Vice President of Academic Affairs Mason City req557 Shape the future of student success at oneof America's most respected community colleges. North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) seeks an experienced, visionary, and collaborativeleader to serve as its next Vice President of Academic Affairs.
VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS CATEGORY/LEVEL
EXE/18 BASIC
FUNCTION
Reporting to the President and serving on Cabinet, the Vice President of Academic Affairs(VPAA) serves as the college's primary academic officer, providing vision and leadership in directing and overseeing the work of all facultyand ancillary academic activities (such as the library, high school partnerships, and student learning support services). The VPAA alignsand coordinates the development and implementation of all academic programs consistent with our mission and strategic priorities. The VPAAcollaborates with deans and cross-functional campus committees to enhance the educational experience and support student success. Review ofapplications will begin on September 16, 2026.
ANTICIPATED START DATE
January 2027 SALARY
AND BENEFITS
Starting salary of$140,000 to $182,000 based on experience. The benefits package includes Blue Cross/Blue Shield major medical health insurance; eye care,dental, life, and disability insurance; paid vacation and sick leave; a choice of IPERS or TIAA retirement plans; and additional optionalbenefits.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master's degree with a willingness to pursue a terminal degree from an accredited institution inan appropriate field of study and previous college-level teaching experience. The successful candidate will have a strong record ofprofessional accomplishments and demonstrated academic leadership experience at the dean level or equivalent. Demonstrated expertise withdevelopment and implementation of instructional programs, both transfer and career and technical, preferably in a community college. Strongunderstanding and commitment to the philosophy and mission of a comprehensive community college. Ability to effectively communicate orallyand in writing to serve the internal needs of the college and to represent the college to external audiences.
PREFERREDQUALIFICATIONS
Terminal degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate field of study; minimum of 3 years of progressivelyresponsible senior-level administrative experience in academic affairs as a dean, associate vice president or vice president including thesupervision of faculty; experience with the Higher Learning Commission or other regional accrediting body; experience as a full-time facultymember, preferably at a community college or higher learning institution; an understanding of the technologies necessary to communicateregularly and effectively with faculty, staff, President's Cabinet and Council peer members, and members of the public; experience and apassion for teaching and methods of teaching and learning; a track record of successfully promoting and implementing the value of andeffective practices of a college-wide shared governance model of leadership and decision making; demonstrated success in planning andleading projects with internal and external stakeholders; and ability to thrive in and value dialogue and discussion within committeestructures and meetings in making decisions.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
>Leadership and InstitutionalEffectiveness Provide vision, leadership, and direction for Academic Affairs in alignment with the college's mission, strategicpriorities, and commitment to student success. Lead academic planning efforts, including the development of new programs,partnerships, alliances, and initiatives that advance institutional goals and expand educational, employment, and service opportunities forstudents. Develop and implement academic policies and processes that support effective operations and a positive learning andworking environment. Support and develop academic leaders through mentoring, coaching, succession planning, andcollaboration. Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, cultural competency, innovation, and continuous improvement across theinstitution. Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders that strengthen institutional effectiveness, communityengagement, and student recruitment. >Academic Programs, Curriculum, and Student Success Oversee the development, delivery,evaluation, and continuous improvement of academic programs, curricula, credentials, and guided pathways. Ensure academic offeringsalign with institutional priorities, workforce and transfer needs, accreditation standards, and student success goals. Lead thedevelopment of innovative educational opportunities, including technology-enhanced learning, non-credit to credit pathways, and recognitionof prior learning. Promote student enrollment, persistence, completion, transfer, and career success through high-qualityeducational programs and services. >Academic Quality, Accreditation, and Compliance Lead institutional, programmatic, andprofessional accreditation efforts. Establish, communicate, and monitor standards for academic quality, instructional effectiveness,and student learning outcomes. Utilize assessment, program review, and performance data to drive continuous improvement acrossAcademic Affairs. Ensure compliance with accreditation requirements, educational regulations, and institutionalpolicies. >Faculty and Academic Leadership Collaborate with the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning to promoteteaching excellence, innovation, and professional growth. Support faculty success through effective recruitment, onboarding,engagement, evaluation, recognition, and development. Guide and support deans in fostering faculty excellence and achieving academicgoals. Facilitate leadership development and succession planning for faculty and academic leadership positions. >ResourceManagement and Operations Direct planning, budgeting, and resource allocation across Academic Affairs. Recommend fiscalpriorities and ensure responsible stewardship of financial, human, technological, and physical resources. Oversee academicfacilities, laboratories, library resources, and learning environments that support teaching and learning excellence. Ensureeffective administration of Academic Affairs operations and communicate priorities and outcomes with stakeholders. Maintain strongorganizational skills, demonstrate reliability, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Fulfill other responsibilities as needed orassigned. Perform in a manner that strengthens the coordination and cooperation of all organizational components of the College,including opportunities for student recruitment.
