Vice-President for Academic Affairs

The Franciscan School of Theology (FST) is searching for a Vice-President for Academic Affairs. FST is a Roman Catholic theology school and seminary sponsored by the Saint Barbara Province of Franciscan Friars (OFM). It is accredited by both the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and WASC Senior College and University Commission.  FST is an independent graduate school training lay and ordained ministers for service in Church and Society. Affiliated with the University of San Diego, FST specializes in the communication of the Franciscan Intellectual and Spiritual Tradition and has a robust relationship with the University in the areas of curricular exchanges, library access, technological delivery, and student services.

The Vice President for Academic Affairs is a senior administrative officer responsible for the overall academic integrity of the school in the fulfilment of its mission.  As such, the Vice President oversees the offices of Enrollment Management, Student Services, Library Services, Recruitment and Marketing and has primarily responsibility for FST’s academic development. Duties include oversight of faculty hiring, teaching and curricular alignment, promotion, annual tenure reviews, leadership development, assessment, support, budgeting, and diversity initiatives.  He or she oversees the assessment of student learning and teaching, community life, and academic support services, and is responsible for coordinating and implementing FST’s academic relationship with the University of San Diego.  The Vice President for Academic Affairs is an ex officio member of the faculty, reports to the President of FST, and is the chief liaison between FST and its accrediting agencies. The position is governed by the Faculty Handbook and the By-Laws of the Board of Regents of FST.

Candidates are expected to have an earned academic doctoral degree compatible with and in support of the mission of FST. They should have demonstrated experience in a leadership position of at least four to six years, including experience in the areas of strategic planning, personnel oversight, organizational relationships and the maintenance of academic integrity. They should have knowledge of developing trends in higher education, particularly those associated with the Catholic Church and intercultural education.

Compensation is dependent upon the candidate’s experience and is consistent with ATS salary standards for similar schools. Since FST is a Roman Catholic seminary, the Vice President of Academic Affairs needs to be a practicing member of the Roman Catholic Church. Consistent with the mission and values of FST, we seek a diverse pool of applicants and encourage persons from groups that have traditionally been under-represented in Catholic higher education to apply. A more complete job description is posted on the FST website, www.fst.edu. We expect that the Vice President for Academic Affairs will begin service on July 1, 2021.

We will begin reviewing applications on December 1, 2020, and will continue until the position is filled. Please send CV and a letter of interest along with the names and contact information of four references to Thomas Nairn, O.F.M., Chair, VP of Academic Affairs Search Committee at VPsearch@fst.edu. Applications will be held in confidence.