JOB PURPOSE/ SUMMARY

The Vice President, Academic, Research and Student Services serves as the Chief Academic Officer and directs the academic programmes of the institution. The Vice President is responsible for leading and managing all academic and student services programmes, functions, and operations.

The Vice President is a member of the President's executive team, responsible for strategic planning, fiscal management, resource development, policy setting, and overall administration of the academic affairs of the University. The Vice President serves as advisor to the President in all matters related to curriculum, instruction, and faculty.

DUTIES/ RESPONSIBILITIES

• Formulates academic polices as required and oversees all matters relating to academic instruction, programmes and services, academic programme approval and review, curriculum development, assessment of student learning, teaching effectiveness, scheduling, and faculty recruitment, appointment, training, and evaluation.
• Provides strategic leadership for curriculum and programme development in collaboration with programme leaders, directors, and faculty.
• Develops an approach to integrate the UTT Strategic Plan throughout the Academic Affairs and Student Services areas and work with supervisors to disseminate the plan to unit areas. Ensures successful implementation of the unit's strategic and operational plans and goals. Evaluates the outcomes, as required. Guides continuous improvement of academic programmes and related support services to meet the needs of students, faculty, staff, the national community and other stakeholders.
• Engages with the secondary school system, business and industry, and community partners to strengthen UTT's external stakeholder connections. Expands and maintains strategic partnerships with secondary education systems, employers, public agencies, and other higher education institutions. Ensures the development and maintenance of articulation agreements with transfer institutions and programme articulations with secondary schools and adult education programmes.
• Focuses on student retention and completion by developing and evaluating programmes to support student success and excellence in teaching and learning, for example, Personal Tutoring and Academic Advisement. Assists in the development of a retention and student success model based on research and data analysis and in partnership with other University units.
• Ensures all appropriate programme and location approvals have been obtained, and are maintained, as required for programme specific accreditation. Works collaboratively with the Vice President, Quality Assurance and Institutional Effectiveness to maintain institutional accreditation.
• Plans, prepares, and effectively administers the Research, Academic and Student Affairs budget and oversees budgets of related units. Directs the planning, allocation, and use of fiscal resources within the Research, Academic and Student Affairs Unit. Monitors unit spending and approves purchase requisitions. Applies for and secures grants and other sources of alternate funding. Oversees implementation of grants within the Research, Academic and Student Affairs areas.
• Represents the University as its Chief Academic Officer. Actively participates in professional associations. Attends on or off-campus meetings and serves on programme and university committees as assigned.
• Fosters diversity throughout the University by building an inclusive and supportive environment for teaching, learning, service and scholarship.
• Acts on behalf of the President and assumes responsibility for the day-to-day administration of the University in his/her absence.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the President.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Ph.D. degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized university.
• Minimum of fifteen years of relevant work experience, demonstrating considerable responsibility in higher education.
• Five or more years of experience in a senior academic administrative position, preferably in a university setting.
• Full-time teaching experience in course development, programme instruction, and/or course assessment.
• Exhibits excellent communication and writing skills.
• Proficiency in software programmes, systems, and databases used by universities including Microsoft® Office programmes and related technology skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and complete projects with minimal direction and oversight.
• Excellent record of publications.
• Excellent record of graduate supervision.
• Willingness to work an irregular schedule.
• Has the ability and willingness to pursue a Fellowship of Higher Education Academy (HEA).

COMPETENCIES

• Experienced leader with a clear, focused commitment to teaching, learning, research and student success.
• Innovative and visionary leader who will inspire faculty, staff, students, and the community.
• Highly ethical, trustworthy, and credible leader who is respectful of diverse views and opinions of all stakeholders.
• Collegial, approachable, and accessible leadership style on campus and in the community.
• Able to delegate responsibility and authority while maintaining accountability.
• Demonstrated commitment to student retention and support for student-centred services.
• Demonstrated ability to work with faculty, staff, and students as well as community groups of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.