Job Description

Location: Pittsfield, MA

Category: Staff

Posted On: Tue Jan 3 2023

Job Description:

The Opportunity

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer provides leadership and administrative direction in areas related to academic affairs. These include curriculum; diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; program development and review; assessment; information literacy; accreditation; scheduling; collective bargaining agreements; academic budget; grants development and management; internal and external committees; and other related responsibilities necessary for the effective functioning of the Academic Affairs Division. VPAA assumes a leadership role in the implementation of the College's strategic plan as it relates to academics.

Essential Responsibilities

Provide leadership and support innovation in creating systems for systemic review of the College's goals and plans in relationship to BCC's Strategic Plan, Academic Master Plan, and academic program reviews.
Identify resource needs and curriculum revisions required to maintain successful programs as well as new and ongoing program and curriculum needs while confirming that programs are current and designed to ensure student success in employment and/or transfer.
Set academic policies and oversee accreditations and assessments.
Develop and maintain a collegial environment that is conducive to scholarly interactions of students and faculty.
Ensure equitable academic practices that create supportive educational endeavors reflecting BCC's vision of the continuous creation of an inclusive environment open to all identities.
Oversee academic support and transition programs to ensure student persistence and success.
Work with Student Affairs and Enrollment Management to implement strategies known to strengthen enrollment, persistence, completion, and student success.
Provide leadership for faculty recruitment and development that supports innovation, engaging learning environments (online, on-ground, and labs), and diverse and inclusive teaching and learning.
Uphold and advance the College's shared governance practices.
Demonstrate sound fiscal management in overseeing program development, budget, and facilities of all academic and academic support spaces.
Oversee initiatives in Academic Affairs that support learning; ensure these are consistent with the College's mission, with student retention and success, and with initiatives as set forth by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education.
Foster a climate of continual improvement and support professional development for faculty and staff in Academic Affairs.
Lead and/or support collaborations with local school districts on curriculum alignment, transition programs, articulation, and dual enrollment/early college efforts to improve recruitment and success of incoming high school students.

Job Requirements:
Qualifications*

Earned doctorate or senior-level academic career experience
Experienced leadership and innovation in higher education
Prior teaching experience with preference for community college teaching
Experience with collective bargaining would be beneficial
Ability to strategically define, launch, and sustain diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives related to faculty and staff recruitment, retention, and professional development; curriculum and pedagogy; and student support programs and services
Experience using data to inform planning and assessment of academic programs
Experience working collaboratively with Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, Administration
& Finance, Workforce Development, and Community Education
Successful and substantial administrative experience in educational organizations

• BCC is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, equality, and inclusion. Its hiring process for this position, including a search committee representative of diverse constituencies across campus, reflects this commitment. The listed qualifications exemplify just one combination of attributes a successful VPAA may possess. BCC strongly encourages anyone with an equivalent or alternative set of qualities, including a passion for public education and a dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, to apply.

Desired Characteristics and Traits for the VPAA

The faculty, students, staff, Board of Trustees, and community partners seek an experienced academic leader who uses a collaborative approach; values academic excellence in a context featuring an affirming culture, increased diversity, and strengthened civic engagement; embraces accountability; respects the roles of all contributors; is engaged and engaging; and possesses strong communication and listening skills. The VPAA will appreciate and advocate for the vital role of diverse students, faculty, and staff in shaping an enriched learner-centered campus.

The VPAA will be purposeful and achievement-oriented, with a history of accomplishing initiatives that benefit academic programs and, most importantly, students. Moreover, the VPAA must have demonstrable and extensive knowledge of, and interest in, educational research on state, national, and global levels, especially as it relates to reducing barriers and creating more equitable learning experiences for students from historically marginalized groups.

In this regard, the VPAA must be a thoughtful academic leader who will champion the role of academics in increasing equity in the community and ensure that Berkshire Community College continues to provide rigorous, high-quality academic programs in a supportive and inclusive educational environment, and who has a record of leading and supporting multiple initiatives committed to social and educational justice.

The VPAA will be an innovative academic leader who is responsive, open to change, data-driven, resourceful, a creative problem-solver, and savvy regarding budgets and technology. The VPAA will value online and on-campus learning and be experienced with, and supportive of, cross-curricular and cross-divisional initiatives. Furthermore, the VPAA should support and encourage professional growth for faculty and staff. The VPAA will utilize, challenge, and create learning environments within the educational communities that support diverse student populations and creative learning dynamics. The VPAA will affirm and support the College's goal of being a student-ready campus.

Further, the VPAA will possess a strong interest in the broader community, demonstrating a respect for and experience with developing and strengthening relationships with myriad community partners.

Additional Information:
Living in the Berkshires

Located in the heart of the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts, Pittsfield is among the country's best places to live. With a population of just under 44,000 and a cost of living below the national average, Pittsfield captures the essence of small-town living while at the same time maintaining its place as a center for excellence and hub for the arts.

Designated one of the Cultural Districts in Massachusetts, Pittsfield's downtown, known as the Upstreet Cultural District, boasts a lively roster of music, dance, theater, community festivals, and celebrations. There's a vibrant visual arts scene in Pittsfield with public art, thriving galleries, artist studios, cooperatives, and the monthly First Fridays Artswalk. In 2017, the Arts Vibrancy Index compiled by the National Center for Arts Research ranked Pittsfield and Berkshire County as the No. 1 medium-sized community in the nation for the arts. The surrounding landscape is perfect for outdoor recreation year-round. From hiking and skiing to water sports and cycling, the Berkshires have it all.

Nearby Lenox is home to Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. And if you need an urban fix, Boston and NYC are easily accessible within two to three hours.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Source of Funding: 01/AA
Area of Assignment: Academic Affairs
Supervisor: College President
Salary: $160,000 - $170,000 commensurate with education and experience
Effective: July 2023

Berkshire Community College is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate on basis of race, creed, religion, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, maternity leave, military service, and national origin in its education programs or employment.

Pursuant to the Clery Act of 1990 a copy of Berkshire Community College's security report is available on the BCC Website.

BCC is committed to providing an inclusive learning and working environment that values the diverse backgrounds of all people and encourages applications from individuals whose experiences and perspectives model the opportunities and success derived from a college education.

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