"Academic Vice President and Dean of Faculty"

Job Details

The Academic Vice President and Dean of Faculty is responsible for academic strategic planning; faculty recruitment, professional development, and evaluation; budgeting; fund-raising and grants; the development of academic partnerships; and curriculum assessment and planning. Leads and guides the work of faculty, academic departments, committees, deans, the Wesson Honors Program, Windy Hill Lab School, and academic support areas to develop the curricular offerings of the college, to support faculty and staff in their professional development, and to support student success. Works closely with the vice presidents to blend academic and co-curricular offerings into a seamless educational experience for students, supports enrollment of undergraduate and graduate students, develops partnerships with employers and schools, and oversees academic budgets. The Vice President also serves as the liaison for institutional accreditation.

All Colby-Sawyer employees are expected to evaluate decisions, actions, communications and service delivery from the perspective of advancing the college’s mission, philosophy, values and strategic themes, most notably in maximizing student recruitment, retention and success.

Essential Job Functions

• Supervise all matters relating to curriculum and instruction in the College.
• Oversee faculty and academic staff recruitment and development activities.
• Provide recommendations to the President on all academic appointments, tenure, and promotion matters, and ensure that such processes comply with the terms of the Faculty Handbook.
• Oversee development and implementation of academic strategic planning.
• Oversees academic events, such as Convocation, celebrations of academic achievement, and Commencement
• Establish priorities and plans for program development, faculty recruitment, and development.
• Provide academic input to institutional enrollment management efforts.
• Serve as accreditation liaison officer for the institution and for academic program accreditation efforts.
• Coordinate periodic academic program review and work with faculty in the review, study, and development of curriculum and in the improvement of instruction.
• Initiate and direct divisional reviews and serve as ex officio member of division groups in matters pertaining to curriculum and instruction
• Participate in college governance, including strategic, policy, and personnel deliberations and decisions. Contributes by grasping multifaceted topics, considering external environmental scans, and reaching consensus. Evaluates and analyzes relevant topics and issues in order to make sound policy, procedure and precedent decisions.
• Serves as the staff liaison to designated committees of the Board of Trustees.
• Responsible for development and adherence to academic affairs budget and oversight responsibility for all academic areas.
• Participates in the life of the college, actively engaging with members of the community.
• Researches and maintains awareness of trends influencing higher education.
• To chair and serve on a variety of appropriate campus and system committees and groups, such as the President’s Senior Leadership Team, the Strategic Planning Committee, the Academic Policies Committee, and the Executive Committee.
• Engages with the Business Development and Partnerships Manager and Institutional Research to support opportunities for employer and community engagement and ensure alignment of academic programs to meet student and community needs.
• Works closely with the president to represent the college externally.

Qualifications

• Earned terminal degree is required, as is a record of teaching excellence, service, and scholarship commensurate with that of a tenured faculty at an independent college.
• Significant experience at the level of department chair or above, including experience in the development and administration of academic program development, curriculum, budget, personnel, strategic planning, and accreditation.
• Able to communicate verbally and in writing with exceptional clarity, persuasiveness and polish.
• Demonstrated academic leadership, excellent communication and interpersonal skills and good judgment. Ability to formulate and articulate sound policies and demonstrated ability to identify, resolve, and consult on a wide range of administrative and personnel issues with a clear sense of institutional needs and priorities. Strong organizational and management skills.
• Experience developing and managing budgets in a tuition-driven environment is required.
• Knowledge and experience in accreditation and compliance activities is required.
• Experience working with employers or secondary school partners is preferred.
• Experience working with graduate and professional programs or non-traditional students is preferred.

Summary

Colby-Sawyer College is a comprehensive liberal arts-based institution located in the scenic Lake Sunapee area of New Hampshire. We have friendly people, beautiful nature, and small-town amenities and shops. We are located about 35 minutes south of Dartmouth College and just 1 hour 30 minutes from Boston. For more information see Lake Sunapee Region Chamber of Commerce, NH.

We strive to always be a people-first organization. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all employees. If you are looking for a place where you will feel welcome and that you belong, Colby-Sawyer College is that place.

Colby-Sawyer is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the institution. Applicants are encouraged to share what they can offer and how they can help us to achieve and maintain these values in their cover letter.

Review of candidates will begin immediately and candidates are encouraged to apply by January 13, 2026 to ensure full consideration.

Colby-Sawyer College is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment which celebrates multiple perspectives. Colby-Sawyer College will not tolerate discrimination in employment or employment-related decisions on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, mental or physical disability, family or marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or gender identity.