"Vice President of Academic Affairs"

Join a mission-driven institution where student success is at the heart of everything we do.

Miles Community College (MCC) invites nominations and applications for the position of Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA). Located in scenic southeastern Montana, MCC is a vibrant, student-focused institution that blends the personalized support of a small college with the innovation and impact of a comprehensive community college.

About Miles Community College

Founded in 1939, MCC serves approximately 1,500 annualized headcount students each year with an enrollment of over 500 full-time equivalent (FTE) students. These figures reflect the college’s commitment to provide accessible, high-quality education to both full-time and part-time learners across a wide range of academic and workforce programs. As one of Montana’s three stand-alone community colleges, MCC is fully accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Miles Community College has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as ranking among the top 5% of community colleges nationwide for Student Access & Earnings, a distinction that highlights our commitment to student success and institutional excellence. In addition, MCC is proud to be one of only 30 community colleges nationwide selected to participate in the AI for All Initiative led by American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) & Microsoft, positioning the college at the forefront of innovation and emerging technologies in higher education.

Our offerings include transfer degrees (AA/AS), an AS in Nursing (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited), applied science and certificate programs, dual enrollment, workforce training, and adult basic education. We also proudly support a thriving athletics program with teams in basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball and rodeo.

Position Summary

The VPAA serves as the Chief Academic Officer, reporting directly to the College President and providing strategic, budgetary, and operational leadership for all academic programs. This individual will champion teaching and learning excellence, program development, accreditation, and assessment, while also building meaningful partnerships to support community and workforce needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide vision and leadership for academic programs (credit and non-credit), including curriculum development, delivery, and assessment.
• Direct academic planning, staffing, scheduling, and faculty evaluation.
• Oversee accreditation activities and ensure compliance with licensing and regulatory agencies.
• Collaborate on enrollment strategies that support recruitment, retention, and student success.
• Manage academic budgets aligned with institutional strategic goals.
• Promote innovation in instructional delivery, including online and distance education.
• Lead academic committees, program advisory boards, and cross-functional teams.

Candidate Qualifications

Required:

• Master’s degree in education, higher education, or related field.
• Minimum of seven years of experience in higher education.
• Strong leadership in academic planning, supervision, and faculty development.
• Demonstrated commitment to student success and continuous improvement.

Preferred:

• Doctorate or terminal degree in education, higher ed, or a related field.
• Teaching experience in community college or university settings.
• Experience with accreditation oversight and institutional assessment.
• Familiarity with rural community college environments.

Ideal Traits

The ideal candidate will be a visible, approachable, and collaborative leader who communicates with transparency, clarity, and consistency. They will bring a forward-thinking, student-centered vision and the ability to foster innovation while honoring the values and culture of Miles Community College. The VPAA must balance strategic leadership with shared governance, building trust and strong relationships across divisions. A successful candidate will demonstrate expertise in academic program development and evaluation, faculty supervision and negotiation, accreditation processes, and both internal and external collaboration. Experience in workforce development and the ability to connect with local and regional business and industry partners is essential. The next VPAA will be well-positioned to help MCC build on its enrollment momentum, strengthen academic planning, and support continued institutional growth as Eastern Montana’s community college. A commitment to faculty support, academic excellence, and rural student success will be critical in meeting the evolving needs of the region.

Application Process: To apply for this position, please send a cover letter, résumé, list of three references, unofficial college transcripts, and a completed MCC Employment Application and Background Check Information Form to Carrie Preller, Human Resources, Miles Community College, 2715 Dickinson Street, Miles City MT 59301 or you may submit your application package electronically on our website. Position open until filled. First review of applicants September 30, 2025.

For a MCC Employment Application and Background Check Information Form please view our website at https://www.milescc.edu/Employment/.

Miles Community College is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining an environment of respect and acceptance, one that recognizes the inherent worth and dignity of every person who enters our doors. We believe that a rich diversity of people and the many points of view they bring to campus serve to enhance the quality of the educational experience at MCC. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.