Vice President of Academic Affairs

Wesley Biblical Seminary•Ridgeland, MS

About The Position

Wesley Biblical Seminary is engaged in a vital mission to develop trusted leaders for faithful churches. The Vice President of Academic Affairs is the primary leader in developing the faculty and shaping the learning environment to accomplish that mission. A deep commitment to biblical inerrancy and Wesleyan theology are not just beliefs we hold on paper but are the vital heartbeat of our identity, wrapped into every aspect of our academic program. Our faculty are excellent scholars in their fields, who invest in ongoing research; however, they are equally committed to the spiritual formation and practical preparation of our students as disciples of Christ and effective ministers of the gospel. If you share our doctrinal commitments and passion to equip Church leaders and have the relational skills to effectively lead a faculty, this may be the right position for you. The Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) provides vision and leadership in planning and implementing the Seminary’s academic programs and ensures the growth and quality of all academic programs and support functions. As the Chief Academic Officer, the VPAA is directly responsible to the President and serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet. The VPAA advises the President on academic affairs and is the spokesperson for the faculty regarding academic programs, proposals, and academic policies. WBS is an independent seminary in the Wesleyan/Methodist tradition providing graduate theological education to men and women called to Christian leadership. Our mission is to develop trusted leaders for faithful churches. In addition to its core Master's degree programs, WBS offers a doctoral program, the College at WBS undergraduate program, and the Wesley Institute lay education program. The newest addition to our services has been the alternative Course of Study for the Global Methodist Church. Headquartered in Ridgeland, Mississippi in the Jackson metro area, WBS serves students nationwide and worldwide through our online learning platform. The faculty includes a mixture of on-site and remote members. Central to the seminary's ethos is our commitment to the inerrancy of Scripture and the real possibility of holiness as taught in classic Christianity in the Wesleyan tradition. With a relatively small staff, the culture of WBS has been a tightly-knit, team-oriented spirit that values creativity and innovation. WBS has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years and expects to continue a positive trajectory in enrollment, development, and influence.

Requirements

Terminal degree in a related field required
Ph.D. preferred
Experience in academic administration and instruction, preferably in a seminary context
Demonstrated ability to lead change, drive innovation, resolve conflict, and build a healthy team culture
Excellent oral and written communication skills and high emotional intelligence
Proficient use of technology for instruction and administration

Responsibilities

Administer the Seminary’s instruction and research functions
Coordinate and oversee faculty and departmental recruiting and hiring
Make final recommendations to the President on all personnel matters for Academic Affairs, including appointments, reappointments, salaries and raises, ranks and promotions, faculty sabbaticals, leaves of absence, and retirement
Resolve conflict and advise other academic administrators
Develop and implement strategic plans impacting curriculum, staffing, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness, and the overall quality of the Seminary’s academic programs
Provide leadership to the faculty and make final recommendations to the President on curriculum matters
Administer the academic policies and requirements of the Seminary
Promote excellence in teaching and scholarship and the effective use of technology in teaching and administration
Provide oversight of academic services including student advising and tutoring
Ensure that all programs have an ongoing program of assessment
Develop a budget and monitor expenditures for Academic Affairs in coordination with the Vice President for Business Affairs
Assist the President in fundraising and public relations efforts
Encourage and assist faculty in applying for grants and contracts
Participate in Seminary governance as appropriate
Serves as a member of the President's Cabinet
Meet regularly with the Academic Affairs Committee of the Board of Trustees, preparing the agenda and all reports, and acting as the recorder for the meetings
Promote and advance the Seminary by actively participating in appropriate state, regional, and national organizations

Benefits

Health Insurance (100% of employee cost paid)
Ten days Paid Time Off, Five paid holidays, in addition to PTO during Spring Break, Thanksgiving Break, and Christmas/New Year's Break
Option to participate in a 403(b) retirement plan
Educational scholarship programs
Other benefits as described in the employee handbook

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