"Vice President of Academic Affairs and Innovation"

POSITION: Vice President of Academic Affairs and Innovation

LOCATION: NDSCS – Wahpeton, North Dakota

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Full-time, 12-month, benefited position

WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: Anyone eligible to work in the United States

BACKGROUND CHECK: NDSCS requires a successful background check for the selected candidate prior to an official offer of the position.

JOB SUMMARY: The Vice President of Academic Affairs and Innovation (VPAA/I) position blends the traditional Chief Academic Officer (CAO) responsibilities with a strong emphasis on developing new and innovative programs in support of the institutional strategic plan. The VPAA/I will have the opportunity and responsibility to lead and guide the Academic Affairs organization in continued growth in programs and enrollment, while at the same time providing world-class service to our students. The VPAA/I will be a transformative, industry-focused, and student-centered leader capable of managing change and building collaborative relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

The next VPAA/I at NDSCS will be a person with a strong CTE background and will integrate and balance this culture of building strong workforce programs with opportunities for growing our 4-year transfer pathways. While providing energetic, honest, and passionate leadership to the entire division, the VPAA/I will collaborate with colleagues across all NDSCS departments and locations to build an inviting environment, one that is built to serve students. The Vice President will work under the direction of the President, serve on the President’s Advisory Cabinet (PAC) as well as other committees on campus and in the North Dakota University System (NDUS). The VPAA/I will be a strong advocate of the mission and vision of NDSCS and all NDSCS students.

To view more about this position, please click here: VP of Academic Affairs and Innovation Description

CANDIDATE LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES AND CHARACTERISTICS:

The new Vice President will demonstrate strong communication and team-building skills, assuring that all NDUS and NDSCS policies are followed and enhance learning. The successful candidate will ensure academic integrity, rigor, and relevance for all academic programs. As a member of the PAC, the candidate will join this leadership team in leading the institution to achieve the goals set forth in the institutional strategic plan. Additional characteristics, expectations, attributes, and requirements for the position include:

• Provide leadership, strategic vision, and operational support for the Academic Affairs (AA) division that is aligned with the mission and vision of the institution. This includes empowering the Academic Deans, and other direct reports, to ensure the institution is achieving programmatic and institutional goals.
• Appreciation for the mission of the institution in all decision making, including, but not limited to, technology, budget, fundraising, and communications.
• Must demonstrate uncompromising integrity, collaboration, and courage at all organizational levels and all levels of communication and decisions.
• Understanding of the institutional and programmatic accreditation process, policies, and importance (HLC experience preferred).
• Demonstrated success in developing new and innovative academic programs, as well as student recruitment techniques and processes to support all academic programs. Demonstrates a strong understanding of dual credit development, processes, and management.
• Must have an affinity for attention to detail in all matters, including that of using accurate and thorough data to help drive decisions.
• Lead, and be actively engaged in, process for continuous improvement for the entire AA division. Effectively leads, and be actively engaged in, continuous improvement initiatives across the Academic Affairs Division.
• Leads with transparency in decision making processes, providing clear communication.
• Applies sound professional judgement when reviewing and responding to student grievances and appeals. Review and act upon appropriate student grievances and appeals.
• Actively collaborates with NDUS organizations on initiatives and planning opportunities.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in relevant discipline.
• Five years of teaching experience in higher education.
• Three years of successful and progressive higher education administrative experience.
• Five years of significant fiscal management and oversight experience with organizations of similar complexity.
• Significant experience in higher education in developing new, innovative, and industry-aligned academic programs, including a sound understanding of funding new programs. This will include a demonstrated understanding of workforce initiatives, program sustainability, and sound business practices.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Earned doctorate, or terminal degree in relevant discipline from an accredited institution.
• Five years of teaching experience in a two-year college setting.
• Three years of higher education administrative experience, at a Dean level or higher.
• Knowledge and understanding of the NDUS policies and procedures related to academic affairs.

SALARY: Starting at $140,000, commensurate with education and experience

BENEFITS: Pursuant to NDUS policy

DATE AVAILABLE: Spring 2026 (or as agreed upon)

SCREENING BEGINS: Review of applications will begin on February 2, 2026. Position will remain open until filled.

To be considered, interested candidates must submit an NDSCS employment application. Internal candidates will need to use employee self-service in PeopleSoft to apply for the position. All applications should include a letter of interest addressing the attributes, characteristics, and qualifications described above (not to exceed three pages), completion of the NDSCS employment application, copies of transcripts, a current resume (or curriculum vitae), and the names of at least five professional references with each person’s position/title, office or home address, email address, and telephone number(s). References will not be contacted without prior notification and authorization from the applicant. Only applicants who appear best qualified based on this initial review will be invited for a personal interview. The submission of all required materials by the screening date is the responsibility of the applicant.

North Dakota State College of Science, located at 800 6th St N, Wahpeton, ND 58076, is seeking qualified applicants for the role of Vice President of Academic Affairs and Innovation. This is a full-time, 12-month appointment based at NDSCS-Wahpeton. Prior to receiving an official offer, the selected candidate must successfully complete a background check.

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