Vice President of Academic Affairs
DESCRIPTION
The Lake Tahoe Community College District announces a unique and rewarding opportunity to work in college administration. Under the direction of the Superintendent/President, the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) manages functions associated with the instructional program and instructional support operations. As the Chief Instructional Officer, the vice president will be a key member of the LTCC Senior Leadership Team. The VPAA leads the advancement of the College's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility efforts in instructional services as well as continues the progression of the Guided Pathways initiatives.
The Superintendent/President is seeking an innovative, energetic, and proven leader who is committed to student access, equity, and success. The next Vice President of Academic Affairs will join a dynamic leadership team inspired by transforming the next generation of learners.
The Vice President of Academic Affairs is appointed by the Board of Trustees upon the recommendation of the Superintendent/President.
Campus Leadership
The College is governed by a five-member Board of Trustees elected by the citizens of the Lake Tahoe Community College District (LTCCD). Each trustee represents a different geographic area within the district. A student trustee is elected by the students and is the official representative of the students to the Board. LTCC's Board of Trustees has a reputation of being collegial and cohesive in their decision-making often voting unanimously as board.
The College’s Senior Leadership Team is made up a committed group of educational leaders. The leadership team has benefited from continuity of leadership and not having interim or unfilled leadership positions. The College is led by Superintendent/President Jeff DeFranco who has served in this role for eight years and has been a senior administrator at LTCC for more than a dozen years.
The successful candidate for the Vice President of Academic Affairs position will benefit from joining a cohesive team with continuity of leadership at the board and administration levels. The College is in good standing with accreditation and proceed to open on-campus student housing in Fall 2025.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
- Serves as the Chief Instructional Officer for the institution and has primary responsibility for the leadership, management, and administrative oversight for all instructional divisions of the college.
- Oversees career and technical education, workforce development, and adult education programs to address the needs of students, the community, and local business and industry.
- Oversees Library and Learning Services programs to support students, including collections, faculty and staff, and tutoring.
- Oversees Online Learning programs, including staff, student and faculty support and professional development, instructional technology, and participation in statewide initiatives related to Online Learning.
- Oversees the Rising Scholars Program, including faculty and staff, facilities agreements, student support, and programming.
- As a small college Vice-President, the VPAA will be responsible for day-to-day management and close oversight of functions in areas of responsibility.
- Leads recruitment, selection, and evaluation of staff in the instructional programs and other areas of responsibility; makes recommendations to the Superintendent/President regarding staff as appropriate. Supervises assigned programs, faculty, and employees; oversees annual schedules for faculty and staff in assigned program areas.
- Develops and ensures implementation of orientation programs for new employees in areas of responsibility.
- Develops and implements a staff development program for all faculty on a continuing basis.
- Develops and administers assigned budgets and assists with the planning of the annual District budget. Recommends priorities for instructional positions.
- Provides overall direction to the preparation of grants and proposals in the areas of instruction and instructional support.
- Assists with the planning of facilities and their adaptation to the purposes of instruction and instructional support.
- Ensures that rental facilities needed for instruction and instructional support services are arranged for as necessary.
- Attends Board meetings; makes presentations; prepares and reviews items submitted by instructional and other managers for consideration by the Board of Trustees.
- Develops with the instructional staff the College's educational programs, including the determination of new program areas, maintenance of standards, the evaluation of faculty, and the identification of priorities for the establishment of full-time faculty and support positions.
- Performs personnel functions (e.g. interviewing, evaluating, supervising, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining adequate staffing, enhancing productivity of personnel and achieving objectives within budget.
- Oversees the curriculum development and modification processes. Leads in the publication of the College Catalog, full-time and adjunct faculty handbooks, and the Schedule of Classes.
- Leads instructional Deans in their responsibilities including scheduling, recommending adjunct faculty, faculty evaluation, student activities, student publications, grants management, and other assigned program-related activities.
- Provides leadership in developing operational policies, procedures, priorities, and initiatives in both existing and new programs.
