Vice President for Academic Affairs/Dean

Illinois College of Optometry•Chicago, IL

10h•Onsite

About The Position

The Illinois College of Optometry (ICO), a leading institution in optometric education and the oldest continuously operating college of optometry in the U.S., is seeking nominations and applications for the position of Dean. The Dean also serves as the Vice President for Academic Affairs and is a crucial member of the senior leadership team. Reporting directly to the President, the Dean will provide strategic direction for all academic programs. This role involves close collaboration with faculty, students, staff, alumni, the Board of Trustees, and clinical leaders to advance ICO's mission and strategic goals. ICO is recognized nationally for its dedication to excellence in optometric education, innovation, scholarship, and patient-centered care. Through its integrated clinical arm, the Illinois Eye Institute (IEI), ICO offers outstanding clinical training while serving a diverse patient population and contributing to the advancement of the optometry profession.

Requirements

OD degree preferred; PhD or equivalent terminal degree with significant experience and demonstrated success in optometric education.
Significant leadership experience in higher education, healthcare, or an academic health professions environment.
Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, organizational leadership, and resource management.
Strong understanding of accreditation and academic quality assurance.
Excellent communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills.
Distinguished record of academic and professional achievement.

Nice To Haves

Experience within optometric education or academic health professions education.
Experience leading clinical education programs or healthcare delivery systems.
Experience supporting faculty development, shared governance, and organizational change.
Experience with fundraising, alumni engagement, and external partnerships.
Previous experience as a Dean, Associate Dean, Department Chair, or comparable executive leader.

Responsibilities

Provide visionary leadership for the College's academic mission.
Foster a culture of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.
Support innovation in curriculum, technology, and educational delivery.
Maintain a strong commitment to accreditation, assessment, and continuous quality improvement.
Recruit, develop, and retain outstanding faculty and academic leaders.
Strengthen collaboration between the academic enterprise and the Illinois Eye Institute.
Promote student success, professional development, and leadership.
Serve as a visible ambassador for ICO within the profession and broader healthcare community.
Advance strategic partnerships, external engagement, and fundraising initiatives.
Develop and implement curricular and academic policy.
Oversee systems and policies related to faculty governance.
Participate in the formulation of overall College policies and planning.
Represent the College to outside constituents as requested by the President.
Provide leadership and advocacy for the faculty.
Oversee all personnel activities related to faculty, including recruitment, FTE assignments, performance evaluations, salary reviews and adjustments, promotion and tenure recommendations, and annual contracts.
Monitor personnel activities related to Academic Affairs staff members.
Assure the appropriate implementation of College personnel policies and procedures.
Conduct institutional research and planning and assist in developing innovative academic programs and external funding sources.
Be responsible for all educational programs including clinical training within the Illinois Eye Institute, and at Externship sites, Residency Programs, and the MS degree program.
Collaborate with the Vice President for Strategy and Institutional Development regarding Continuing Education programs.
Oversee all students, resident, and faculty activity in the Illinois Eye Institute as related to education and patient care.
Ensure maintenance of accreditation of all educational programs.
Coordinate the development of the annual Academic Affairs budget.
Actively participate in the College Budget development process.
Monitor the approved budget against actuals and take necessary action concerning variances.
Represent the College at national, state, and local meetings in matters relating to academic and professional affairs, and in matters related to city, state, and federal agencies, to ensure effective College relations.
Keep well informed of current trends in college administration and legislation affecting the institution's academic affairs program.
At the request of the President, serve as liaison to committees of the Board of Trustees, professional organizations, foundations and corporations, the ophthalmic industry, medical and educational institutions, and community organizations.
Coordinate efforts related to legal issues related to faculty and students, and work with legal counsel, as directed by the President.
Be responsible for the preparation of all required reports, summaries, and surveys within the scope of the position.
Ensure that all necessary records and files are generated and maintained.
Keep the President and other members of management appropriately informed of issues and activities related to Academic Affairs.
Perform other related duties as necessary by the position or as directed by the President.