Vice President of Academic Affairs

Dr. Michele Haney, President of Red Rocks Community College, describes the next Vice President of Academic Affairs as ambitious and engaging, someone who listens well, and has a career goal to be a senior level academic administrator who is a valued contributor to their faculty, colleagues, and the overall college community. Dr. Haney is a President known for nurturing and growing her senior staff by mentoring and ensuring their development through investing in them by providing them access to leadership and professional development opportunities. In addition, the next VP for Academic Affairs will have the opportunity to work with an excellent team of deans, directors and an associate dean.

Some of the characteristics of a successful candidate include flexibility, the ability to inspire and motivate, an exceptional listener who works to understand the pulse of the college and the communities it serves, as well as an abiding commitment to social justice.

In addition, the successful candidate will possess the ability to inspire and unite faculty and staff in a shared vision to educate best, serve, and support all students. The VP AA will help set a supportive and caring environment to faculty, students and staff as well as represent the interests of faculty and Academic Affairs to the management of the College, the CCC System and the community. 

As a member of the executive team, the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) serves as the chief academic affairs officer and provides ongoing leadership for increasing levels of student success as well as policies, practices, management and support of academic affairs operations. In support of the college’s mission, vision, strategic plan, philosophy, and core values, the VPAA brings visionary, strategic and equity-focused leadership to develop and review all instructional programs and services and to facilitate continued development of innovative teaching practices and modalities.

Red Rocks Community College exemplifies extraordinary. We are dedicated to our Vision and Mission, which promote student achievement, staff empowerment, and community engagement. We live our values: Integrity, Collaboration, Learning, Inclusiveness, and Communication. We encourage applications from individuals whose background and interests align with our commitment to inclusiveness and welcome you to visit the RRCC Inclusion & Diversity webpage for additional information.

With an unrivaled reputation grounded in our Values, we stand out as a cutting edge model in higher education. We are one of the first community colleges in the country to offer both Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs. Our continued pursuit of excellence is instilled in our employees and has inspired a dynamic and passionate culture.

Summary of Position:

The Vice President of Academic Affairs serves as a member of the college's executive team, as a community builder between faculty and administration and is responsible for guiding the development and management of educational programs and instructional services with a balance of creative problem solving with long-term visioning. The Vice President has broad authority to assess program effectiveness and recommend processes and procedures to ensure relevant, current, and effective college educational programs and services. The position supports the development of a climate that promotes equity-mindedness and innovation; actively demonstrating a commitment to equity and inclusion.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in education, administration or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Five years of increasingly responsible administrative and supervisory experience in higher education or a related area.
• Two years teaching experience.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctorate preferred, in education, administration or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Community college administrative experience preferred.
• Two years’ experience as a college faculty member.
• Membership in or experience working in diverse communities and supporting the success of students and staff from racial, ethnic, and gender backgrounds that are underrepresented in the College.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Evidence of a collegial and participatory style of approach to shared governance.
• Evidence of ability to establish strong teams, achieve consensus and establish strong relationships with both internal and external constituencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to building and embracing a multi-cultural, global campus community.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deal with ambiguity.
• Verbal and written communication skills including the ability to give and receive information accurately, present information to groups and in public settings and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Continuous professional development during career.

Description of Position

Curriculum and Instruction: 

• Establish and maintain standards and operational procedures for instructional and educational services, which are consistent with the values, vision and mission of the college. Includes credit and non-credit classes, and all modes of course delivery.
• Evaluate and assess all aspects of instruction through an equity lens, implement the collective implementation of cohesive best practices, policies, and technologies to achieve the delivery of increased graduates with better career outcomes; equal availability and benefit to all.
• Work with personnel in Academic Affairs on curricular engagement, inclusive curriculum development and integrating equity-mindedness in the curriculum. Support faculty on integrating diversity, equity and inclusion into their curriculum development, instructional strategies, research and service.
• Establish and maintain the college curriculum and instructional programs. Investigate and initiate viable new academic programs to meet the needs of students and be responsive to local workforce needs. Incorporate a vision for multiple teaching modalities and online learning, innovation and non-credit and workforce programming. Assist faculty and the Instructional Services division to provide culturally responsive pedagogical approaches to serving a diverse student body by embedding systematic supports to faculty.
• In conjunction with Deans of Instruction and Department Chairs, evaluate and assess instructional program viability for revision, improvement, expansion or contraction as deemed appropriate. Implement systematic processes and written documentation to provide data and support decision-making related to current or future program.
• Formulate collaborative strategies for instructional delivery, marketing, technology, educational support, and other initiatives through participation with instructional faculty and staff, instructional departments, division, other campus constituencies, and the President’s Leadership Team.
• Through the Deans of Instruction monitor and strengthen affiliation agreements to ensure cooperation and mutual benefit and pursue new affiliation opportunities.

Planning, Budgeting, Reporting:

• Serve as a member of the President's Cabinet and other committees as assigned. Work collaboratively with the President and all members of Cabinet to insure the development, implementation and achievement of the college’s strategic plan and associated goals. In particular, facilitate communication, information-sharing and collaboration between academic and student affairs. Represent RRCC Instructional interests and program with CCCS. 
• Develop, communicate, implement, and assess both annual and long-term plans and academic master plan for the academic affairs. Provide leadership for student success initiatives, particularly guided pathways, student retention, and completion.  
• Provide input and leadership for institutional planning, specifically facilities planning for educational space and future academic program expansion.
• Develop, coordinate, and administer budgets related to academic programs and support services, with input from Cabinet, the CFO and other academic administrators.
• Represent and promote instruction to the entire college. Represent academic affairs and faculty interests in College planning, and budgeting processes and procedures.
• Represent the college in negotiations for articulation and transfer agreements with area schools, technical colleges, and four-year colleges and universities.

