Clarkson University · 1 month ago
Vice President for Academic Affairs
Potsdam, NY
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$350K/yr - $400K/yr
5+ years expClarkson University is seeking a dynamic, collaborative, and innovative academic leader for the role of Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA). The VPAA provides strategic and visionary leadership for all academic disciplines, overseeing academic functions and driving strategic transformation initiatives to support the University’s mission and long-term success.
E-LearningHigher EducationTrainingUniversities
Responsibilities
Serve as the principal advisor to the President on academic affairs and as a collaborative partner in the implementation of the institution's strategic vision
Work within a shared leadership model that emphasizes collaboration with the President’s Cabinet, Academic Leadership Team (including the Deans, Division Chairs, signature program leaders), and senior leadership colleagues
Champion synergy between academics and student support to create clear, equitable pathways aligned with workforce needs, lifelong learning, and post-graduation success for undergraduate programs
In collaboration with divisions, provide leadership across academic affairs, operations, and signature programs to ensure excellence in teaching, learning, research, and community engagement, and steer the academic enterprise through the opportunities and challenges of a rapidly changing higher education landscape
Lead strategic academic planning, program review, and alignment efforts to ensure CU’s offerings remain responsive and sustainable. This includes the ability to translate multi-year institutional strategies into decisive action
Oversee faculty hiring, development, and evaluation; foster collaboration and communication; and work to build a diverse, collaborative faculty
Partner with the President and Vice President for Development and Alumni relations to secure philanthropic gifts to the University
Collaborate with the Vice President for Research and Innovation to expand CU’s research portfolio and strengthen its research infrastructure
Support interdisciplinary collaboration, applied scholarship, and research addressing local, national, and global challenges
Assist with efforts to enhance and grow graduate programs, ensuring alignment with labor market needs and academic excellence
Advance student recruitment, retention, and success in partnership with the Vice President for Enrollment & Student Advancement and the Dean of the Graduate School
Support a dynamic, inclusive, and intellectually rigorous academic community by recruiting and retaining exceptional faculty
Provide leadership for faculty hiring, development, tenure, and promotion processes that reflect excellence, fairness, and transparency
Oversee and engage faculty in developing, evaluating, assessing, and revising curricula that supports student achievement
Engage constructively with Faculty Senate and shared governance bodies, upholding academic freedom and faculty voice in institutional decisions
Work with division heads to create and implement a professional development agenda to meet the needs of faculty and program objectives
Promote innovation in curriculum and project-based pedagogy, including hybrid learning, interdisciplinary teaching, and digital delivery
Provide academic input and support to the institutional undergraduate enrollment management efforts
Serve as a senior leader in the budgeting process, aligning academic investments with institutional goals. This requires close partnership with the Vice President for Finance and the ability to analyze financial data for strategic decision-making
Manage the academic budget and ensure the efficient allocation of resources for academic programs
Promote data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement across all academic functions and operations
Support administrative innovation and streamline academic operations to ensure financial sustainability and organizational effectiveness
Ensure compliance with accreditation standards and lead continuous improvement efforts through regular assessment of academic programs and outcomes
Create environments that promote the professional success and well-being of faculty, academic support staff, academic deans, division chairs, and administrative staff who comprise the Office of Academic Affairs
The vision and courage to lead transformative change and to be a Presidential thought partner, especially during times of resource constraint and demographic transition
Exceptional collaboration, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to foster trust, transparency, and shared ownership across the University
A commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive academic culture that supports faculty excellence and student belonging
The ability to translate strategy into measurable results, particularly around academic quality, student outcomes, and institutional sustainability
Expertise in cultural and organizational transformation, and comfort with digital transformation and academic technologies
Collaborate with the Vice President of Enrollment & Student Advancement to develop, implement, and monitor a student success model that is strategic and data driven
Qualification
Required
A terminal degree from an accredited institution, preferably in a technical or discipline-relevant field
Prior administrative experience in higher education and a record of teaching, scholarship, and service commensurate with a senior academic appointment
A minimum of five years of directly related professional experience, including at least three years in an academic administrative role with responsibility for managing faculty, accreditation, strategic planning, and budgets
Experience working at a research or doctoral-granting university and overseeing multiple academic departments or schools
Demonstrated success in faculty and student success initiatives that advance institutional mission and outcomes
Strong financial management and resource stewardship skills with a record of effective budget oversight and alignment with strategic goals
A mission-driven, equity-minded approach to leadership, with a strong belief in the power of a STEM-focused research university that transforms lives and communities
Exceptional collaboration, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to foster trust, transparency, and shared ownership across the University
The ability to translate strategy into measurable results, particularly around academic quality, student outcomes, and institutional sustainability
Expertise in cultural and organizational transformation, and comfort with digital transformation and academic technologies
Preferred
A terminal degree from an accredited institution in STEM or related field
Prior experience leading multiple academic disciplines, including business, engineering, sciences, and graduate education
Distinguished record of teaching, scholarship, and academic leadership
Completion of advanced leadership training or executive development in higher education administration
Dynamic and proactive leader who operates from a transparent communication model to foster collaboration and respect with faculty, students, and staff
Proven record of 10 or more years of academic administrative leadership, including oversight of program development, accreditation, and budget management
Executive-level leadership experience (provost, vice president, or comparable role) at a complex or multi-disciplinary institution
Demonstrated success in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, research initiatives, and graduate education
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and shared governance in academic settings
STEM-focused Academic Leadership Academic leadership experience at a STEM-focused research university serving undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. students
Interdisciplinary and Transformational Leadership Sustained record of fostering interdisciplinary teaching and research, innovative curriculum design, and leading academic transformation aligned with institutional mission and social needs
Student Success Frameworks Deep understanding of and demonstrated success in implementing institution-wide student success strategies, including proactive advising, guided academic pathways, momentum-building initiatives, and equity-focused interventions
Inclusive and Equitable Excellence Commitment to and experience in cultivating a culture of academic rigor, belonging, and equitable student achievement supported by intentional structures and policies
High-Impact Learning Practice Experience advancing experiential and high-impact learning opportunities such as undergraduate research, internships, service learning, and project-based education with broad student access and measurable outcomes
Graduate Education and Research Development Strong knowledge of graduate education, research development, and strategies to support emerging and established research faculty and graduate student success
External Engagement and Representation Proven ability to represent the University's academic mission to external stakeholders, including accreditors, funding agencies, employers, philanthropic partners, and community organizations
Company
Clarkson University
Clarkson U educates the leaders of the global economy.
501-1000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Clarkson University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (12)
2024 (10)
2023 (12)
2022 (16)
2021 (22)
2020 (15)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$2.36MKey Investors
ConstellationU.S. Environmental Protection AgencyFuzeHub
2025-11-20Grant
2024-09-02Grant· $1.5M
2023-12-14Grant· $0.41M
Leadership Team
S
Spencer F. Thew
Director of Construction Engineering Management
Recent News
2025-11-23
Central New York Business Journal
2025-11-06
Medical Xpress - latest medical and health news stories
2025-10-31
Company data provided by crunchbase