Chief Academic Officer

Position Title: Chief Academic Officer

University Overview:

"Name Confidential" University is a new university opening in the Jacksonville area and is looking to obtain its license and accreditation within the next 2-4 years

Job Summary:

As the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) of our newly established university, you will serve as the senior academic administrator, working part-time with the opportunity to transition into a full-time role. The CAO will be instrumental in shaping our academic programs, maintaining high standards of educational quality, and fostering an environment of academic excellence. Your strategic leadership will be key in the accreditation process, faculty development, curriculum enhancement, and compliance with educational regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategically guide the creation of new academic programs, ensuring they align with the mission of the university and the emerging trends in higher education.
• Regularly evaluate existing curriculums and course syllabi, incorporating feedback from a wide array of stakeholders including students, alumni, and industry experts to ensure continuous relevance and rigor.
• Work closely with faculty and department chairs to identify objectives for student learning and outcomes, ensuring that course content and delivery methods are pedagogically sound and leverage the latest educational technologies.
• Lead curriculum committees and workgroups, fostering a collaborative approach to curriculum design and implementation that encourages innovation and interdisciplinary programs.
• Establish a system for regular review of instructional materials and assessment methods to ensure they are up-to-date, effective, and inclusive.
• Spearhead the accreditation process, including the development of a comprehensive self-study that accurately reflects the institution's academic strengths and areas for development.
• Develop and implement a timeline and accountability structure for all accreditation-related activities, ensuring full participation from relevant departments and timely completion of tasks.
• Maintain ongoing communication with accrediting bodies to stay abreast of changes in standards and expectations, advising the university on necessary adaptations to maintain accreditation.
• Oversee the collection and analysis of data related to program quality and student learning outcomes, using this data to inform strategic decisions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Cultivate an institutional culture that understands the value of accreditation and engages the entire campus community in the accreditation process.
• Design and oversee a comprehensive faculty evaluation system that measures teaching effectiveness, scholarly activity, service, and professional development, ensuring these evaluations are used for informed decision-making regarding tenure, promotion, and professional growth.
• Initiate faculty development programs that address pedagogical skills, research capabilities, and technology competencies to enhance classroom instruction and student engagement.
• Encourage and support faculty in pursuing research, grant opportunities, and scholarly activities that contribute to the academic reputation of the university.
• Create opportunities for faculty to share best practices and innovative teaching strategies, fostering a collaborative environment that values knowledge exchange and teaching excellence.
• Lead the recruitment process for new faculty by establishing clear, consistent hiring protocols that emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Work in conjunction with academic search committees to identify and attract top talent in various disciplines, ensuring that new hires are aligned with the university's strategic academic vision.
• Partner with the human resources department to streamline the hiring process, from job posting to selection, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for candidates.
• Develop mentorship and orientation programs for new faculty members, facilitating their integration into the university community and contributing to their success and retention.
• Act as the university's chief representative in matters related to academic compliance, attending all necessary meetings with the Commission for Independent Education (CIE) and other regulatory bodies.
• Lead the preparation for and participation in accreditation site visits, coordinating with various departments to showcase the institution’s achievements and adherence to academic standards.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of federal, state, and local regulations affecting higher education, advising the university on policy changes and implications for academic operations.
• Develop and maintain a compliance calendar that tracks all necessary reporting and renewal deadlines, ensuring the university remains in good standing with all regulatory agencies.
• Articulate a clear academic vision that is forward-thinking and responsive to the evolving landscape of higher education.
• Engage in strategic planning with the university's executive team, ensuring that academic goals are integrated into the broader strategic plan and institutional objectives.
• Champion the development and implementation of innovative academic policies and procedures that streamline operations, improve academic quality, and enhance the student experience.
• Act as a thought leader, representing the university at academic conferences, public events, and within professional networks, enhancing the institution’s visibility and reputation.
• Oversee the academic budgeting process, working in collaboration with the finance department to allocate resources effectively to support academic priorities.
• Directly supervise academic administration staff, fostering a team environment that is efficient and focused on providing excellent service to faculty and students.
• Coordinate with other university departments, such as admissions, student affairs, and information technology, to ensure a cohesive approach to serving the university’s mission and the needs of its students.
• Implement systems and processes that contribute to the smooth operation of the academic administration, ensuring that policies are transparent and effectively communicated to all stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• A seasoned professor with a Doctorate degree in a field related to the field of study of the college that she/he will be leading
• At least 8-10 years of Experience managing academic operations at the department or college level
• Demonstrated strategic leadership, planning, organizational management, change management, and process improvement skills
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of diplomacy in persuading and influencing a wide variety of people at various levels to achieve results in a collaborative decision-making environment
• Excellent strategic planning skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to influence people, solve problems, troubleshoot, think creatively, and resolve conflicts
• Record of maintaining professional business standards and work ethics
• Experience serving as a role model and a mentor to others
• Outstanding writing skills: ability to create compelling and widely read budget requests, funding agreements, and policy documents
• Advanced financial expertise in accounting, budget planning, and financial forecasting
• Exceptional negotiation and conflict resolution skills, effective interpersonal skills, and political acumen
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Expert analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to multi-task and manage deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to cultivate strong, collaborative, trusting relationships with faculty and to anticipate faculty needs

Job Types: Part-time, Contract

Pay: $45.00 - $65.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10 – 30 per week

Education:

• Doctorate (Must Have)

Experience:

• University Administration: 4 years (Must have)

Ability to Commute:

• Jacksonville, FL 32256 (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Jacksonville, FL 32256

Interested candidates should send their resume with a cover letter to sandra@experteduconsult.com with the title "Application for Chief Academic Officer Position in Jacksonville Florida"