Accreditation, Administrative: 

• In conjunction with other academic administrators, monitor enrollment and make appropriate short-term and long-term adjustments to course availability, scheduling, facilities and the overall offerings of certificates and degree options
• Oversee the preparation of the overall schedule of classes, the college catalog and instructionally related marketing materials. Collaborate on the preparation of the college academic calendar and oversee the facilities scheduling related to instructional space.
• Assure compliance of all instructional programs with the requirements of SBCCOE, CCHE, HLC and other state and federal regulatory agencies. Lead activities associated with instruction as part of the college’s official accreditation process.
• Plan and develop management information systems relative to instructional programs and faculty in cooperation with IT and the planning and research office. Coordinate preparation of annual reports on academic services with all system, state and federal agencies.
• Ensure the administration of evaluation systems for all faculty including goal setting, updates, administrative observations and classroom evaluations.

How to Apply:
Complete applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Monday February 15, 2021. To apply for this position, click here to begin your application, including the following:

1. A cover letter describing your professional experiences and addressing the required and preferred qualifications.
2. A resume.
3. Transcripts (unofficial).
4. Please provide a statement addressing the following three subjects: 1.) Your knowledge about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, 2.) Your track record in advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and, 3.) Your plans for advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Additional upload sections are available in the application to include optional attachments.

Please note the following prior to beginning your application:

1. Your application progress cannot be saved. If you exit prior to submitting your materials, you will need to restart the application.
2. As a part of the application process, you will be asked to provide the name, phone number, and email address of three professional references. References will only be contacted for candidates at the second level interview stage.
3. You will be required to attach a cover letter, resume, and transcripts. Your cover letter should describe your professional experiences and address the required and preferred qualifications.
4. Once you submit your application, you will no longer have an opportunity to review or make changes.
5. You will receive a confirmation email once your application has been received.

Benefits:

RRCC offers a range of benefit choices (Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, Life Insurance, Supplemental Retirement Plans, PERA, Disability Benefits, and more). For additional information, please click here. 

The Assessment Process:
Red Rocks Community College utilizes selection and/or search committees in the hiring process for vacant positions. The committee will review all applications received by the closing deadline listed on this announcement to determine if applicants meet required qualifications. The committee will complete a secondary review of applications that meet required qualifications to determine applicants that align more closely with the listed qualifications. The top applicants from this assessment process receive an invite for the first round of committee interviews.

A tentative timeline for this position is as follows:

February 15, 2021 – Position Closes
February 16 – March 12, 2021 – Search committee reviews submitted applications
March 15 – March 26, 2021 – First round interviews with search committee
April 05 – April 16, 2021 – Finalist interviews
July 01, 2021 – Start Date

Be sure your application materials specifically address your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments, as they relate to the position responsibilities, required qualifications, and preferred qualifications sections of this announcement. Upload additional documents, if necessary, to fully explain your experience and qualifications as they relate to this position. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions and apply by the listed submission deadline, may result in your application not being accepted for this position, and may affect your inclusion as a qualified candidate at any stage in the search/selection process for this position.

Transcripts Required:
An unofficial copy of transcripts must be submitted at the time of application. Assessment is required for Transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and must be included as part of your application materials. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report may result in the rejection of your application and you will not be continued in the search/selection process for this position announcement. If selected as the finalist for the position, official transcripts are required as a condition of employment.

Necessary Special Requirements:
Must submit to and successfully complete a pre-employment background check as a condition of hire. Felony convictions or conviction of crimes of moral turpitude or convictions of misdemeanors related to job duties may disqualify you from consideration for this position. Should your background check reveal any charges and convictions, it is your responsibility to provide RRCC Office of Human Resources with an official disposition of the charges.

Important Notes:
Note: Former employees of the Colorado Community College System or one of its 13 colleges, who were disciplinary terminated or resigned in lieu of termination, must disclose this within your application materials.

Red Rocks Community College is committed to diversity in its people and programs. The College is an equal opportunity educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex/gender, sexual orientation gender identity, religion, age, national/ ethnic origin, pregnancy status, veteran’s status, genetic information, physical or mental disability, or any other category protected by applicable law, in its employment practices or educational programs and activities.

RRCC has designated the Executive Director of Human Resources as its Affirmative Action Officer/Equal Opportunity Administrator/Title IX Administrator with the responsibility to coordinate its civil rights compliance activities and grievance procedures. For information, contact Executive Director of Human Resources, Title IX Coordinator, Title VII/Equal Opportunity Coordinator, ADA/Sec 504 Coordinator, 13300 West Sixth Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80228. 303-914-6298.

Reasonable accommodation will be provided upon request for persons with disabilities.  If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation to participate in the application process, please notify Human Resources at 303-914-6570.

RRCC conducts pre-employment background checks on all employment finalists to determine or verify background information, including criminal history, references from previous employment, qualifications, and, when applicable, driving history. Employment offers are contingent upon receiving a satisfactory report.

For information regarding Red Rocks Community College Security, including crime statistics for the Red Rocks Community College Lakewood and Arvada campuses, please see the Red Rocks Community College campus security website at http://www.rrcc.edu/police/. For a hard copy report, please contact 303.914.6494.