- Prepares, or where appropriate, oversees the preparation of local, state, and federal reports, works with the Chancellor’s Office, and represents the College at the state level
- Acts as the College’s accreditation liaison officer.
- Acts as the lead negotiator for the District in negotiations with the Faculty Association.
- Ensures implementation of the program review and planning process.
- Oversees advisory committee processes and ensures advisory committees meet at least annually or as required by program guidelines.
- Coordinates and works cooperatively with the Vice President of Student Services to provide integrated instructional and student services to benefit students. Establishes and maintains communications with other colleges and universities, local high schools, and the local business community.
- Supports the advancement of the institution’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts in instructional services.
- Interprets and implements rules, regulations, codes, policies and laws relating to assigned programs.
- Acts as chief administrative officer of the District in the absence of the Superintendent/President and Vice President, Administrative Services.
- Performs related duties as assigned by the Superintendent/President.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
- Possess a master’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Possess two or more years of recent professional experience in higher education, including two years of direct supervisory experience of academic programs.
- Demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, linguistic, and ethnic backgrounds and disabilities of community college students and staff.
Knowledge of:
- Successful leadership and management theories and practices.
- Current technology and its application in an administrative setting for an educational institution.
- Best practices for achieving student success and completion in teaching and learning theories in support of underrepresented students.
- District policies and procedures.
- State Education Code, Government Code, Title 5, federal Title IV, Title IX, and other federal and state regulations as related to the responsibilities of the position.
- Report and grant writing for federal and state initiatives.
- Budget development and budget management for state and federal funding sources.
- Cultural fluency as in the extension of cultural identity or having knowledge of language, communication, characteristics, and patterns of interpersonal behavior in different cultural groups.
Ability to:
- Provide the academic leadership to enhance the college’s services and programs.
- Handle a wide variety of duties and responsibilities characteristic of a small college.
- Manage in a participatory style.
- Work in an environment that demands a respect for divergent opinions, a sense of mutual trust, and a willingness to work together for the good of the institution.
- Perceive current and future educational needs of California’s diverse student population and the local community with the creative talent to convert these needs into effective programs.
- Prepare reports and make effective public presentations.
- Develop positive and effective working relationships with faculty, staff, and students.
- Initiate cooperative interactions with local, other governmental and private organizations.
- Establish and maintain good community relationships.
- Work in a fast-paced, high accountability environment that operates in an area of uncertainty and change.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS
The Superintendent/President and the Search Committee will evaluate potential candidates for the Vice President of Academic Affairs of Lake Tahoe Community College based on the following desirable qualifications and characteristics:
Desirable Qualifications:
- Faculty experience as a tenured faculty member
- Community college teaching experience, preferably with a demonstrated understanding of the importance of culturally relevant curriculum at the higher education level
- Experience as a community college director, dean, or other administrative position
- Student-centered academic leadership that supports the comprehensive community college and understands transfer, Career Technical Education (CTE), college readiness, basic skills, adult education, and community education
- Understands the role of technology as it relates to all areas of the institution, including its application to teaching and learning within the Guided Pathways framework
- Experience with negotiations
- Experience with online instruction
- Comprehensive understanding of accreditation
- Understands the operations of Library and Learning Services programs
- Experience with and/or passion for justice-impacted student education
- Understanding of and supporting the role of part-time faculty
- Understanding of and/or experience with the operations of a small rural college
- Demonstrated innovation and ingenuity
- Demonstrated achievement in promoting student enrollment, engagement, success, equity, and retention
- Experience effectively leading and fostering diversity, equity, inclusiveness, and an anti-racist environment for students and employees
- Proven track record of advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community, persons with disabilities, and other minoritized groups of disproportionately impacted students and employees
- Leader who supports mentoring of faculty, staff, and students
Desirable Personal and Professional Characteristics:
- Embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms as a college-wide value, including but not limited to embracing bilingualism, understanding of implicit bias, and providing an inclusive equity-minded, anti-racist learning environment
- An educational leader who is sensitive to students’ needs and focuses on the holistic development of the student
- Inspires trust and confidence through strong motivational skills and authentic engagement
- Leader who is collegial, approachable, accessible, and transparent
- Passion for the role and mission of California community colleges, specifically LTCC and an understanding of the key role the College plays throughout the community
- Vice President of Academic Affairs who can create an atmosphere of respect across all categories of employees and has proven commitment to participatory governance
- Exceptional communicator, listener, and visible leader who inspires confidence and will seek out and value contributions from employees, students, and the community
- Individual willing to support the use of technology, on-line instruction, and new teaching methods to creatively address future student needs and workforce demands
- Willingness and ability to build external relationships with community partners, leaders, and citizens to promote LTCC and expand its visibility and place within the community
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
This recruitment is opened until filled, complete applications must be received by noon on Monday, March 3, 2025, to be considered in the first round.
