Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Manchester University in its search for a Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA).

Manchester University seeks a results-driven change agent with a track record of success developing and enhancing programs to meet the current and trending needs of students. The successful candidate will realign current programs, develop new programs and carry these programs to new markets.

The ideal VPAA is a charismatic and highly visible leader skilled in leading change and working collaboratively across campus. He/she must understand the diverse needs of Manchester University, a small, private, multi-campus institution comprised of undergraduate liberal arts, graduate, and professional degree programs.

The VPAA provides vision and leadership for the development and sustenance of quality academic programs, a distinguished faculty, and excellence in undergraduate and graduate education.  The VPAA is responsible for developing an exceptional learning environment in which students can become their best selves and achieve learning outcomes through an integration of curricular and co-curricular experiences within Manchester University and throughout the community.

The Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) reports directly to the President, serves as the Chief Academic Officer of the university and as a member of the cabinet. As a key member of the President’s Cabinet, the VPAA participates in all institution-wide planning, embraces the University’s mission, and supports its institutional goals.

The Vice President for Academic Affairs has supervisory responsibility over the following areas: 

• Academic deans
  • College of Arts and Humanities
  • College of Business
  • College of Education and Social Sciences
  • College of Pharmacy, Natural Health Sciences
• Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
• Assistant Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness
• Director of the Library
• Registrar
• Instructional Design Specialist
• Director of the Center for Effective Teaching and Learning
• Academic Enrichment program directors
  • First-Year Seminar
  • Honors Program
  • Liberal Arts Core
  • Study Abroad
  • Values, Ideas, and the Arts
• Administrative and Institutional Research Officer

Essential Job Functions:

• Provide vision and institutional direction for the University’s academic programs to maximize the distinctive quality of a liberal arts-infused education, interdisciplinary studies, responsible global citizenship, and professional career preparation.
• Lead new program development that leverages institutional strengths to launch new programs and redesign existing programs in order grow enrollment.
• Establish and implement new academic programs and policies that meet the needs of the student population, the University, the community and comply with accreditation standards.
• Promote and sustain a learning environment that supports and encourages academic excellence, student engagement, retention and completion and learning both inside and outside the classroom.
• Establish a vision for and academic policies and structures that achieve a level of student progression and success that meets the institutional mission, strategic and financial goals.
• Oversee academic technologies, library, distance learning, registration, and research.
• Serve in a consultative role to the President as the ranking member of the President’s Cabinet and proxy for the President during his/her absences.
• Promote and sustain a commitment to shared governance with the Academic Governance Council.
• Recruit and retain a qualified and diverse faculty and staff committed to the institution’s mission, vision, values and programs.
• Recommend promotion and tenure decisions to the President.
• Ensure the compliance of academic units with all applicable federal, state and local regulations, guidelines, research and accreditation standards.
• Plan, develop and manage the academic resources (human, financial) to achieve the strategic goals of the academic affairs unit and University

A complete list of job functions is available upon request.

Required Qualifications:

• Earned doctorate from an accredited college or university
• A minimum of five years of experience in college-level teaching and higher education administration
• Demonstrated experience leading the development and launch of new academic programs with success
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Commitment to the Manchester University mission
• Strong collaboration skills with ability to build effective working relationships
• Knowledge of student learning and its assessment
• Knowledge and understanding of online program development and delivery

Preferred Qualifications:

• Multi-campus administrative experience
• Eligible for tenure

About Manchester University:

Manchester University (MU) is an independent liberal arts university in North Manchester, Indiana, and offers more the 60 undergraduate programs, several master’s programs and a Ph.D. in pharmacy in four colleges. Its mission is to “graduate persons of ability and conviction who lead principled, productive and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.” The University has 1,600 students from 28 states and 20 countries. The University supports two campuses with 73 percent of students in North Manchester. The Fort Wayne campus offers the pharmacy program. MU is ranked eighth in the Midwest in the "Great Schools, Great Price” category in U.S. News & World Report 2019 guide. Princeton Review ranks MU as a “best in the Midwest” and received a “Best College” ranking for 25 years running.

MU creates a caring environment for students. Faculty and staff enjoy small institution intimacy in a well-supported, collaborative, collegial environment throughout both campuses. Individuality and diversity are valued.

About North Manchester:

North Manchester is 35 miles from Fort Wayne with a population of 6,303. The quiet and safe community boasts home prices well below the national average, low property taxes and a very affordable cost of living. The charming town features trees and Victorian architecture, and has excellent public schools, a beautiful public library and a modern aquatics and fitness center. The Firehouse is a popular venue for musicians and community theater, and “mom and pop” restaurants serve a range tastes from Hoosier comfort food to authentic Mexican.  The nearby community of Wabash is home to the Honeywell Center for performing arts and the Eagles Theatre for movies and community performing arts. Several public golf courses are within a few miles of town and, for the outdoor enthusiast, there are rivers, lakes and reservoirs for fishing, swimming, boating, and water sports, as well as numerous hiking trails. For shopping, more restaurants and entertainment, Fort Wayne, Warsaw and Huntington are popular destinations within easy driving distance. 

Application Instructions:

Applications are reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and CV. Please do not email applications. 

Inquiries, referrals and nominations are treated confidentially and can be sent to: Jennifer Muller, Academic Career & Executive Search at Jennifer@ACESrch.com or call 860-740-2600.