Vice President of Academic Affairs

The Maryland Independent College and University Association (MICUA), a non-profit association which has as its mission the representation,  coordination, and impassioned advocacy on behalf of independent higher education in Maryland, is seeking an experienced individual to assist in providing academic policy leadership as well as directing and facilitating the collection and analysis of research and other information.   

The successful candidate must have the ability to manage a diversity of internal and external constituencies, effective public-speaking skills, the capacity for hard work in an intense and challenging environment, and an understanding and appreciation of the nature of independent higher education and the issues important to academe.  In addition to academic policy leadership and the direction and facilitation of research collection and analysis, the Vice President is responsible for: assisting with the capital grants process; assisting with state and federal government relations and lobbying activities; advocating for financial aid for independent students; representing MICUA on various state and national policy forums; and coordinating other projects and initiatives as assigned by the President.

General Description:

The Vice President for Academic Affairs reports to the President of MICUA and provides strong leadership and impassioned advocacy for higher education policy issues in support of the broader mission of the Association and independent higher education. S/he works closely with the President and the Associate Vice President for Government and Business Affairs (AVP), campus leaders, and State and federal officials on legislation, regulatory matters, communications, and other activities impacting member institutions. Responsibilities of the Vice President focus on managing issues related to academic affairs, assisting with the MICUA capital grants process, assisting with government relations and lobbying activities, directing and facilitating the collection and analysis of research and other information, coordinating financial aid policy, and executing other projects and initiatives as assigned by the President.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

Academic Affairs

• Convene and coordinate periodic meetings of the MICUA chief academic officers and other campus-based affinity groups, as appropriate.
• Provide support for member campuses with the state’s academic program approval processes, including the interpretation of state policies and regulations and proposal review when requested.
• Pre-circulate academic program proposals among MICUA member institutions.
• Coordinate MICUA members’ comments and objections to program proposals from non-MICUA member institutions; assist MICUA institutions in responding to objections from other institutions and pursuing appeals to the Commission, when necessary.
• Coordinate academic initiatives in areas including undergraduate education, transfer and articulation, and teacher preparation; serve on statewide committees and workgroups in these areas including the Student Transfer Advisory Committee, Intersegmental Chief Academic Officers, MICUA-USM Deans and Directors, AAT Oversight Council, MADTECC, M.O.S.T. Advisory Committee, and ad hoc committees and workgroups.
• Monitor policy development, regulations, and legislation related to academic issues at the State and federal levels, including accreditation and licensing bodies.  Attend (or watch remotely) meetings of the Maryland Higher Education Commission, Maryland State Board of Education, and the Professional Standards Teacher Education Board.

MICUA Capital Grants (in cooperation with the AVP)

• Coordinate MICUA’s annual state capital grants program for member institutions.
• Monitor the state’s Capital Improvement Program to assess the impact on higher education, particularly the independent colleges and universities.
• Prepare MICUA’s annual Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for endorsement by the Capital Projects Committee and approval by the MICUA Board. 
• Serve as a liaison between the MICUA member institutions and the staff of the Maryland Higher Education Commission, Department of Budget and Management, and Department of Legislative Services on all capital grant requests.
• Update the MICUA Capital Projects Training Manual annually.
• Coordinate the annual MICUA Capital Projects Committee meeting and MICUA Capital Projects training workshop.
• Review and assist in the completion of institutional capital grant applications.
• Upload all grant applications into the state’s Capital Budget Information System (CBIS).
• Coordinate and oversee the MICUA capital grants process from initial application, executive and legislative review and authorization, through project completion.
• Track capital match certifications with the Board of Public Works.

Government Relations (in cooperation with the AVP)

• Assist with analyzing federal and state legislation and regulations relating to academic issues that impact independent higher education; prepare testimony and position papers; work with elected officials, government officials, and their staff; and assist with testifying before legislative committees.
• Help coordinate Congressional visits and assist with the preparation of briefing materials. 
• Track bills during the Maryland Legislative Session on topics related to academic issues.

Research Collection and Analysis (in cooperation with the Research Analyst)

• Coordinate the collection of data and information from the Maryland Higher Education Commission, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the National Postsecondary Student Aid Survey (NPSAS), the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and other state and federal sources.
• Conduct surveys and compile and analyze responses from the MICUA institutions.
• Evaluate and integrate studies and reports that impact higher education.

A graduate degree in a related discipline or juris doctor is required.  At least 5 years of experience effectively navigating the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), advocating before Congress and/or the Maryland General Assembly, and managing academic policies that are important to the independent higher education sector is preferred.  A candidate is expected to exhibit a proven history of competence in management; progressive experience with academic policy development; positive social relationships and interactions with colleagues, supervisors, and other stakeholders; a willingness to challenge and attempt to exceed expectations; and strong written and oral communication skills. 

The position is salaried between $100,000 and $150,000 and offers a full range of benefits, including health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance.  MICUA does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, religion, or age in recruitment, admission and access to, or employment with the organization.

Please email a resume and a letter of interest that includes three professional references to:  Ashley Swift, Manager of Business Operations, at aswift@micua.org.  Candidates may also submit letter(s) of recommendation for consideration.  The position remains open until filled; however, letters of interest must be received by January 18, 2021, to guarantee full consideration.