Vice President for Instruction

VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTRUCTION

NDSCS OPPORTUNITY

The North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice President for Instruction. A member of the North Dakota University System and founded in 1903, NDSCS is one of the oldest two-year comprehensive, residential colleges in the country. The Vice President for Instruction reports to the President and serves as the chief academic officer with major responsibilities for guiding all aspects of teaching and learning in support of student success. The NDSCS campus has a primary location in Wahpeton with another location in Fargo. 

NDSCS seeks a bold, can-do, creative, and forward-looking leader who will respect the unique character, history, and legacy of the college. The Vice President for Instruction will have the rare opportunity to reimagine a position bridging traditional career and technical studies with equally robust liberal arts programs. The new vice president will focus on executing the NDSCS mission of learner-focused education through occupational/technical programs, transfer programs, and workforce training. The vice president will continue the strategies and goals in the FY21-23 strategic plan, keeping NDSCS' values of learning, integrity, flexibility, and excellence at the forefront.

A talented, dedicated faculty and staff assist some 2,800 students in chosen career pathways realized through options in 33 Associate degree programs, eight diplomas, and 12 certificates. The college also offers an array of distance education and online courses. NDSCS is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Student athletes, the Wildcats, compete in six intercollegiate sports as part of the Mon-Dak Conference.

ATTRIBUTES AND QUALIFICATIONS

The new vice president will arrive with strong communication and team-building skills, assuring that college policies and procedures enhance learning. The successful candidate will be dedicated to a rigorous, compassionate, and learner-centered college in support of student success in both credit and non-credit areas. Further, the candidate will join with leadership to champion a unified, continuous improvement environment for the entire NDSCS community. Additional attributes, qualifications, and requirements include the following: 

• Knowledge of strategic planning with clear, collaborative, fact-based decision-making abilities based upon higher education trends;
• Fiscal management and allocation experience with organizations of similar complexity;
• Significant higher education engagement with credit, non-credit, and certificate programs;
• Appreciation for the academic mission in all decision making, including the technological infrastructure, budget, fundraising, and communications; 
• Understanding of and commitment to advance accreditation demands at national and regional levels; 
• Capacity to assist in an important focus on increased enrollment, from effective recruitment through matriculation and graduation;
• Support of NDSCS direction to increase access, achievement, retention, and success for all students;
• Commitment to develop and strengthen strategies in support of diversity, equity, and an inclusive community;
• Approachable, innovative, and empowering style for students and faculty/staff alike, valuing the tenets of shared governance;

• Ability to strengthen and expand engagement with other colleges/universities, school districts, government agencies, industry/businesses, and community organizations to promote academic partnerships, scholarships, and resources; 

• Capable of assisting with private and corporate contributions, promotion of contributions to the alumni foundation, and advancing grant proposals and initiatives to support teaching and learning;
• High emotional intelligence with strong spoken, written, and listening skills and an open-door, open-mind style;
• Administration and/or teaching background in a two-year college setting (preferred); 
• Five years of experience in education administration or a closely related area (required);
• Five years of positive, established working relationships with federal, state, and/or legislative elected officials (required); 
• Administrative supervisory experience as a senior administrator, dean, or director of multiple direct reports (required);
• Earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited institution of higher education (preferred; Master's degree required).

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS

The Vice President for Instruction will demonstrate a strong work ethic, authenticity, and integrity. To assure best consideration, applications and nominations should be received by July 9, 2021. The application should include a letter of interest addressing the qualities described (not more than 3 pages); a current résumé (or curriculum vitae); and the names of at least five professional references with each person's position, office or home address, e-mail address, and telephone numbers. References will not be contacted without prior authorization from the applicant. It is expected that the Vice President for Instruction will assume office in fall 2021.

The search is being assisted by James McCormick, jim.mccormick@agbsearch.com, 

651-238-5188, and Janice Fitzgerald, janice.fitzgerald@agbsearch.com, 717-580-0663, AGB Search. Nominations and applications should be sent electronically (MS Word or PDF Format) to NDSCSvpinstruction@agbsearch.com. Additional important information may be found at https://www.ndscs.edu and https://www.agbsearch.com/active-searches.

NDSCS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY INSTITUTION

Inquiries/questions regarding nondiscrimination policies at NDSCS should be directed to: Executive Director of Human Resources, North Dakota State College of Science, 800 Sixth Street North, Wahpeton, ND 58076-0002; 701-671-2904.