Vice President and Chief Academic Officer

Vice President/Chief Academic Officer (CAO)

University of Alaska System Office, Fairbanks

The University of Alaska is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to join our executive team as the Vice President/Chief Academic Officer (CAO). This role is pivotal in shaping the academic landscape across our university system, providing strategic guidance and leadership to the President, Board of Regents, and system office.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide academic leadership and strategic planning for the University of Alaska System.
• Offer proactive, data-driven guidance on academic issues, including program offerings, student success, research, faculty, and accreditation.
• Develop and revise academic policies to address priorities of the Board of Regents and Academic and Student Affairs Committee.
• Lead system-wide initiatives for recruitment, retention, and graduation, ensuring accountability and progress tracking.
• Manage high-priority projects supporting the Board’s goals and strategic objectives.
• Monitor and articulate the strategic vision across multiple universities, campuses, and units.
• Resolve conflicts and propose solutions for the President and Board’s consideration.
• Build relationships across the University system, serving as a key information facilitator for the President and Board of Regents.
• Supervise system office staff in institutional research, workforce development, and governance.
• Represent the university’s mission to external stakeholders and on academic and research-related committees.
• Ensure accountability systems for accreditation are developed and maintained.
• Facilitate system-wide shared governance.

Experience & Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years in higher education or related leadership roles with progressively responsible duties.
• Experience as an academic dean or administrator preferred.
• Familiarity with higher education policy, accreditation, faculty unions, and shared governance.
• Master’s degree required; doctoral degree preferred.

Personal Attributes:

• Ability to build trust and effective communication with multiple stakeholders.
• Collaborative problem-solver with a forward-focused mindset around the academic mission.
• Relationship builder who listens, engages in dialogue, and maintains transparency and accountability.
• Team builder and talent developer who values the expertise of the team.
• Hands-on leader with an understanding of Alaskan culture, dynamics, and physical logistics preferred.
• Commitment to being an engaged and integral part of the University of Alaska community.
• Join us in making a lasting impact on higher education in Alaska. Apply today to become the Vice President/Chief Academic Officer at the University of Alaska System Office.

This position is open until filled. For full consideration, please apply by August 5, 2004. Applications must be submitted through the UA Careers site and must include:

1. Letter of interest that addresses how the candidate meets the Search Committee’s qualifications as described in the position profile;

2. Resume or curriculum vitae;

4. Four professional references with email addresses and phone numbers provided (references will not be contacted without prior permission from the applicant).

Apply through UACareers: https://careers.alaska.edu/jobs/528646