NIACC Core Principles:
All employees are expected to adhere to all NIACC policiesand procedures. NIACC administration, faculty, and staff value a positive working environment and mutual respect; therefore, all employeesmust maintain a positive attitude and respect for others when working with all NIACC departments, employees, students, partners, and thepublic. Applicants for this position must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. NIACC cannot sponsor or takeover sponsorship of an employment Visa. 09/2026 ABOUT NIACC As one of the nation's oldest and mostrespected community colleges, NIACC has served North Iowa since 1918. Guided by its Every Student, Every Step philosophy, the college iscommitted to changing lives through education, experiences, and partnerships by helping people grow, discover purpose, and realize theirpotential. Today, NIACC is recognized for its strong student outcomes, commitment to workforce innovation, and meaningful engagement withthe communities it serves. NIACC has earned national recognition for its commitment to student achievement, including being named anAspen Prize semifinalist, one of the nation's most prestigious honors for community colleges. The college has expanded enrollment, developedregional career education centers, increased educational access across rural communities, and strengthened partnerships with K-12 schools,employers, and community organizations throughout the region. Over the past two years, credit enrollment has grown, and NIACC now servesmore than 3,400 credit students and 12,000 workforce training participants annually. NIACC is recognized for strong student successand completion outcomes. The institution reports a graduation rate of 59.6% and a student success rate of 67.5%, reflecting its commitmentto academic excellence, Guided Pathways, holistic advising, innovative instruction, and comprehensive student support services. Theseoutcomes demonstrate a sustained focus on helping students achieve their educational and career goals while creating pathways to transfer,employment, and lifelong learning. The college's academic programs are strengthened through extensive partnerships with business andindustry. NIACC maintains 23 active advisory committees representing more than 175 employers, collaborates with regional K-12 schooldistricts, and maintains strong transfer pathways with Iowa's public and private universities. These partnerships ensure students haveaccess to relevant, high-quality educational opportunities that meet workforce and transfer goals. The Vice President of AcademicAffairs will join a college that values continuous improvement, data-informed decision-making, innovation, and strategic investment inpeople and programs. Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President serves as the chief academic officer and provides visionaryleadership for academic programs, faculty development, instructional innovation, accreditation, and educational partnerships. This isan exceptional opportunity for a collaborative and forward-thinking academic leader to help shape the next chapter of a thriving institutionthat is experiencing enrollment growth, expanding regional access, strengthening workforce partnerships, and advancing ambitious goals forstudent achievement, economic development, and community impact. Why NIACC? Join one of the nation's oldest and mostrespected community colleges. Lead academic innovation at a college committed to student success, continuous improvement, andeducational excellence. Work alongside dedicated faculty, staff, students, and community partners. Build upon a legacy ofnational recognition and institutional excellence. Support continued growth in enrollment, workforce development, and regionalaccess. Make a lasting impact on students, employers, and communities throughout North Iowa. At NIACC, every studentmatters, every partnership counts, and every step forward creates new opportunities for success.