About Highline College

Founded in 1961, Highline College is situated in a diverse community just 20 minutes south of Seattle. The college annually serves more than 16,500 students –– a student population of over 70% students of color, representing 35 nations and more than 100 languages. The college embraces equity, inclusion and social justice, with core goals of student attainment, diversity, community engagement and sustainability. The student body at Highline College is made up of Transfer students, Running Start students, Professional-Technical students, International students, Comprehensive Transition Program for students with intellectual disabilities, Adult Basic Education and English Language Learners. In addition, we offer six bachelor of applied science, four-year degrees.

Mission and Vision

As an essential part of our mission and vision, diversity, equity and inclusion are promoted and fostered in all aspects of college life. 

About the Position

The Vice President for Academic Affairs, reporting directly to the college President, serves as the Chief Academic Officer. The Vice President has the broad responsibility for planning, developing and administering the full range of the College's activities related to the Academic Affairs division and has general responsibility for directing and managing the educational planning process for the college.  The successful Vice President will promote and model a learning-oriented approach to all aspects of academic affairs, and work proactively to promote and strengthen a collaborative and inclusive campus climate. The Vice President for Academic Affairs is expected to demonstrate authentic commitment to a campus climate that values inclusion, civility, positive relationships and provides culturally responsive, inclusive services to students, faculty and staff, and the diverse communities that access the College

Recruitment Timelines

The college anticipates a two-step interview process.  For applicant planning purposes, initial interviews will take place between 5/4/20 through 5/8/20.  The second round of interviews will be 5/12/20 through 5/22/20. Dates may be subject to change. 

The anticipated start date for this position is July 1, 2020.

ESSENTIAL TASKS

College Leadership (50%)

• Strategically develop, plan and implement administrative oversight of the College's instructional programs that support the needs of students and the broader community, and ensure that instructional offerings are effective, accessible and current in transfer, technical and basic skills;
• Work closely with the student body, campus leadership, faculty and staff in order to successfully lead the implementation of guided pathways as a strategy to improve student learning and student completion, and eliminate equity gaps. 
• Support the needs of adult immigrant and refugee English Language learners, Adult Basic Ed, and pre-college math and English students throughout their studies at Highline, building towards transitioning to college level instruction. This diverse student population represents a full third of Highline's student body, taught by the largest faculty cohort on- and off-campus.
• Utilize relevant data to build a culture of evidence for continuous quality improvement of processes and programs;
• Establish and effectively communicate goals and objectives that support the College's mission and core themes;
• Encourage innovation in teaching and learning;
• Actively promote and support a diverse learning and work environment which ensures social justice, mutual respect, understanding, civility, culturally responsiveness and non-violence;
• Provide leadership for accreditation and its activities, which may include assessment, program review and evaluation;
• Direct and support an equitable process for full time and adjunct faculty recruitment, development, retention and evaluation;
• Provide leadership in the development of appropriate instructional facilities, equipment and technology to meet the needs of all instructional programs;  
• Provide leadership and support for campus efforts to improve accessible and inclusive design in technology, instruction, and facilities for students, faculty, and staff.
• In collaboration with faculty, develop instructional goals for the College;
• Collaborate with Deans, Division Chairs, faculty, and staff to create policies and programs in response to emerging or changing needs of students and the community, including off-site programming and new and existing Bachelors of Applied Science (BAS) Degrees.

As the Chief Academic Officer (25%)

• Provide direction and guidance in employing academic administration who have the ability to work with faculty and staff to meet the strategic goals of the division;
• Demonstrate leadership and collaboration in identifying and addressing mutual interest in the development and implementation of a collective bargaining agreement;
• Provide sustainable budget development practices and fiscal accountability to support the goals of academic affairs;
• Provide Academic Affairs employees with guidance and resources for professional development and succession planning.
• Provide training and support for adjunct, probationary, and tenured faculty;
• Supervise instructional administrators in accordance with College policies;
• Make necessary recommendations regarding tenure, reassignment, dismissal for cause, and reduction in force for faculty;

Outreach (25%)

• Serve as liaison regarding instructional matters with state and federal entities, accrediting associations, public and private schools, higher education institutions, community organizations and agencies, and business and industry;
• Collaborate with departments across campus to identify and implement processes to attract and retain students and promote their success; 
• Exercise stewardship over college resources;
• Provide materials to illustrate objectives, activities, and accomplishments;
• Engage in and promote shared governance;
• Responsible for building and maintaining collaborative relationships between faculty, staff, administration.

Leadership skills and abilities

• Must have excellent collaboration skills and a commitment to shared decision-making within an exceptionally high-trust, collegial, consultative executive leadership team;
• Partner with community members, state and local government officials, and other outside representatives to carry out the responsibilities of the position and the mission of the College.
• Demonstrated ability to promote universal design and accessibility. Proficiency in (or ability to learn within 6 months of hire) the production of accessible content and communications, whether print or electronic.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university;
• Five (5) years of administrative leadership experience;
• Three (3) years or equivalent of full-time college teaching experience at an accredited institution;
• Demonstrated record of progressive experience in higher education at the dean or comparable or higher level with increasingly responsible professional experience, including the planning and administration of staff, college instruction, higher education administration, finance and budgets, organizational development, and curriculum development and assessments

Supplemental Information

APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ONLINE AT:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/highline

Your online application must include the following three attachments to be considered complete:

1. A detailed RESUME.
2. A cover letter (two-page maximum) that addresses the REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, and to the extent applicable, the LEADERSHIP SKILLS AND ABILITIES of the position.
3. A two-three page response to the DIVERSITY STATEMENT found in the Supplemental Tab.
 

Conditions of Employment:

Six (6) professional references will be request of the finalist. 

Prior to new appointment, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Need Help? 

Should you have any difficulties uploading your documents or navigating the application process, please contact NEOGOV Technical Support at 1-855-524-5627, Mon- Fri 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Pacific Time.
 

Benefits
Highline College offers an outstanding benefits package with a full range of benefits that include multiple medical, dental, life and disability coverage options for employees and eligible family members; choice of retirement and deferred compensation plans to save for the future; paid holidays, sick time, and vacation, reduced tuition, employee discounts, memberships, Employee Assistance Program and more.
 
Highline College is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Highline College is an equal opportunity employer. The College is committed to enhancing the diversity of our faculty and staff, as well as our student population. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientations, and gender identity diversity. We strongly encourage applicants to apply without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legal protected status.
 
Reasonable Accommodations:
The College complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants needing accommodations in the application process in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources office at (206) 592-3812. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.

The College appointing authorities reserve the right and may exercise the option to make an employment decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process.