Associate Vice President for WWU Peninsulas

Another Source

1d•$180,000 - $200,000•Onsite

About The Position

Another Source's client, Western Washington University, is recruiting an Associate Vice President & Peninsulas Campus Executive to lead the continued development of WWU Peninsulas, a new and growing regional campus initiative, based in Poulsbo, Washington. This is an onsite leadership role serving the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas region, responsible for expanding Western’s academic presence, enrollment, and partnerships across the region. Relocation support is available, and the compensation package may also include housing and travel assistance. This role presents a rare opportunity for an experienced academic leader to shape and grow a new university presence in the region, expanding access to four-year and graduate programs while building enrollment, partnerships, and long-term institutional impact across the Peninsulas. A unique opportunity to lead the growth of Western Washington University’s emerging Peninsulas campus, expanding access to high-quality academic programs across the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas. Western Washington University (WWU) is a nationally recognized public university serving approximately 15,000 students across seven colleges and a graduate school. Located in Bellingham, Washington, Western has been ranked among the top public master’s-granting universities in the Pacific Northwest for more than 25 consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report. The university is known for its commitment to transformational education grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, impactful research and creative activity, and a collaborative campus culture. Western is expanding its reach across Washington through innovative regional partnerships and learning hubs. One of the most exciting developments is WWU Peninsulas, which anchors Western’s presence across the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas with program delivery in Poulsbo, Bremerton, and Port Angeles. Through partnerships with Olympic College and Peninsula College, WWU Peninsulas provides accessible four-year degrees aligned with regional workforce needs and community priorities. WWU Peninsulas currently offers 12 bachelor’s degree programs, including cybersecurity, business, education, and environmental fields, with additional programs in development—including new engineering and graduate programs designed to meet evolving regional workforce needs. The campus operates through a hub-and-spoke model, serving communities across a geographically distributed region and partnering closely with local institutions, Tribal Nations, military installations, and employers to expand access to higher education and economic opportunity. Western Washington University is seeking a visionary and collaborative leader to serve as the Associate Vice President & Peninsulas Campus Executive, the senior executive responsible for advancing Western’s presence across the Peninsulas region. https://peninsulas.wwu.edu/ This is a rare opportunity to build and shape a growing regional campus at a pivotal moment in its development. Currently serving approximately 200 students, WWU Peninsulas is positioned for significant expansion with a five-year goal of reaching approximately 1,000 students and long-term growth potential beyond that. The Associate Vice President will lead strategic efforts to grow enrollment, expand academic programming, and strengthen partnerships with community colleges, employers, Tribal Nations, and military installations. Serving as Western’s primary executive presence in the region, this role combines elements of a provost-level academic leader, regional campus executive, and community ambassador. The successful candidate will work closely with the President, Provost, academic colleges, and regional partners to expand access to high-quality higher education across a geographically distributed region.

Requirements

Doctorate or terminal degree required
At least five years of full-time teaching or equivalent experience in higher education
Administrative leadership experience in an academic or educational setting
Demonstrated ability to drive enrollment growth and organizational expansion in higher education
Proven success collaborating with faculty, staff, students, and diverse communities
Experience identifying and addressing barriers to access for underrepresented, first-generation, and place-bound students
Ability to build and sustain partnerships with community colleges, Tribal Nations, military partners, and regional organizations
Strong organizational, administrative, and strategic planning skills
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication abilities

Responsibilities

Lead the strategic growth and development of WWU Peninsulas, advancing enrollment, program expansion, and regional impact
Provide administrative and operational leadership for academic programming delivered across Poulsbo, Bremerton, Port Angeles, and virtual locations
Collaborate with academic colleges and departments to develop and expand degree programs aligned with regional workforce and community needs
Drive enrollment growth through data-informed strategy and strong coordination with enrollment management teams
Strengthen transfer pathways and collaborative partnerships with Olympic College, Peninsula College, and other regional institutions
Manage the operational and financial oversight of WWU Peninsulas, including budget, academic resources, and instructional space planning
Support program directors, faculty, and instructional teams to enhance teaching effectiveness and student success, particularly for place-bound, adult, military-connected, and first-generation students
Identify and remove curricular or administrative barriers that limit student access and completion
Track and evaluate key performance metrics related to enrollment growth, program success, and institutional impact
Strengthen partnerships with Tribal Nations, military bases, local employers, and community organizations to support workforce alignment and student opportunity
Serve as Western Washington University’s primary regional representative, building relationships that elevate the university’s presence and impact across the Peninsulas

Benefits

Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans
Retirement benefits through Washington State retirement systems, along with optional supplemental retirement savings plans
Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and university holidays
Tuition benefits for employees
Professional development opportunities and support for continued learning
Access to campus recreation facilities, wellness programs, and cultural events
Family-friendly policies and programs that support work-life balance
Relocation support is available, and the overall compensation package may include housing and travel assistance.

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