The Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs is a full-time position that is anticipated to serve 6-12 months while a national search is conducted for the permanent role. The role will report to the President and serve on the President’s Cabinet. The Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs (AA) provides leadership, planning, development, management, and implementation of the educational functions of the University of Northwestern – St. Paul. This interim position is charged with oversight of academic programs and faculty, administering related policies, and shepherding the implementation of Northwestern’s Amplify the Gospel vision, strategic plans, and campaign (where applicable to academic initiatives). 

• Champion and protect the university’s mission and vision, enhancing and advancing its reputation internally and externally.
• Provide overall administrative planning and coordination to enable the success of the academic enterprise, including faculty and student services, undergraduate and graduate studies programs, dual enrollment, continuing education, research, program administration, and new program development.
• In coordination with the university’s mission, vision, and strategic plan, explore, develop, and implement new educational endeavors. Grow and strengthen the academic enterprise to position both the university and the permanent vice president for future success.
• Serve as a standing member of the President’s Cabinet and other appropriate institutional committees. Represent Cabinet, including its decisions and perspectives, to the faculty. Collaborate with Cabinet members to ensure forward progress of key university and organizational initiatives, campaigns, and decisions. Collaborate with academic leadership to ensure that faculty affairs support university-wide initiatives.
• Contribute to the Academic Visioning and Strategic Planning Oversight Committees. In collaboration with the Vice President for Strategy, develop a framework for implementing their plans.
• Maintain oversight of the AA budget, including academic planning, resource allocation, fiscal accountability, and policy development. Work in concert with the CFO on annual fiscal planning and structural budgeting to achieve short- and long-term financial goals and sustainability.
• Steward relationships and ensure compliance with the appropriate accrediting bodies and government agencies. Supervise the accreditation process and the preparation of formal reports with appropriate accrediting agencies.
• Directly supervise multiple positions strategic to the advancement of academic affairs.
• Oversee all aspects of faculty affairs, including recruiting and recommending full-time faculty and academic administrators for presidential appointment, managing contract renewals and non-renewals, and guiding faculty promotions and professional development. Implement evaluation processes that promote continuous improvement, accountability, and alignment with the university’s mission and goals for teaching excellence and student success. Chair faculty meetings to foster collaboration and advance academic priorities.

• Earned doctorate/terminal degree in an appropriate discipline in higher education, required; rank of full professor, preferred
• Minimum of 10 years previous higher education teaching experience, preferred
• Minimum of 5 years academic administration experience in higher education, preferred
• Continually nurture a personal relationship with Jesus Christ; serve as a consistent witness for Jesus Christ; maintain a kind, Christ-like attitude in dealing with and ministering to people within and outside of Northwestern; and faithfully uphold and embrace Northwestern’s mission, doctrinal statement, and Declaration of Christian Community.

• Ability to interact with a variety of individuals in a professional, courteous, and tactful manner
• Ability to lead and supervise with a growth mindset and first team mentality
• Ability to develop and implement curriculum
• Knowledge and understanding of university accreditation requirements/process
• Knowledge and understanding of basic computer skills
• Significant track record of visionary and collegial academic leadership and integrity at a comprehensive institution of higher education
• Evidence of significant achievement in teaching and scholarship
• Ability to lead and influence effectively amidst the competing priorities and tensions of the Christian university as the academy and as a business
• Ability to initiate, manage and sustain effective change
• Proven advocacy for the academic process with a focus on student learning and an appreciation for the critical role of the faculty
• Exemplary verbal, written, interpersonal and communication skills, a reputation for integrity, and grace under pressure
• Ability to pass a background check upon hire and periodically throughout the course of employment

• Traditional health benefits (including medical, dental & vision)
• 403(b) Plan + Employer Match
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Time Off
• A team committed to an Unwavering future

About University of Northwestern - St. Paul

University of Northwestern - St. Paul is an evangelical, non-denominational Christian institution offering both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Northwestern is an intentional community of faith, living, and learning located in St. Paul, Minnesota. Since 1902, Northwestern has been committed to providing Christ-centered, academically excellent education for men and women from around the world. Northwestern’s 100-acre campus is nestled along the shores of Lake Johanna. The downtown areas of both Saint Paul and Minneapolis can be reached within 15 minutes, providing easy access to hundreds of cultural and recreational activities in the Twin Cities.

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