals and organizations.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Negotiate with others on proposals and programs as they relate to the academic success of the institution.
• Skillset including effective leadership, public relations, and managing academic affairs.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a personal commitment to equity.
• Ability to work effectively in a collegial environment and deliver results with limited resources leveraging college and community partnerships.
• Strong detail orientation and ability to multi-task with little direct supervision.
• Ability to work under pressure with multiple interruptions and meet deadlines.
• Function as a team player in a diverse working environment.
• Ability to handle sensitive and extensive confidential data.
• Problem solving skills and the ability to lead, instruct, handle a large variety of details, and to work with all levels of the organization.

Work Environment and Physical Demand

• Reach and grasp objects
• Stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Use of video display terminal
• Use of manual dexterity and fine motor skills
• Communicate information orally and in writing
• Receive and understand information through oral and written communication
• Proofread and check documents for accuracy
• Work a fluctuating work schedule

Performing the essential functions of this position requires the use of a computer throughout most of the workday, the ability to navigate a typical office environment, significant amounts of interpersonal interaction including oral and written communication, and the ability to keep track of multiple tasks, projects, deadlines, information sources and business processes. This job description is intended to be generic in nature and describe the essential functions of the job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities, and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.

Affirmative Action Statement

SENMC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer dedicated to excellence through diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.