Vice President of Academic Affairs

Department:

Provost and Executive Vice President

Salary/Hourly

$105,000.00 Annual

Union/Position Status:

SES

Posting Closing Date:

March 11, 2026

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM the evening before the posting closing date .

Please note that the posting will close at midnight (12:00 AM) on the posting closing date.

JOB DESCRIPTION

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

SUNY Erie seeks a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) . The VPAA provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for all academic programs, faculty development, and student learning initiatives. This role is instrumental in advancing academic excellence, strengthening student outcomes, and enhancing workforce-aligned education. The VPAA will champion equity, innovation, and collaboration to ensure that SUNY Erie remains a leader in community college education.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for academic affairs aligned with the college's mission and institutional goals.

• Oversee the development, assessment, and continuous improvement of academic programs to ensure they meet workforce needs, transfer requirements, and accreditation standards.

• Foster innovation in curriculum design, instructional delivery, and student engagement strategies, including expanding online and hybrid learning.

• Formulates policies and procedures for academic departments of the college.

• Oversight of Academic Committees.

• Lead faculty recruitment, retention, tenure, and professional development initiatives to promote excellence in teaching and learning.

• Encourage faculty engagement in research, scholarship, and innovative pedagogical practices.

• Promote a diverse, inclusive, and equitable academic environment that supports faculty and student success.

• Partner with student affairs and institutional research to implement data-informed strategies that improve retention, persistence, and graduation rates.

• Enhance academic advising, tutoring, and other learning support services to ensure holistic student success.

• Develop initiatives that support the needs of first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented student populations.

• Lead the efficient management of academic operations, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and student needs.

• Enhance instructional technology and learning management systems to improve educational delivery and student outcomes.

• Streamline processes and policies related to curriculum development, approval, scheduling, and faculty workload to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement by leveraging best practices in academic administration, student services, and institutional effectiveness.

• Supervise Dean's and academic leaders across the divisions and provide regular professional development on academic leadership.

• Oversee the utilization and design of instructional spaces across the campuses.

• Strengthen relationships with regional employers, government agencies, and community organizations to align academic programs with labor market needs.

• Expand internship, apprenticeship, and experiential learning opportunities for students.

• Advocate for partnerships that enhance funding opportunities, program development, and student career readiness.

• Oversee academic budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with institutional priorities.

• Secure external funding through grants, partnerships, and other sources to support academic initiatives.

• Ensure the effective use of technology and instructional resources to enhance teaching and learning.

• Collaborate with Enrollment Management and Student Affairs to align academic program strategy, scheduling, and instructional capacity with enrollment goals, market demand, and student retention initiatives across all academic divisions.

• Provide leadership and visible participation in commencement and academic recognition activities, supporting a high-quality student experience that celebrates academic achievement, persistence, and successful program completion.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Proven ability to set and achieve long-term academic goals that align with institutional priorities.

Building and maintaining responsive, cooperative, mutually beneficial, and ethical internal and external relationships is essential. Commitment to fostering academic policies and practices that enhance student learning, engagement, and success. Demonstrated ability to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion within academic programs and faculty development. Expertise in using institutional research and assessment to inform academic planning and program evaluation. Strong relationship-building skills to foster partnerships across college divisions and with external stakeholders. Effective leaders equitably and ethically manage people, processes, information, and physical and financial assets to fulfill the college's mission and goals. Ability to motivate faculty, staff, and students in pursuit of academic excellence. Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to engage diverse audiences. Visionary approach to curriculum development, instructional delivery, and emerging trends in higher education. Capacity to lead through change and address challenges with creativity and determination. Commitment to integrity, accountability, and shared governance in decision-making.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A doctoral degree from an accredited institution in higher education administration, academic leadership, or a related field.

• At least five years of progressive academic leadership experience, preferably within a community college or open-access institution.

• Deep understanding of academic affairs operations, including curriculum development, assessment, accreditation, and faculty development.

• Proven ability to implement data-driven strategies that enhance student success and institutional effectiveness.

• Demonstrated experience fostering equity and inclusion in academic programs and faculty hiring.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, three (3) professional references, and a statement on their philosophy of academic affairs leadership. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For more information, visit SUNY Erie's website ( .

Special Requirements

Official transcripts will be required for successful candidates within 30 days of hire.

Contact Human Resources at (716) 851-1840 with any questions.

Contact Human Resources at (716) 851-1840 with any questions.

Our mission to offer quality education includes exposing our students to a diverse range of cultures, experiences and expertise. At SUNY Erie Community College, we value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

SUNY Erie Community College does not discriminate in admission, employment, or in the administration of any of its policies and programs on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, familial status, military status, domestic violence victim status, predisposing genetic characteristics, veteran status, criminal conviction, or any other characteristics protected by law. This applies to all students, applicants or other members of the College community (including, but not limited to, vendors and visitors). Grievance procedures are available to interested persons by contacting the Civil Rights Compliance Officer listed below. Retaliation against a person who files a complaint, serves as a witness, or assists or participates in the investigation of a complaint in any manner is strictly prohibited.

The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the College's non-discrimination policies:

Civil Rights Compliance Officer

Human Resource Department

North Campus

Williamsville, NY 14221

(716) 270-5735

For further information on notice of non-discrimination, please contact:

New York Office

United States Department of Education

Office for Civil Rights, 32 Old Slip 26th Floor,

New York, N.Y., 10005-25010;

Tel (646) 428-3800; Email: [email protected] .

SUNY Erie Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employment / Affirmative Action employer, dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment at all three of our Western New York campuses. Ideal employees will be committed to facilitating the College's student-first experience and career-focused education; and will embrace its mission to enrich its host communities through skill, service and partnership. Excellent health and benefits packages are comparable to offerings through similar county and New York State positions. Employees can take advantage of the College's expansive Health & Wellness initiatives; and tuition-free college courses are available for both employees and their families.

SUNY Erie Fast Fact Sheet ( fact\ sheet?e=1821823/57671708)