Vice Provost for Academic Administration

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University.

Department:

Academic Affairs

Time Type:

Full time

Job Type:

Regular

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Work Modality:

Hybrid 02 (On Campus 2 days/Week)

Union:

Excluded

Job Description:

Summary:

The Office of the Provost at American University (AU) invites applications for the position of Vice Provost for Academic Administration. A member of the provost’s leadership team, the Vice Provost for Academic Administration (VPAA) provides senior leadership and direction for the following functions within the Academic Affairs division: financial management, staff personnel management, budgetary analysis for new program development, review of contracts and memoranda of agreements (MOAs), administrative oversight of the Office of University Registrar and AU Central operations for the Provost’s Office and designated units.

Additionally, the VPAA works closely with other vice provosts and deans on high-level planning and management decisions to advance the Provost’s and the university’s strategic goals. The individual in this role also represents the provost in various university-wide committees and serves as a liaison to a number of offices across campus, including the budget offices of the university’s 7 schools and colleges.

About American University

American University (AU) is a highly selective, student-centered, private research institution within Washington, DC and is defined by its global outlook, practical idealism, and passion for public engagement. AU’s nationally and internationally acclaimed faculty are renowned for their commitment to excellence in scholarship and teaching and for sponsoring programs that draw upon the extraordinary cultural, scientific, public affairs, legal, business, international, and communication resources in the greater metropolitan area of Washington, DC. Our student body is cosmopolitan and globally diverse, with more than 14,000 undergraduate and graduate students representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 120 countries. For more information about American University, visit www.american.edu.

Essential Functions:

• (30%) Financial management: Provide leadership and oversight of the Academic Affairs division’s revenue and expenditure budgets in conjunction with deans, unit heads, and designated budget administrators. Lead bi-annual revenue and expenditure budget formulation process for academic units. Coordinate communication between the Office of the Provost and school-based budget officers to ensure transparency and two-way accountability. Support units in resolving major budget, financial policy, and audit issues along with the Office of Finance and Treasurer, Office of the Controller, and University Budget Office. Support financial management training and professional development opportunities for school-based budget administrators. Serve on the University Budget Committee as a resource person.

• (25%) Administration: Provide administrative oversight of 2 direct report units: the Office of the University Registrar and AU Central. Lead best practices in all aspects of operations of the offices. Participate in university-wide policy improvement initiatives. Serve as designated liaison with the Office of General Counsel on legal and contractual matters; with the Office of Risk Management on liability, international travel, and insurance matters; with the Office of Information Technology on enterprise systems, and with other offices as needed.

• (20%) Contract review and program support: Review all contracts, MOAs, educational service agreements, and other documents prior to signature by the Provost. Sign sponsored program contracts and academic MOAs as one of 3 officers in Academic Affairs designated by the Board of Trustees. Provide budgetary analysis and financial forecasting to support the development of innovative new programs and partnerships, working in collaboration with AU’s schools and colleges, and academic offices under the Provost. Supervise a Senior Director of Contracts and Administration.

• (20%) Human resource management: In conjunction with deans, unit heads, and Office of Human Resources, provide leadership and guidance in all staff personnel matters, performance management program, and unit reorganizations or restructuring. Oversee division-wide staff merit process to ensure accuracy and fairness across the division and in compliance with HR policies. Provide counsel to the provost, deans, and unit heads regarding performance issues, salary adjustments outside of normal guidelines, and resolution of HR-related problems. Serve on the University Benefits Committee. Partner with HR Office on Labor Management issues as needed. Supervise five direct reports; and provide functional dotted-line supervision of all budget officers reporting directly to deans (7-8 FTE).

• (5%) Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility:

Supervises five direct reports; and provides functional dotted-line supervision of all budget officers reporting directly to deans (7-8 FTE).

Competencies:

1. Leading and Inspiring People.
2. Collaborative Leadership.
3. Thinking Broadly.
4. Acting Strategically.
5. Building a Customer Focused Organization.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Full-Time.
• 35 hours per week.
• Some travel may be required.

Salary Range:

$200,000 - $310,000 annually

Required Education and Experience:

• Master's Degree in related field or equivalent combinations of education and experience.
• 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Proven success in effective leadership of units or programs.
• Experience reviewing contracts, MOAs, and policies.
• Evidence of collaborative work involving deliberation, process, and consultation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Working knowledge of information technology systems.
• Familiarity with operations of higher education institutions.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Master's Degree in related field.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.