Vice President of Student Success & Chief Academic Officer (CAO)

Please see Special Instructions for more details. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure all required documents are submitted. Incomplete submissions and/or exclusions of required documents may cause an applicant to be ineligible for consideration. You may direct questions to jobs@isothermal.edu or via phone at (828)395-4192.

Position Information:

• Full or Part Time: Full Time
• Number of Months: 12 Months
• Proposed Date of Employment: 10/01/2026
• Work Schedule: A minimum 37.5-hour work week as determined with supervisor is required. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.
• Permanent or Temporary: Permanent
• Salary Band: Hiring Range: $115,000-$135,000

Position Summary:

The Vice President of Student Success and Chief Academic Officer (CAO) at Isothermal Community College provides visionary leadership to foster a dynamic learning environment that aligns with the college’s mission of empowering individuals and strengthening communities through lifelong learning. This role is pivotal in advancing academic excellence, promoting student success, and driving innovation across curricular programming. Collaboratively with faculty, staff, and external partners, the Vice President ensures delivery of accessible and transformative educational experiences that meet individual student needs as well as those of the broader community.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership:
  • Work effectively with deans to recruit, support, and mentor faculty and staff, promoting a culture of continuous improvement, professional growth, and collaboration to enhance academic quality and student experiences.
  • Oversee the allocation of resources for academic and student services, ensuring efficient use of funds and alignment with institutional priorities. Develop and manage budgets, pursuing external funding opportunities in partnership with the College’s development office as needed.
  • Ensure the college meets all accreditation requirements and complies with federal, state, and local regulations related to academic programs and student affairs.
  • Contribute to the development and execution of the college’s strategic plan, with a focus on academic and student success outcomes. Lead data-driven assessment and improvement initiatives for academic programs and student services.
  • In partnership with the VP for Economic & Workforce Development, build and maintain relationships with local, regional, and state stakeholders, including K-12 and postsecondary educational institutions, employers, and community organizations, to enhance academic and workforce programs and maintain streamlined pathways through transfer and career entry/advancement.
  • Provide leadership for policy recommendations, including the development and implementation of procedures related to dual-enrolled high school programs.
• Academic & Student Success:
  • Provide strategic direction for all curriculum programs, ensuring alignment with the college’s mission, accreditation standards, and community needs.
  • Oversee curriculum development, program assessment, and the implementation of innovative teaching and learning practices.
  • In collaboration with the AVP of Student Affairs, provide leadership for student services, including admissions, advising, financial aid, student support services, and student engagement, to promote holistic student development and success.
  • Foster a student-focused campus environment that supports retention, graduation, and career readiness.
  • Serve as a key liaison with the North Carolina Community College System Office regarding instructional and student services, and between academic departments, student services, the president, and external stakeholders, communicating goals, progress, and challenges effectively.
• Other:
  • Advise the President on policies related to instruction, student discipline, grievances, and crisis intervention, ensuring a safe and supportive campus atmosphere.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities:

• Maintains an understanding and appreciation of the mission, history, programs, policies, services, and goals of Isothermal Community College.
• Maintains an advanced understanding of institutional and programmatic accreditation requirements and processes.
• Identifies problems and makes decisions based on experience and judgment, as well as on established facts such as institutional data, budget allocations, compliance standards, and legal requirements.
• Provides expert guidance on principles and practices of instructional development.
• Communicates and collaborates effectively with others.
• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability to change.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum five years of progressively responsible and complex leadership and supervisory experience, required.
• Postsecondary instructional experience, required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctorate preferred.
• Community college experience, preferred.

Additional Information:

Isothermal Community College provides educational and employment opportunities without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, or disability. Isothermal Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer Institution. If accommodation or assistance is needed in completing this application, please contact Human Resources at jobs@isothermal.edu or via phone at (828) 395-4192.