"Assistant Provost for Faculty Excellence"

Posting Details

Position Information

Posting Number
S000937

Position Title
Assistant Provost for Faculty Excellence

Department
Academic Affairs

Division
Academic Affairs

Supervisor Title
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Status
Full Time Regular

Salary Range
$110,000-$120,000

Position Summary

North Central College is focused on elevating teaching and learning across its three colleges and schools—Arts & Sciences, Business & Entrepreneurship, and Education & Health Sciences—to deliver an exceptional undergraduate and graduate student experience. We are seeking a forward-thinking and dynamic faculty administrator responsible for advancing the strategic priorities of the Provost’s Office. The ideal candidate brings enthusiasm for advancing faculty and student success, appreciating the ways they support and inspire each other. This role requires experience in designing and implementing faculty development and mentoring programs as well as a strong track record of collaboration and success in higher education leadership. The assistant provost will provide oversight for the Center for the Advancement of Faculty Excellence (CAFÉ).

Description of Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Provide overall leadership for initiatives that make North Central College an outstanding place for faculty to teach, mentor, engage in scholarly and creative work, and contribute to student success.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and assessment of professional development programs in teaching, online learning, curriculum design, and evidence-based instructional practices.
• Provide strategic guidance for CAFÉ programs using evidence-based approaches, ensuring opportunities and resources align with faculty needs.
• Manage unit budgets and effectively allocate resources for projects, professional development, and instructional tools.
• Lead a team of instructional designers and staff, fostering a collaborative and creative work environment.
• Report regularly to the provost on progress and outcomes related to faculty development and engagement initiatives.
• Oversee the faculty course survey process, ensuring results are used to support reflective teaching practice, continuous improvement, and faculty development.

Faculty Support, Engagement, & Community Building

• Collaborate with faculty and academic units to assess instructional needs and develop responsive programs, professional development resources, and learning communities that enhance teaching, learning, and student success.
• Lead evidence-based teaching initiatives and cohort-specific programming, providing guidance on course design, instructional strategies, assessment, and the integration of educational technologies.
• Foster inclusive, collaborative faculty environments through dialogue, co-sponsored events, and support for disciplinary teaching initiatives.
• Oversee college-wide assessment of student learning to inform faculty development and instructional effectiveness.

Faculty Mentoring and Leadership Development

• Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive mentoring program to support faculty at all career stages, including cross-disciplinary initiatives that foster supportive faculty networks.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to design and implement programs that cultivate faculty leadership skills for governance, department roles, and broader academic responsibilities.

Promote Faculty Scholarly Work and Achievements

• Lead college-wide teaching awards and recognition programs to celebrate faculty excellence.
• Advance the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) at North Central by supporting faculty inquiry, dissemination, and the integration of evidence-based teaching practices.

Collaboration and Outreach

• Partner with IT to support instructional technologies and ensure effective use of the LMS for course delivery, assessment, and faculty development.
• Collaborate with colleagues in Academic Affairs and IT to build faculty and staff capacity in the use of generative AI for teaching and learning, with an emphasis on AI literacy and ethical use.
• Engage with national and international organizations focusing on teaching excellence and faculty development.
• Collaborate with schools, departments, and campus partners to identify programming needs that enhance teaching excellence, student success, and faculty engagement.
• Work with student success, the center for career and professional development, the learning commons, and sponsored research colleagues to support institutional priorities.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

An individual in this role should have the judgment, experience, and knowledge needed to provide high-quality service to all internal and external constituents of the College. The position calls for:

1. Proven leadership experience in faculty development at a college or university.
2. Up-to-date knowledge of theories and best practices related to teaching and learning.
3. Solid understanding of assessment approaches and e-learning, including the effective use of technology to support instruction, along with familiarity with current higher-education discussions about the evolving nature of faculty work.
4. Strong organizational and leadership skills, financial literacy, the ability to negotiate and manage conflict, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
5. A demonstrated commitment to diversity, including the ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals across a wide range of academic, socio-economic, racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, and religious backgrounds.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The successful candidate will bring a deep understanding of teaching and learning across multiple modalities and know how to promote active learning, educational technology, and effective assessment. The role requires a proven record of leadership in faculty development at a college or university, an earned doctorate or terminal degree in a discipline within the College, and a strong record of teaching along with research or creative work that supports appointment at the associate or full professor rank. We also value ongoing scholarly contributions that help shape national and international conversations in the field and highlight the impact of our faculty development efforts.

The candidate should be adaptable and ready to launch initiatives that respond to the shifting higher-education landscape. Strong communication skills, empathy, encouragement, and a genuine interest in building community are essential, as these qualities help support positive faculty morale.

Education/Training

Candidates must have an earned doctorate or terminal degree in a discipline represented within the College.

Experience

Effective leadership experience in faculty development at a college or university is required.

Is This a Temporary Position?
No

Employment Conditions

An offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of the College’s background screening process.

Number of Vacancies
1

Open Until Filled
Yes

Additional Information

The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and training.

North Central College provides a comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

• All-inclusive medical, dental and vision group insurance
• Health and dependent care savings plans
• Employer-paid life, AD&D and disability group insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions
• Employee assistance plan resources
• Tuition waiver for full-time employees, spouse and dependent children
• Generous paid time off plans, including 3 weeks vacation to start
• 15 paid holidays per year, including 5 days during NCC Winter Break
• Free access to campus health center, fitness and athletic facilities, and library

Posting Supplemental Questions

1. Are you authorized to work in the US?
   YES / NO
2. Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for work authorization?
   YES / NO

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter/Letter of Interest