- Cover Letter indicating reasons for interest in the position (limit to 500 words or one page please)
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Supplemental questions
- Transcripts of all post-secondary education (copies acceptable)
Every effort should be made in the application to demonstrate the applicant's ability to meet the qualifications listed for the position. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview.
Once submitted, packets will become the property of LTCC and will not be returned. Only completed packets will be considered.
After reviewing applications, those applicants judged most suitable for the position will be invited to initial interviews. These applicants will be notified by phone on or about Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Initial interviews will be conducted by a committee of campus constituents and are tentatively scheduled for March 26, 27, and 28, 2025. Travel allowances and district-provided lodging will be offered to qualifying applicants.
Finalists will then be invited to a secondary process on April 16, 17, and 18, 2025, with an on-campus forum as part of the process. Travel allowances and district-provided lodging will be provided to qualifying applicants.
LTCC reserves the right to return to the applicant pool at any point during the recruitment process. Candidates who advance to final interviews for this position must agree to a full background and reference check.
LTCC adheres to Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you are in need of special services or facilities due to a disability in order to apply or interview for this position, please call the office of Human Resources at (530) 541-4660 x. 226.
COMPENSATION & CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Salary Range: LTCC offers a competitive compensation package that includes a starting placement salary of $149,286 to $164,588 with the potential to reach $190,531 annually through step advancement.
In addition to base salary:- This position receives an annual in-district allowance of $5,280 and
- An annual technology allowance of $500.
- LTCC also provides a doctoral stipend in the amount of $2,400 each year for senior leadership positions.
- Moving allowance will be negotiated with the final candidate.
Benefits:
Health and Welfare benefits, totaling $21,030, includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long term disability. Several plan options maintain a zero monthly premium cost from the employee and include full coverage of a gold-level medical plan that, on average, covers 80% of healthcare expenses for a standard population. LTCC also matches 19% of the employee’s salary and contribute it into a CalSTRS pension account for this position.
Work-Life Balance:
It is understood that the demands of the position of Vice President, Academic Affairs will require more than eight (8) hours a day or forty (40) hours per workweek. After a three month qualifying period, this position may qualify for the telecommute pilot program which allows employees the opportunity to telecommute for up to 20% of the work week.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation; however, LTCC provides 17 paid holidays per year plus 24 days vacation and 12 days sick leave per year.
In order to further the District's strong commitment to staff excellence, administrators are encouraged to participate in meetings, conferences, institutes, courses, workshops, and other development activities for the purpose of developing or strengthening administrative skills, reviewing district operations and organization, and planning programs and activities for the improvement of the institution.
This position will also be entitled to a 60-day paid professional development leave after five years of continuous administrative service at a time mutually convenient for the College and employee.
Terms:
The Superintendent/President and the selected candidate will mutually agree on the terms of employment and the start date. The preferred start date is July 2025.
Employment with LTCC is not official until the selected candidate meets all pre-employment requirements. All new employees are required to submit official transcripts, proof of freedom from tuberculosis, proof of eligibility to work in the United States, and fingerprints for California Department of Justice clearance.
CONTACTS
Lake Tahoe Community College
(530) 541-4660 x. 226